Behaviour Code for Participants of YMT Events:
Youth Mission Team Australia (YMT) is committed to the safety and well-being of every person who participates in a YMT program or event. To assist with creating a safe environment for everyone, YMT requires all participants to comply with certain behaviour expectations. These expectations are outlined in the document below and apply to all YMT programs including online events.
This Code of Behaviour gives guidance about what practices (actions) are supported and what practices are NOT condoned. It is underpinned by trust and a belief that everyone with whom we have contact should be treated with respect and dignity.
The Code of Behaviour is not exhaustive and does not foresee every set of circumstances that may arise across a variety of YMT events and activities.
The Code of Behaviour should be viewed as an educational guide to the principles that inform what is appropriate conduct.
Basic principles...
This code of behaviour aims to:
· Identify acceptable and unacceptable behaviour
· Encourage cooperation, honesty, fairness and respect
· Create an environment where your self-esteem, self-respect and self-confidence will grow
· Encourage you to recognise and respect the rights of others
· Encourage you to take responsibility for your own behaviour
· Help resolve conflicts and make it clear what will happen if you decide not to follow the code.
Do’s & Don’ts:
You should:
· Cooperate with others
· Be friendly
· Listen to others
· Be helpful
· Have good manners
· Treat everyone with respect
· Take responsibility for your own behaviour
· Talk to YMT Leaders about anything that worries or concerns you
· Follow this code of behaviour and other rules (including the law)
· Join in and have fun!
You shouldn’t:
· Be disrespectful to anyone else
· Bully other people (online or offline)
· Behave in a way that could be intimidating
· Be abusive towards anyone.
Dress Code Guidelines:
· It is important that our clothing is appropriate. For example, no revealing outfits or clothing with offensive or obscene pictures and/or words.
· If you would not wear it to school, then chances are you should not wear it to a YMT event.
Online Video Event Guidelines:
· Registration via YMT’s website must have been completed by a parent to participate in YMT online events.
· It is important to consider if where you are sitting for the online event is suitable. It is recommended to participate from a common area within your home like a lounge room or outside entertaining area etc (no bedrooms).
· At all times, please respect the YMT leaders facilitating the online event.
· Wait for your turn to speak, otherwise the event will be chaos.
· Ensure that you abide by the rules and guidelines outlined by YMT leaders.
· When asked to share, please do so appropriately and respectfully.
· Never record or capture video or audio of other participants.
What happens if I decide not to follow the Code of Behaviour?
This code of behaviour is part of our process for making sure everyone who takes part in our programs or events receives the support they need.
1. First-time infringement
If you behave in a way that does not follow our behaviour code, our staff or volunteers will remind you about it and ask you to comply with it. They will give you an opportunity to change your behaviour.
This gives you the chance to think and to plan how you could behave differently, with support from staff and/or volunteers.
2. Formal warning
If you continue not to follow the code of behaviour after your first reminder, or if your behaviour is more serious, you will be given a formal warning by the person running your activity.
They will make a record about what happened and inform your parents or carers if this is appropriate. They will also talk with you about what happened and agree what support you need to improve your behaviour in the future.
We may also decide that a sanction is appropriate such as restricting you from taking part in some activities
3. Final warning
If the support we have put in place is not helping you to change your behaviour, we may need to give you a final warning. Again, this will be recorded, and we will inform your parents or carers as appropriate.
At this point, we may need to talk with you and your parents or carers about other programs or events that might be more able to give you the support you need.
Child protection procedures...
If a YMT member becomes concerned that your behaviour suggests you may be at risk of harm or that you may present a risk to others, they will follow our child protection procedures. This may involve making a referral to the local authority.
If child protection procedures are necessary, we will talk this through with you and your parents as soon as possible, unless doing so would put you in danger or interfere with a police investigation.
The role of parents and carers...
We see parents and carers as valuable partners in promoting positive behaviour and will involve them as appropriate.
We will always inform and involve your parents or carers if you receive a formal warning about your behaviour, unless doing so would put you in danger.
Additional Information
Keeping Safe Online Resources
For further information and suggestions on how to stay safe online please familiarise yourself with the following website:
· Resources for Parents - https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
· Resources for Young People - https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people