North Shelly Boardriders
Code of Conduct
A practical conduct framework for an inclusive Australian community surfboard riding club
Policy information
Details
Policy owner
North Shelly Boardriders Committee
Policy status
Approved - Executive Committee
Date of approval
24 April 2026
Date of review
12 months after approval, or earlier if required.
Contact
info@nsb4life.com
Website
Draft for review
This document is a draft for review and approval by the NSB Committee. Before adoption, it should be checked against NSB’s constitution, insurance arrangements, applicable Surfing NSW and Surfing Australia requirements, Sport Integrity Australia policies, child-safety obligations and current NSW law.
Contents
Background and purpose
Definitions
Scope and when the Code applies
Expected behaviours: general code
Participant code of conduct
Parent and guardian code of conduct
Officials, coaches, committee members and volunteers
Prohibited conduct and breaches
Reporting concerns
Responding to breaches and disciplinary action
Relationship with other policies and laws
Acknowledgement
North Shelly Boardriders | nsb4life.com | info@nsb4life.com
1. Background and purpose
North Shelly Boardriders (NSB) is a not-for-profit stand-up surfboard riding club based on the Central Coast of New South Wales. NSB provides inclusive, fun and well-run monthly surf competitions and related activities at North Shelly Beach for surfers of different ages and abilities.
NSB is committed to a culture that is welcoming, inclusive, family-friendly, safe, respectful and fair. This includes supporting girls, women, boys, grommets, opens and masters divisions; respecting North Shelly Beach, the ocean and the local community; and participating in the spirit of #NSB4life.
This Code sets minimum conduct expectations for people involved with NSB. It also establishes a clear and fair basis for responding to alleged breaches, while recognising the need to protect safety, participant welfare, children and the reputation of the club.
This Code applies alongside, and does not replace, applicable law, NSB rules, event rules, venue conditions, child-safety requirements, member-protection policies, competition rules, and relevant Surfing NSW, Surfing Australia or Sport Integrity Australia requirements. Where a mandatory external framework applies, it takes precedence to the extent of any inconsistency.
Purpose in practice
Everyone involved with NSB should help make the beach, the water and club activities safe, inclusive and enjoyable. The Code is intended to guide everyday behaviour, not discourage participation or fair competition.
2. Definitions
In this Code, the following terms have the meanings set out below.
Term
Meaning
Activity
Any competition, training, coaching, club meeting, presentation, fundraising activity, social event, travel, online activity or other activity organised, sanctioned or promoted by NSB.
Club
North Shelly Boardriders, also referred to as NSB.
Code
This North Shelly Boardriders Code of Conduct.
Committee
The committee or other authorised governing group responsible for managing NSB from time to time.
Competition Official
A person appointed or authorised by NSB to administer, judge, supervise or support a competition, including judges, contest directors and water-safety personnel.
Event
An organised NSB occasion, including a competition, presentation, community activity, meeting or social function.
Member
A person whose membership of NSB has been accepted under NSB’s constitution, membership terms or other applicable rules.
Participant
A person who competes in, trains for, coaches, assists with or otherwise takes part in an NSB Activity.
Parent/Guardian
A parent, legal guardian or responsible adult who has care or supervision of a participant under 18.
Volunteer
A person who assists NSB without being engaged as an employee, including people helping with events, administration, safety, judging or club activities.
Spectator
A person who attends or watches an NSB Activity without taking part as a competitor or appointed official.
Support Person
A coach, manager, first-aid provider, carer, family member or other person supporting a participant or NSB Activity.
Relevant Person
Any member, competitor, coach, official, committee member, employee, contractor, volunteer, parent or guardian, spectator, sponsor or partner acting in connection with NSB, or anyone who has agreed to be bound by this Code.
Prohibited Conduct
Conduct described in section 8 of this Code or conduct prohibited under an applicable law, integrity framework, safeguarding requirement or other mandatory external standard.
NSB Event
An Event or Activity organised, sanctioned, promoted, hosted or otherwise conducted by or on behalf of NSB.
3. Scope and when the Code applies
This Code applies to all Relevant Persons and to conduct that has a meaningful connection with NSB. It applies:
before, during and after an NSB Activity;
at North Shelly Beach and any other venue used for an NSB Activity;
while travelling to, from or for an NSB Activity;
in dealings with NSB representatives, members, participants, volunteers, sponsors and partners;
in club-related emails, messaging groups and social media; and
whenever a person is representing, or could reasonably be perceived to be representing, NSB.
Purely private conduct with no meaningful NSB connection is generally outside the scope of this Code, unless another policy, a membership term, an applicable framework or the law applies.
NSB may refer a matter to another policy, Surfing NSW, Surfing Australia, Sport Integrity Australia, police, child-protection authorities, emergency services or another appropriate body where required or appropriate. Referral does not mean that NSB has made a finding about the allegation.
4. Expected behaviours: general code
All Relevant Persons must:
Act ethically, honestly, fairly, respectfully and in good faith in all dealings connected with NSB.
Treat others with courtesy, dignity and respect, including in online communications.
Support an inclusive environment and provide equal opportunity to participate.
Put participant safety and welfare first.
Follow reasonable directions from the Committee, Competition Officials, water-safety personnel and venue operators.
Comply with the rules of surfing, event rules, beach and venue conditions, and applicable law.
Compete honestly, respect judging and contest decisions, and use formal processes for appeals or complaints.
Avoid bullying, harassment, discrimination, vilification, victimisation, intimidation, threats, abuse and retaliation.
Use language and behaviour appropriate for children, families and a community sporting environment.
Act as a positive role model, especially around people under 18.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid conflicts of interest.
Protect confidential and personal information obtained through NSB activities.
Take reasonable care with club equipment, facilities and property.
Keep the beach, ocean, car park and surrounding community clean, safe and free from avoidable disturbance.
Report concerns promptly and privately through the NSB reporting pathway.
Represent NSB positively and responsibly when using social media or speaking publicly about the club.
Not attend or participate while affected by illegal drugs or while intoxicated to the extent that safety, judgement or conduct is compromised.
Not engage in violence, fighting, dangerous conduct, public nuisance, property damage, cheating, deliberate interference in heats or conduct that undermines confidence in the safe and orderly running of an Event.
4.1 Environmental responsibility
Everyone involved with NSB must dispose of rubbish properly, respect the shoreline and marine environment, use facilities responsibly, minimise avoidable environmental impact and leave event locations in good condition. People must follow reasonable directions about waste, access, parking, noise and protection of the beach and surrounding community.
5. Participant code of conduct
In addition to the general requirements, Participants must:
respect the talent, development and dignity of fellow surfers;
surf within their ability, assess conditions responsibly and follow safety instructions;
respect priority, right-of-way, contest and water-safety rules;
care for boards, club equipment and facilities;
be honest with coaches or responsible adults about illness, injury, fatigue and ability to participate;
control their temper and never abuse, threaten, sledge, distract, provoke or deliberately endanger another surfer or official;
accept judging and official decisions and raise appeals only through the proper process;
be punctual and prepared when participating in a scheduled Activity;
not make bullying, derogatory, demeaning, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or otherwise discriminatory remarks in person or online;
not engage in sexual harassment or other harassment; and
participate for enjoyment, development and personal achievement, not solely to satisfy others.
Participants must never argue aggressively with an official, coach, volunteer or another Participant.
6. Parent and guardian code of conduct
Parents and Guardians must:
remember that children participate for their own enjoyment, development and wellbeing;
focus on effort, learning, participation and sportsmanship rather than only results;
encourage all Participants and never ridicule, shame, threaten or yell at a child for a mistake or result;
model calm, respectful behaviour towards officials, volunteers, coaches, other parents and competitors;
follow supervision, sign-in, collection, photography and communication requirements;
respect child-safe boundaries and communicate with young people through approved and transparent channels;
raise concerns privately through NSB’s reporting pathway rather than confronting people at the beach, during a heat or online; and
understand that breaches may lead to removal from an Activity or restriction of attendance or membership privileges.
7. Officials, coaches, committee members and volunteers
Officials, coaches, Committee members and Volunteers hold positions of trust. They must:
act impartially and make decisions in the interests of safety, fairness and the Club;
avoid conflicts of interest and disclose them promptly;
use authority responsibly and never misuse a role, position or confidential information;
maintain appropriate boundaries with children and young people;
use qualifications honestly and not misrepresent experience;
provide age-, ability- and experience-appropriate activities, equipment and instructions;
communicate decisions respectfully and explain processes where appropriate;
keep records and escalate safety, safeguarding or integrity concerns as required; and
never retaliate against a person who raises a concern in good faith.
8. Prohibited conduct and breaches
A person may breach this Code if they:
engage in conduct before, during or after an NSB Activity that compromises or could compromise safety, fairness, participant welfare or public confidence in the Event;
make public or online comments that are abusive, threatening, discriminatory, defamatory, misleading or reasonably likely to damage NSB, its Participants, Volunteers, sponsors or partners;
misuse information obtained through an NSB role for personal advantage or to disadvantage another person or NSB;
fail to comply with the mandatory conduct requirements in this Code or with reasonable directions from authorised NSB representatives; or
engage in bullying, harassment, discrimination, vilification, victimisation, sexual misconduct, child abuse, grooming, violence, intimidation, serious threats, competition manipulation, wagering-related misconduct, illegal drug-related conduct or other Prohibited Conduct under an applicable integrity or safeguarding framework.
Allegations involving child abuse, grooming, sexual misconduct, serious violence, discrimination, harassment, competition manipulation, drugs or other conduct covered by a mandatory external integrity framework must be handled in accordance with the applicable framework and reported to the appropriate authority where required. NSB does not replace or override those frameworks.
9. Reporting concerns
Concerns should be reported promptly and privately using the following process:
If there is an immediate risk to life or safety, contact emergency services on 000.
For child-safety concerns, contact the relevant NSW child-protection or police authority as required, and notify the NSB Committee where appropriate and safe.
For other concerns, report promptly and privately to an NSB Committee member or email info@nsb4life.com.
Include the date, location, people involved, what happened, witnesses and any relevant evidence, while avoiding unnecessary circulation of personal information.
Do not confront, threaten, investigate or retaliate against another person.
NSB will acknowledge and assess concerns as soon as practicable. NSB will keep information confidential to the extent reasonably possible, provide procedural fairness, manage conflicts of interest and take interim safety steps where necessary. NSB cannot promise absolute confidentiality or a particular outcome.
If you are unsure
Prioritise immediate safety, preserve relevant information and seek advice from the appropriate emergency, child-protection, police or integrity authority. Do not attempt to conduct your own investigation.
10. Responding to breaches and disciplinary action
Depending on the circumstances and the seriousness of a breach, NSB may respond with:
an informal conversation or reminder;
education or direction;
a formal warning;
removal from an Activity;
temporary suspension of participation or volunteering;
suspension or restriction of membership privileges;
termination of membership or a role where permitted by NSB rules;
referral to an external body or authority; or
any other action permitted by the constitution, membership terms, event rules, insurance requirements or law.
The response will consider the seriousness, impact, risk, repetition and intent of the conduct; the age and vulnerability of those involved; cooperation; prior conduct; and any applicable mandatory framework.
No person will be treated as having breached the Code until the matter has been assessed through a fair process, except that interim protective steps may be taken while a matter is considered.
11. Relationship with other policies and laws
This Code should be read with NSB’s constitution, membership terms, event and competition rules, child-safety and member-protection arrangements, privacy requirements, complaints procedures, risk-management and safety procedures, and applicable Surfing NSW, Surfing Australia, Sport Integrity Australia and NSW legal requirements.
If this Code conflicts with a mandatory legal or integrity requirement, the mandatory requirement applies to the extent of the conflict. If a matter is covered by another applicable policy or external framework, NSB will manage or refer the matter in accordance with that requirement.
12. Acknowledgement
By becoming a member of North Shelly Boardriders or signing up for any NSB activity or competition, I agree to abide by this Code of Conduct, follow reasonable safety directions and contribute to a safe, inclusive and positive North Shelly Boardriders community.
Other Link Details
I acknowledge that:
as a Member of the Surfing Australia network, I am bound by and must comply with all Surfing Australia (including our six State Organisations) Policies, including but not limited to, the National Integrity Framework, Anti-Doping Policy, Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy, which can be found below and here.
I acknowledge that I am bound by these Policies, and it is my responsibility to be familiar with these Policies;
a breach of these Policies could result in further action being taken, as outlined in the complaints or discipline procedures for the respective policy.
NATIONAL INTEGRITY FRAMEWORK
I accept and are aware of the 5 policies set out in the National Integrity Framework, and supporting policies:
1 Member Protection
2 Safeguarding Children & Young People
3 Competition Manipulation & Sport Gambling
4 Improper Use of Drugs & Medicine
5 Complaints, Disputes & Discipline
SURFING AUSTRALIA SUPPORTING INTEGRITY POLICIES
Code of Conduct
Australian Anti-Doping Policy
Surfing Australia Policies
North Shelly Boardriders | nsb4life.com | info@nsb4life.com
Draft for review - this document should be checked and formally approved by the NSB Committee before use.
