How to behave at QRC

• Respect and Inclusion

• All participants are expected to treat each other respectfully and kindly, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or any other personal characteristic.

• Discriminatory behaviour, including but not limited to racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, or any form of harassment, will not be tolerated.

• Everyone has the right to participate in a safe environment where their identity is respected and affirmed.

• Respect the privacy of all members.

•  Be mindful that not everybody in this space will be as confidently ‘out’ as others, and so we ask that nobody from the group is ‘outed’ (i.e. discussing their gender identity etc outside of the space without their explicit consent).

•  Some members of the club might not want to be included in photographs. Please keep this in mind and always ask for consent.
•  In some instances, you may know information about members from outside of the space, such as deadnames or medical history. We ask that this is not shared without their explicit consent.

• Always seek consent before offering physical assistance, advice, or feedback. Respect others' boundaries, whether physical, emotional, or social.

• If someone expresses discomfort or asks for space, this request should be respected immediately.

• Use inclusive language that respects everyone’s gender identity and pronouns. If unsure of someone’s pronouns, politely ask or refer to them by their name until clarified. There will be a names and pronouns circle before each session, please only share as much information as you feel comfortable to do so.

• Avoid making assumptions about others' identities or experiences.

• When discussing topics of fitness and health, be mindful of different body types, abilities, and experiences. 
• We often participate in running events as a club, please be mindful both in training sessions and on the day of the event to congratulate your peers, be positive and supportive rather than competitive.

• Queer Running Club has zero tolerance for any harassment, racist behaviour, and racist language. Individuals acting in any of these ways will be asked to leave 
• We are committed to taking action to protect those who experience any harassment or discrimination
• Queer Running Club refuses entry to anyone wearing culturally insensitive or racist attire
• Queer Running Club intends to set a standard to show others that our space is for all bodies
• Queer Running Club chooses bag-drop venues with these practises in mind.

• Supportive Environment
• Encourage and support fellow participants. Celebrate each other’s progress and achievements.
• Focus on your own journey without comparing yourself to others.
• Support your peers during all classes. Our running takes place outside on the streets of London. Sometimes it is dark and there is often a large group. It is all of our responsibility to look out for one another, don’t leave anyone behind.
• Safe Practices
• Follow all safety guidelines provided by the coach to prevent injuries.
• If you have any physical limitations or injuries, communicate them to the coach before class begins.
• Punctuality and Preparedness
• We know that sometimes, things come up. If you find yourself unable to attend a class, cancelling on the BEND app can allow others to attend. 
• Arrive on time and come prepared for the session, with clothes that you’re comfortable running in, and avoid heavy jewellery that will restrict your movements and can cause injury.

• Respectful Communication
• All communications on online platforms (such as social media, forums, and WhatsApp) should be respectful, supportive, and constructive.
• Assume good faith! We are all in this space to work on ourselves in the community. This extends to how we communicate with and interact with one another.
• Disagreements should be handled respectfully.
• Content Sharing
• Share content that is relevant, supportive, and helpful to the community. Avoid sharing unsolicited advice or content that could be triggering or harmful. 
• Memes, jokes, or off-topic discussions should align with the inclusive and respectful values of Queer Running Club.
• Zero Tolerance for Harassment
• Harassment of any form (including bullying, unsolicited messages, or offensive comments) is strictly prohibited. Violations will be addressed promptly by the Queer Running Club core team and may result in removal from the platform.

• Purposeful Communication
• The main WhatsApp group is primarily for class-related communication. We have created specific WhatsApp groups to allow for various topics so please keep that in mind.
• Out and About group- communications should be respectful, supportive and constructive. Use this group to tell people about your events relevant to the community. 
• Be mindful of message frequency and volume, especially during late hours.
• Group Etiquette
• Use respectful and inclusive language. Avoid spamming or sending unsolicited messages to group members.
• Address any issues or concerns with a member of the Queer Running Club core team before escalating within the group.
• Conflict Resolution
• If a conflict arises, address it with a Queer Running Club core team member as soon as possible.
• The core members will attempt to mediate disputes and ensure that the group remains a supportive environment for all.
• Please feel free to contact at hello@queerrunningclub.com

• Initial Warning
• Minor infractions will result in a private conversation with the coach or a core team member. Participants will be reminded of the behaviour policy and expected to correct their actions.
• Temporary Suspension
• Repeated, unresolvable or more serious violations, may result in temporary suspension from classes and online platforms/WhatsApp groups. During this time, the participant may be required to engage in a dialogue with the core members to address the behaviour.
• Permanent Removal
• Continued disregard for the behaviour policy, or any severe infraction (such as harassment, discrimination, or violence), will result in permanent removal from Queer Running Club classes and online/WhatsApp groups.

• If something has made you uncomfortable, please let us know so that we can support you. Participants are encouraged to report any behaviour that violates this policy to a coach or core team member. Reports can be made confidentially via hello@queerrunningclub.com. You can address a specific person or team member by using their name in the subject line. We are committed to addressing all concerns promptly and maintaining the safety and well-being of our community.