A person accepts responsibility by becoming a member of the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron (CCYS).

Membership should be seen as a privilege and all members have the responsibility of ensuring that our club retains its reputation of being the “friendly” Yacht Club.

The underlying spirit of CCYS lies in the principle of being a “club” wherein the members are responsible for the Club’s existence, both financially and operationally. Hence, the club requires the voluntary input of its members in order to care for the facilities and to function smoothly.

The objective of CCYS’s Code of Conduct is to provide a standard code of behaviour for its members and to:

  • Assist club members to understand the standards of conduct that are expected of them.
  • Promote consistently high standards of behaviour across all activities within our club.
  • Ensure the club fulfils its statutory duty to be ethical, fair and honest to its members and obligations to its employees.
  • Build community trust in the club and enhance public opinion of sailing.
  • Ensure the safety and welfare of children.
  • Ensure that CCYS is enjoyed by all members and guests.

The Code of conduct of CCYS is based on the following key categories:

Conduct

CCYS seeks to operate in an open and friendly environment, where people show respect for each other, personal property and the club. Each Member should be a positive “role model” and as such, Members shall:

  • Show respect and courtesy to all club officials, members and patrons. They shall not tarnish the reputation of the club, officers, directors, committees, employees, management or bring the club into disrepute.
  • Endeavour to operate in non-discriminatory manner and ensure each person has an equal opportunity and give a “fair go”.
  • Be mindful of their actions in relation to individual safety and safety of all others involved in the club.
  • Abide by the constitution and by-laws.
  • Comply with and adhere to reasonable directives and requests of Club staff and officers of the club.
  • Act responsibly at all times and accept responsibility for their actions. Each member should understand the possible consequences of breaching CCYS’s rules and regulations and comply with and adhere to any penalty imposed by the Club.

Behaviour

All members are expected to demonstrate the following behaviour. They must:

  • Treat all persons with respect and courtesy and have proper regard for the dignity, rights and worth of others.
  • Respect the privacy and be ethical, fair and honest in all their dealings with other people.
  • Comply with all applicable laws, including liquor laws and responsible service of alcohol standards.
  • The use of mobile phones, particularly in the clubhouse should be discreet and consider others in the vicinity.
  • Smoking is prohibited in all CCYS Buildings and on balconies.
  • CCYS will not tolerate:
    • Offensive language or rudeness,
    • Excessive use of alcohol under the Liquor Licensing Laws,
    • Inappropriate display of temper, verbal abuse (eg abusive, intimidating and/or threatening behaviour to members or guests),
    • Any form of abuse, harassment, ridicule or threatening behaviour, whether physical, verbal or by electronic form,
    • Physical Violence (eg touching, pushing, fighting or that involving threat or use of a weapon),
    • The use or encouragement of illegal drugs within the premises,
    • Wilful destruction of property – either to others or the club,
    • Any form of discrimination.

Child Protection

The safety and welfare of our junior members and other children is paramount.

  • Members must demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility especially when dealing with person under 18 years of age. Your words and actions are an example.
  • Members, Office Bearers, staff and volunteers must comply with the Child Protection laws. Any members working with children must obtain the “Working With children Check”.
  • Persons under the age of 18 shall not be permitted to purchase or be supplied with alcohol or tobacco. The Licensing Laws do not permit children under the age of eighteen years to be served or consume alcohol in any part of the Club.
  • Members should avoid unaccompanied and unobserved activities with persons under 18 years of age wherever possible.
  • Children permitted to use the Clubhouse must observe the same dress regulations as Members.
  • Children under the age of 18 must at all time remain in the company of a member. Parent and guardians at all times shall be responsible for the behaviour of their children on club premises, including the beach, marina and carparks. Parents and guardians of children whose behaviour is socially unacceptable shall be requested to remove them from club’s premises.

The Club Integrity & Privacy

It is the obligation of all club members to maintain the integrity and security of the CCYS’s confidential documents and information.

  • No member shall represent the club in any dealings, unless authorised by the club.
  • Members shall not expect preferential treatment, nor seek favours from the Club’s Management or its employees.
  • Do not use your involvement in the CCYS to promote your own beliefs behaviours or practices where these are inconsistent with those of the club.
  • Subject to the Club’s Constitution, a member of the Club, whether or not he/ she is a member of the Board, or of any other committee of the Club, shall not be entitled , under the rules of the Club or otherwise, to derive, directly or indirectly, any profit, benefit or advantage from the Club that is not offered equally to every full member of the Club.

Dress Regulations

All members and guests are expected to dress appropriately in keeping with the standards and traditions of the club.   CCYS is located in at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and hence in a tropical location.

Minimum dress requirements are:

  • Inside the Club House – Sleeved Tee Shirt, shorts and footwear must be worn.  Singlets can be worn before 6pm.  Hats and caps must be removed before entering the club premises. Wet and Heavy Weather Sailing gear is not permitted.
  • Outside the club House – Clothing suitable for the tropics

Guests

A member will take responsibility for their guests at all times.

  • Guests are to be signed in by the Member in the Visitor’s Register
  • Guests must remain in the company of the Member at all times whilst on CCYS’s premises.
  • Members must ensure that Licensing Laws and Regulations are observed and ensure that their guests adhere to this Code of Conduct.

Compliance

Any breaches to this Code of Conduct will not be tolerated at CCYS. Any Member or Guest who breaches this code may be asked to leave or be removed from the club.

Any complaints in respect of a Member’s behaviour shall be directed to the most senior staff member on duty at the time.  If a member is found to have breached the Club Laws then they may be brought before the board to answer for their actions. Disciplinary actions may result.

This code is to be read in conjunction with the Articles, Rules, Constitution and By-laws of the club. Any Disciplinary actions are dealt with under the CCYS’s constitution.

Conclusion

Members are reminded that the purpose of this Code is to provide you and all other fellow members with an enjoyable and safe environment, where we are able to enjoy the benefits of membership of Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron. We trust that all members will read this carefully and help us to ensure that our club retains its reputation for being “One of the friendliest clubs in Australia”.