ORCS Code of conduct

Official Richmond Cheer Squad Code of Conduct

1.Application of the Official Cheer Squad Code of Conduct 

All Official Richmond Cheer Squad (Cheer Squad) members must comply with this Official Richmond Cheer Squad Code of Conduct (Code of Conduct). Any breach of this Code of Conduct may result in the offending Cheer Squad member receiving disciplinary action. 

This disciplinary action may be in the form of: 

(a) written warning letters/infringement notices (including demands to stop the particular conduct); and/or

(b) suspension, or termination of the Cheer Squad membership. 

2. Purpose 

The Cheer Squad is committed to maintaining a safe, enjoyable, inclusive and family-friendly environment in relation to all its activities. This is consistent with the values of the Richmond Football Club (Club) and helps to protect individuals, as well as the brand and reputation of the Club and the Cheer Squad. 

3. Cheer Squad member conduct requirements 

All members of the Cheer Squad must: 

(a) conduct themselves towards others in ways that are respectful to all, lawful and in the spirit of the game of Australian Rules football; 

(b) when engaging with others either at a game or event/activity of the Cheer Squad or Club (including online activities, forums or communications), not:

 (i) engage in or endorse any form of discrimination, vilification or abuse of others on the basis of race, gender, religion, disability or sexuality;

(ii) engage in any threatening, violent, aggressive or disruptive behaviour or use offensive, sexist or abusive language or gestures. This includes signage, chants, or any commentary directed at players, officials or umpires; or

(iii) otherwise themselves in a manner that damages (or has the potential to damage), the reputation of the Club or the Cheer Squad; 

(c) immediately report any observation of unacceptable behaviours that breach this Code of Conduct, via the methods outlined below; 

(d) acknowledge that protection and safety of children and young people is paramount and must be prioritised. The Club and the Cheer Squad have zero tolerance of any harm or abuse against children or young people. Any member who observes, suspects or hears an allegation of abuse or harm against children or a young person on game day on in relation to Cheer Squad or Club activities, must file a Cheer Squad Incident Report or contact the Cheer Squad directly or contact authorities (e.g. police) if appropriate;

(e) comply with the terms of entry at any venue in relation to any Club games or other Club activities;

(f) not consume alcohol or drugs in the designated Cheer Squad area at the venue on a game day. This is a dry area and no alcohol or illicit substances are permitted. No Cheer Squad member is to enter this area whilst intoxicated or under the influence of illicit substances. This includes all AFL and AFLW interstate venues; 

(g) wear Club colours whilst in the Cheer Squad on game day (and other required Cheer Squad activities). Any individual that is purposely wearing opposition colours will be asked to leave immediately; 

(h) actively involve themselves in the Cheer Squad activities which includes but is not limited to: 

(i) supporting all of the Club’s teams; 

(ii) participating in Cheer Squad chants; and 

(iii) using floggers, flags and other items whilst being supportive of the Club’s players and staff; and 

(iv) acknowledge that game day ticketing will be prioritised to Cheer Squad members who actively participate in the Cheer Squad duties and embody the qualities of the Cheer Squad.

4. Complaints and reporting anti-social behaviour 

The Cheer Squad has processes to ensure everyone feels safe when attending games or participating in Cheer Squad related activities. As a member of the Cheer Squad, you have the right to report inappropriate behaviour. 

4.1 At games 

You are encouraged to report this behaviour via the following means:

(a) notify a nearby security guard or contact the anti-social behaviour number at the venue. Do not take matters into your own hands and attempt to forcibly move or abuse any patrons under any circumstances. Venue security reserves the right to eject any individuals from the venue. For Victoria, the details are: 

(i) Marvel Stadium – SMS the aisle, row and seat/s along with the behaviour witnessed to 0427 767 768; and

(ii) MCG – SMS the section, row and seat/s along with the behaviour witnessed to 0409 117 621. 

(b) notify a Cheer Squad committee member; and complete the Cheer Squad Incident Report located on the Cheer Squad website, which notifies the Cheer Squad committee.

4.2 At all other Cheer Squad related activities or events (including online) 

You are encouraged to report this behaviour via the following means: 

(a) notify a Cheer Squad committee member; 

(b) complete the Cheer Squad Incident Report located on the Cheer Squad website, which notifies the Cheer Squad committee; 

(c) notify official authorities such as the police (if appropriate); and 

(d) notify the digital platform provider (e.g. Facebook), if in relation to social media activity.