Who do the Disciplinary Rules apply to?
The Rules apply to all participants, including:
- All British Rowing members
- Coaches
- Umpires
- Rowing club officers
- Rowing club members
- Members of the World Class Programme and recent GB representatives
- All those taking part or working in rowing, whether paid or voluntary
- Clubs, associations and organisations involved in rowing, whether or not they hold British Rowing membership
This includes conduct in England, and outside the UK during British Rowing competitions or camps outside rowing activity, where the conduct is relevant to the sport.
British Rowing may also investigate historic matters where appropriate.
What is misconduct?
Misconduct includes:
- Breaches of British Rowing policies, regulations or codes of conductBullying, harassment, discrimination or abuse
- Threatening or intimidating behaviour
- Conduct bringing rowing into disrepute
- Failure to comply with safeguarding obligations
- Failure to comply with sanctions or interim orders
- Refusal to cooperate with investigations
Misconduct may arise from actions or omissions.
Investigations
British Rowing may investigate where it reasonably suspects Misconduct. Participants may be required to:
- Provide information
- Provide documents
- Give statements
- Attend interviews
Participants must cooperate fully and honestly. Failure to cooperate may itself amount to misconduct.
Interim restrictions
British Rowing may impose an Interim Order before an investigation is completed where necessary to protect participants, manage risk and/or protect the reputation of the sport. This may include:
- Temporary suspension
- Restricted participation
- Conditional involvement in rowing
Possible outcomes of an investigation
- Following investigation, British Rowing may:
- Take no further action
- Issue guidance or warning
- Require training
- Issue formal misconduct charges
- Refer the matter under safeguarding procedures
- Refer the matter to external authorities
Serious matters may be referred to an independent disciplinary panel.
Sanctions where misconduct is accepted or found proven
Sanctions may include:
- Formal warning or reprimand
- Training requirements
- Temporary suspension
- Role restrictions
- Financial penalties
- Permanent exclusion from rowing
Sanctions are determined based on seriousness, risk, previous conduct and other relevant factors.
What clubs and participants must do
- To comply with the Rules you must:
- Follow British Rowing rules and standards
- Report serious concerns appropriately
- Cooperate with disciplinary investigations
- Comply with interim orders and sanctions
- Support safe and respectful behaviour in rowing
The Rules are designed to ensure disciplinary matters are managed fairly, consistently and proportionately.