Code of Conduct

Version 2. 29/03/2025.

At Wild Wyverns Armoured Combat (henceforth known as “the association”), we are dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for behaviour during all activities of the association and within the community.

1. General Conduct

1.1. General Obligations

1.1.1. Members of the association must:

  1. Be over the age of 18 to engage in the association’s activities.
  2. Act within the law of the region they are participating in.
  3. Act ethically, in good faith, and for a proper purpose.
  4. Promote and make decisions that align with the mission, objectives, values and best interests of the association.
  5. Not engage in any fraudulent or deceitful behaviour that compromises the integrity of the sport, the club, or its members.
  6. Act with integrity, respect and be conscientious in the use of the association’s information, funds, equipment and facilities.
  7. Avoid real, or apparent, conflicts of interest.
  8. Not gain materially, or financially, from the association unless specifically authorised.
  9. Participate in the association’s activities with skill, honesty, care and diligence.
  10. Actively engage in discussion, debate and voting when attending meetings – contributing positively, listening carefully, challenging sensitively and avoiding conflict.
  11. Not make decisions on behalf of the association without the authorisation of the council, or quorum.

2. Respect and Inclusivity

2.1. Respect for All

2.1.1. Treat everyone with equity and sensitivity, regardless of their gender, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion, or political affiliation.

2.1.2. Embrace diversity and promote inclusivity within the team, and during the association’s activities.

2.2. Supportive Environment

2.2.1. Treat your teammates, opponents, coaches, marshals, and event officials with respect and consideration at all times—treat them as you would like to be treated.

2.2.2. Members must work together as a team, and support one another, during the association’s activities. This includes avoiding any actions that could be harmful to other members of the community.

2.2.3. Members should be respectful and supportive of their teammates at all times, regardless of the outcome of the match.

2.2.4. Avoid behaviour that disrupts or undermines the focus, progress, or enjoyment of activities for other members.

2.3. Zero Tolerance Policy

2.3.1. The association maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and intimidation in any form. Any incidents should be reported to a council member, coach or captain immediately.

2.3.2. Persistent actions, comments, or behaviours that create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment, based on personal characteristics like race, gender, sexuality, religion, or ability will not be tolerated.

3. Consent

3.1. Informed Consent

3.1.1. Members must provide informed consent before engaging in any physical contact or combat activities. This includes understanding the risks involved, and agreeing to the rules of engagement.

3.1.2. Consent must be mutual, clearly verbally communicated, and can be revoked at any time. Participants should respect each other’s boundaries.

3.2. Non-Consensual Violence

3.2.1. The association condemns the use of non-consensual violence in all forms.

3.2.2. Members must respect personal boundaries and ensure that all interactions are consensual.

4. Sexual Harassment

4.1. Sexual Misconduct

4.1.1. The association has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is any unwelcome advance, request for favour, behaviour or conduct of a sexual nature, where a reasonable person would have anticipated the possibility that the person harassed would feel humiliated, intimidated or offended.

4.1.2. Examples of sexual harassment can include:

  1. Actual or attempted sexual assault or rape
  2. Unwelcome physical contact such as touching, hugging, cornering or kissing
  3. Pressuring someone for sexual favours
  4. Staring at a person or at parts of their body
  5. Using suggestive or sexualised nicknames for colleagues
  6. Suggestive or intrusive comments/questions of a sexual nature about someone’s personal life, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical appearance
  7. Sexually oriented jokes, innuendos, or sexually explicit conversations
  8. Persistent, unwanted invitations to go out on a date or stalking
  9. Sending/forwarding offensive sexually explicit or indecent messages or images.

4.1.3. Sexual harassment can occur:

  1. At any time, in any situation where you interact with members of the association, members of the community, and members of the public
  2. At any activity of the association
  3. In different forms including physically, verbally, in writing or through electronic communications (phone, email, text/instant messaging, and social media)
  4. Regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, and can be by someone from the same or different gender identity or sexual orientation
  5. In a single act or as a series of acts
  6. Even outside of the association and in relation to your relationships and interactions with members.
  7. When there is no intent to cause offence - the test is whether a reasonable person, considering the circumstances, would have anticipated the possibility that the person harassed would be humiliated, intimidated or offended

4.1.4. Sexual harassment is not:

  1. Behaviour based on mutual attraction, friendship, and respect.
  2. Interactions that are consensual, welcome, and reciprocated. Importantly, sexual conduct that has been welcomed in the past can become unwelcome.

5. Sportsmanship and Conduct

5.1. Good Sportsmanship

5.1.1. Members must:

  1. Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times, whether in competition or training.
  2. Treat their opponents with respect at all times. This includes refraining from any behaviour or language that is intimidating, threatening, or abusive that is not in the spirit of engagement.
  3. Participate in the association’s activities fairly and honestly, adhering to the rules of engagement and avoiding any cheating or unsportsmanlike conduct. This includes not intentionally breaking the rules or attempting to deceive marshals or other members of the community.
  4. Consult their captain, coach, the rules or a marshal if they are unsure about a particular rule before taking any action.
  5. Accept the decisions of marshals, and officials, without question or complaint, allowing your team captain or coach to handle official communications and complaints.
  6. Raise any disagreements or concerns in a respectful and constructive manner, and should not disrupt the game or the marshals or coach’s ability to complete their duties.

5.2. Positive Behaviour

5.2.1. Members must:

  1. Show respect for all members of the association, members of the community and members of the public.
  2. Acknowledge good performance and fair play by both opponents and your teammates.
  3. Not ridicule participants who make mistakes.
  4. Not over-emphasise the importance of winning.

6. Compliance and Safety

6.1. Regulations

6.1.1. Members must:

  1. Know and abide by the rules of Buhurt International and comply with the standards set forth by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
  2. Understand, and respect, the rules of engagement during the association’s activities, including the prohibition of strikes to illegal zones and the importance of controlled techniques.
  3. Abide by policies and procedures, instructions and lawful directions from coaches and council member that relate to their involvement within the association.
  4. Be registered with the Australian Medieval Combat Federation as a “Tier Two” member if competing in tournaments and competitions.

6.2. Safety Guidelines

6.2.1. Members must:

  1. Prioritise safety during all activities and follow all rules and regulations as per Buhurt International and the Australian Medieval Combat Federation.
  2. Use equipment appropriately and report any unsafe conditions or behaviours to a coach or official immediately.
  3. Ensure proper protective gear is worn at all times during combat activities.
  4. Ensure they are physically and mentally fit to participate in the association’s activities.

6.2.2. Members must not:

  1. Take any action that disregards the safety of oneself or others, such as ignoring safety procedures, rules, or engaging in reckless conduct.
  2. Enter the field of play unless authorised.

6.3. Health and Safety

6.3.1. Members must:

  1. Identify, assess and take steps to control health, safety and environmental hazards associated with their activities within the association.
  2. Immediately stop any activity that appears to be unsafe or hazardous.
  3. Report any relevant health or safety incidents or near misses to a council member, coach or captain, so action can be taken.

7. Substance Policy

7.1. Alcohol and Drugs

7.1.1. Members must not participate in combat while under the influence of any substance that impairs mental function, including alcohol, prescription, banned or illegal drugs, substances and medications.

7.1.2. Performance-enhancing drugs are not to be used.

8. Communication and Accountability

8.1. Open Communication

8.1.1. Members must:

  1. Communicate openly and respectfully with fellow members, coaches, and officials.
  2. Address any concerns or conflicts directly and constructively, seeking resolution through respectful dialogue.

8.2. Personal Responsibility

8.2.1. Members must:

  1. Take responsibility for your actions and decisions, both on and off the field.
  2. Hold yourself and others accountable for adhering to this Code of Conduct.

9. Reporting and Consequences

9.1. Reporting Violations

9.1.1. Members must report any witnessed, or experienced, behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct, to their captain, coach or a council member.

9.1.2. Reports will be treated confidentially, and appropriate action will be taken.

9.2. Consequences of Misconduct

9.2.1. Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action in line with the Conflict Management policy, up to and including suspension or termination of membership.

9.2.2. The severity of the consequence will be determined by the nature of the violation and the context in which it occurred.

10. Acknowledgment

10.1. Terms of Participation

10.1.1. By participating in the association's activities, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the spirit and the letter of this Code of Conduct.