Guidelines for Community Conduct

The Sloop Tavern Yacht Club (“STYC” or “club”) is a volunteer organization that promotes a community of like-minded people to enjoy sailing activities and social opportunities for members and guests. STYC seeks to operate in an open and friendly environment where people show respect for each other while participating in events and activities in a safe and supportive manner. The following Guidelines for Community Conduct are intended to ensure that STYC activities can be enjoyed by all members and guests; build community in the club and enhance public opinion of the sport of sailing; ensure the safety and welfare of children; and ensure the club fulfills its duty to be ethical, fair and honest with its members. These Guidelines for Community Conduct are subject to STYC’s Bylaws, and may be amended from time to time by the Executive Board.

STYC members agree to:

Racing Policy

Every yacht participating in any STYC racing event must have liability insurance currently in effect that covers property damage, personal injury, and death, in an amount not less than $300,000 USD per occurrence; the policy must cover yacht racing activities. Yacht owners acknowledge that the decision to enter their yacht and participate in any race is solely their own and at their own risk, and agree to be bound by the Racing Rules of Sailing as adopted by US Sailing, including national prescriptions, except as modified by the Vessel Traffic Safety Rules, the race organizers, and the Race Notice for the event. Each racing skipper shall monitor VHF channel 14 when in the vicinity of and while occupying the VTS lanes.

Most of our races will have trophies available at the awards party following the race. If you do not pick up your trophy, you will need to contact the Race Committee Chair to make arrangements to get your trophy. We will generally bring unclaimed trophies to the Spring and Fall Membership Parties, and to the Christmas party. Any trophy that is not claimed by the Christmas Party will be disposed of. For the helmet stickers of Ballard Cup, you must be present at the post race awards to claim your sticker.

Refund Policy

No refunds will be given, except in cases where an error has been made by the club. If STYC makes an error while a person is purchasing something, STYC will try to resolve the problem to the best of its ability.

Other STYC Policies & Procedures

Anti-Harassment

STYC has a zero-tolerance policy against any sexual, verbal, or abuse or violence committed by any member, volunteer, or event participant.  The club has instituted policies and procedures to educate, intervene, and provide consequences to any person who participates in unacceptable behavior.  The following policies are mandatory for all STYC’s Executive Board, volunteers, members, and participants at STYC events or in conjunction with another event where STYC Executive Board Members, volunteers, or members are acting in an officially sponsored function.

Nondiscrimination

STYC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, the appointment to and termination from its Board of Directors, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and participation in club activities.

Protection of Children

Although STYC’s membership is comprised of adults, and the club does not officially sponsor any youth/minor programs or activities for people with disabilities, children or other vulnerable people may attend events with family members or friends.  Since such events are generally social in nature, the interactions of adults with the children present may be casual.  Care must be taken to avoid any actions that could be seen as being exploitative of children (defined as anyone under the age of 18), as well as other vulnerable populations (e.g. people with developmental disabilities or other vulnerable adults).  However, children and other vulnerable people should be under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or other responsible party at all times when attending STYC events, and that party has ultimate responsibility for the safety and well-being of the child or vulnerable adult.

Presence of pets at events

STYC allows members to bring their pets to club events when such events are held at venues where pets are allowed.  However, pets must be restrained at all times, and must be socialized to the extent that they do not pose a danger to any attendee.  If a pet participates in any antisocial behavior, does not respond to commands by its owner, or causes any disruption in the event, the owner will be required to remove the animal from the event immediately.

Drug/Alcohol abuse

Many STYC events allow the consumption of alcohol, whether provided by the club or the individual.  STYC encourages its members and guests to consume alcohol responsibly at club events.  Indiscriminate alcohol/drug use may lead to safety issues and may result in individuals at a STYC event being removed from the premises.

Gambling

Gambling (including betting on the outcome of races) is prohibited by STYC.

Anti-Retaliation Statement

STYC prohibits retaliation of any kind against any member, volunteer, or board member who reports a good faith complaint of sexual abuse or who participates in any related investigation.  A complainant who believes that he/she has been retaliated against must report such action to an Executive Board Member.  If the Executive Board finds a complaint of retaliation is valid, the Executive Board may provide a reasonable remedy for the person harmed, and may issue disciplinary action against the retaliating person in the discretion of the Executive Board. 

Making False Statements

Making false accusations of abuse, harassment, or misconduct in bad faith can have serious consequences for those who are wrongly accused. STYC prohibits making false and/or malicious allegations, as well as deliberately providing false information during an investigation.  Anyone who violates this rule may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including Termination of Membership in the discretion of the Executive Board.

Policy on Fraudulent or Dishonest Use of Club Resources

STYC will investigate complaints of fraudulent or dishonest use or misuse of Club’s resources or property by Board Members, volunteers, or any other members or representatives of the Club.  Any person found to have engaged in fraudulent or dishonest conduct will be subject to disciplinary action, and may face civil legal proceedings or referral to law enforcement if the conduct warrants such action in the discretion of the Executive Board.