GRIP Boulderhal Code of Conduct

Policy for a Safe Sporting and a Professional Climbing Environment

Introduction

At GRIP, our bouldering gym for both recreational and elite-level athletes, we use the guidelines of NOC*NSF and NKBV as the basis for creating a safe, respectful, inclusive and sporting environment.

This Code of Conduct serves as a formal policy document and is binding for everyone involved with GRIP, including athletes, parents, guardians, coaches, staff and visitors.

1. General Principles

GRIP promotes a culture of respect, openness, integrity and safety.

• Harassment and other inappropriate behaviour, including bullying, intimidation, abuse of power and sexual harassment, will not be tolerated.
• We apply the two-adult principle when supervising minors and actively encourage people to report concerns or incidents.
• This Code of Conduct is based on the codes of conduct of NOC*NSF and NKBV.

2. Code of Conduct for Athletes (Recreational)

• Treat others, equipment and the sporting environment with respect.
• Follow GRIP’s house rules and the instructions of staff and coaches.
• Contribute to a safe sporting environment: help others, report incidents and avoid dangerous behaviour.
• Do not use discriminatory language, engage in inappropriate behaviour or behave unsportingly.
• Behave professionally and respectfully online as well.

3. Code of Conduct for Trainers, Coaches and Supervisors

• Create a socially safe environment and avoid relationships of dependency.
• Act in a pedagogically responsible manner and avoid physically or emotionally inappropriate behaviour.
• Complete mandatory preventative training and provide a valid Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).
• Report signs of misconduct or inappropriate behaviour in accordance with the reporting procedure.
• Respect athletes’ privacy and limit private contact with athletes.

4. Code of Conduct for GRIP and Staff

• Act in a service-oriented, transparent and trustworthy manner.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and handle confidential information with care.
• Report inappropriate behaviour and promote awareness of integrity within the organisation.

5. Code of Conduct for Parents and Guardians (General)

• Set a good example through your behaviour and communication.
• Show respect towards all trainers, officials and other athletes.
• Raise concerns or questions through the appropriate professional and respectful channels, including the confidential contact person.

Additional Code of Conduct for Elite Sport

6. Code of Conduct for Elite Athletes

Elite athletes represent GRIP and should be aware of their role as ambassadors both inside and outside the gym.

• Sporting and respectful behaviour is expected at all times, including towards opponents, judges and coaches.
• Elite athletes are expected to be familiar with and comply with the disciplinary regulations of NOC*NSF and NKBV.
• The use of doping, competition manipulation (match-fixing) or prohibited substances is forbidden and will be subject to disciplinary action.
• Elite athletes must complete the NOC*NSF online educational sessions on integrity, doping and social safety.
• Participants in national or international competitions are expected to conduct themselves as ambassadors of the sport outside GRIP as well.

7. Code of Conduct for Parents of Youth Elite Athletes

Parents are an essential part of the elite sports pathway and serve as role models.

• Communication with their own child and with other athletes should always be supportive, constructive and free from pressure.
• Parents must not make negative comments about performances, coaches’ decisions or other athletes. Communication should always be constructive.
• Parents should maintain an appropriate distance during training sessions and competitions and encourage a positive sporting experience.
• GRIP expects parents to actively participate in information and educational sessions relating to elite sport, integrity and safety.

8. Inappropriate Behaviour: Prevention and Response

GRIP works with a Confidential Contact Person (VCP) and has a reporting procedure in place.

• Supervisors and coaches are required to complete preventative training and hold a valid Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).
• The physical and social environment is designed to promote transparency and appropriate supervision.
• GRIP encourages an open reporting culture for athletes, parents and supervisors.

9. Reporting Procedure

Identify:
Have you witnessed or experienced inappropriate behaviour? If possible, address the situation or discuss your concerns.

Report:
Report the incident to GRIP’s Confidential Contact Person.

Assessment:
The Confidential Contact Person assesses the seriousness of the situation and, where necessary, initiates a process through the Centre for Safe Sport (Centrum Veilige Sport) or the relevant disciplinary procedures.

Resolution:
Any sanctions are imposed by GRIP.

Integrity and Reporting Contact

GRIP Confidential Contact Person: Tineke Froklage
Email: Tineke@gripnijmegen.nl

10. Online Behaviour and Social Media

• Communicate online with respect and in accordance with GRIP’s values.
• Bullying, sexual comments or exclusion through digital channels are not permitted.
• Coaches and supervisors use group chats for functional purposes and establish clear agreements regarding their use.

11. Enforcement and Supervision

• GRIP is responsible for ensuring compliance with this Code of Conduct.
• Violations may result in disciplinary measures or exclusion from GRIP.
• GRIP complies with the disciplinary regulations of NKBV and NOC*NSF.

12. Publication and Evaluation

This Code of Conduct is publicly available, communicated to everyone involved with GRIP and reviewed annually.

Finally

GRIP stands for climbing with respect, safety and sportsmanship. This Code of Conduct forms the foundation of our sporting community.

Adopted on: 12 May 2025
By: GRIP Boulderhall
Version: 20250512