Parents and guardians play a vital role in the delivery and support of all volunteer organisations and Balmoral Nippers is no exception. The administrators of Balmoral Nippers have certain legal obligations to all participants and stakeholders in Balmoral Nippers, including Mosman Council, the general public, our volunteers and to each other. With participation comes reciprocal responsibility.
All parents, guardians and volunteers must conduct themselves in a way that is safe, constructive and encouraging for the Nippers but we understand many participants are passionate about the beach, sport and other activities.
Participation in Balmoral Nippers is conditional on each child being accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian (who must be wearing a Blue or Green Rashie) at all times. By enrolling a child in the Nippers program, you acknowledge and agree that you, as the parent or guardian of that child, have primary responsibility for the supervision and wellbeing of that child at all times while participating in the Nippers program. Any child that is not supervised by a parent or guardian in a Blue or Green Rashie will not be permitted to participate in the Nippers Program.
Balmoral Nippers follow and adopt child safety and risk assessment guidelines and best practices from Surf Life Saving NSW and related organisations. We have adopted the following Code of Conduct for Parents and Guardians. We have an obligation to report incidences that are outside these guidelines. Joining Balmoral Nippers means you the parent, guardian and all Age Managers acknowledge and accept our Code of Conduct.
Balmoral Nippers - Code of Conduct for parents and guardians
- Remember that children participate for their enjoyment and development;
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others;
- Sportsmanship takes precedence over winning;
- Inappropriate behaviours such as swearing, aggressive, sexual or overly physical contact, recklessness, unreasonable or anti-social behaviour, loss of temper or violence will not, and cannot be tolerated;
- Compete within the rules, and within the “Spirit of Balmoral Nippers”;
- Encourage children to participate, do not force or overly coerce them, set realistic goals;
- Focus on effort and performance rather than winning or losing;
- Encourage everyone to always play by the rules and to settle disagreements without hostility;
- Never ridicule a child or volunteer for making a mistake or losing a competition;
- Remember children and those new to Balmoral Nippers learn best by example;
- Appreciate good performances by all participants;
- Verbal and physical abuse of Age Managers or Green Crew, sledging of other competitors, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not tolerated or permitted;
- Respect the Green Crew’s decisions and teach children to do likewise;
- Show appreciation for Age Managers and Green Crew. Without them, there is no Balmoral Nippers;
- Be responsible for the supervision and welfare your child at all Nippers programs, including by taking them to the bathroom;
- Notify Age Managers if you or your child are unable to swim at an appropriate level and/or are not proficient at using a paddle board;
- Be responsible to keep a lookout for, and be aware of, suspicious activity and child safety issues; and
- Report any suspicious activity or child safety issues that you observe or witness to the relevant Age Manager.
Disagreements and grievances
If you disagree with a decision or an Age Manager, raise the issue at the right time, calmly, politely and with respect. Aside from acting quickly when obvious danger presents itself, a friendly chat, after the session is “Spirit of Nippers”. Arguing over equipment, how the session is conducted or results of competition which disrupts the session is not.
Age Managers give their time and effort for your child’s involvement. Most of all, they are concerned with your child’s safety and enjoyment in mind. Balmoral Nippers will not tolerate questions of judgment and honesty aired in public. Remember, Nippers are children and their enjoyment, safety and a non-threatening environment is our first priority.
The Balmoral Beach Club Events Pty Ltd, Balmoral Nippers Green Crew, Mosman Council and/or Police can and will disbar anyone from Balmoral Nippers whose behaviour warrants it.