This Code of Conduct applies to everyone involved in AMVJ: board members, volunteers, coaches, supervisors, members, junior members, parents, and visitors. We hold each other accountable and work together to create a positive and welcoming club environment.

Our Basic Principles

• We treat each other with respect, regardless of age, background, religion, gender, disability, experience, or playing level.
• We play fairly, honor our commitments, and accept decisions made by match officials and coaches in a sportsmanlike manner.
• We maintain a safe environment: bullying, discrimination, intimidation, sexual misconduct, threats, and violence are not tolerated.
• We handle equipment, facilities, personal information, and each other’s boundaries with care and respect.
• We report concerns promptly and take signals seriously. Anyone who raises a concern will be treated with attention and confidentiality.

For Everyone Around the Table

Everyone participating in training sessions, matches, or club activities contributes to a positive sporting atmosphere.

• We greet each other, listen to one another, and use language that does not belittle or exclude others.
• We accept both victory and defeat graciously. Swearing, teasing, deliberate intimidation, or unsportsmanlike behavior has no place in our club.
• We respect physical and personal boundaries. A joke, touch, or photograph is only appropriate if the other person feels comfortable with it.
• We keep the playing hall and changing rooms tidy, take good care of tables and equipment, and follow safety instructions.
• We use phones and social media responsibly and respectfully. We do not share offensive messages, personal information, or images of others without permission.
• We honor our commitments or notify others in a timely manner if we are unable to do so.

Board Members

Board members set a positive example and are responsible for ensuring that members and volunteers can participate and work in a safe environment.

• We act honestly, carefully, and in the best interests of the club. Potential conflicts of interest are discussed openly.
• We take reports seriously, listen to those involved, and handle information with care. We cannot promise absolute confidentiality when safety or proper follow-up requires action.
• We ensure it is clear whom members can contact with questions or concerns and communicate these contact channels effectively.
• We take appropriate follow-up actions, ensure fair treatment of everyone involved, and prevent retaliation against anyone who raises a concern.
• We hold volunteers and club officials accountable for their role-model function and ensure that this Code of Conduct is accessible and well known.

Volunteers

Volunteers make club activities possible. They handle their position and the trust placed in them with care.

• We treat members and visitors equally and do not use our role to pressure others or gain personal advantage.
• We comply with agreed procedures and instructions regarding safety, privacy, and interactions with minors.
• We report incidents or concerns to a coach, responsible board member, or the Club Confidential Contact Person (CCP), if appointed.
• We share confidential information only with those who need it in order to follow up appropriately on a concern.

Coaches and Supervisors

Coaches and supervisors serve as role models. When working with junior members, special attention is required regarding power imbalances, dependency, and clear boundaries.

• We prioritize enjoyment, development, safety, and respect. We provide feedback on behavior and performance without humiliating, threatening, or discriminating against anyone.
• We make agreements understandable and appropriate to age and experience, and we provide opportunities to ask questions or say no.
• We avoid one-on-one situations behind closed doors whenever possible. If individual supervision is necessary, we ensure a visible or accountable setting and follow AMVJ guidelines.
• We enter changing rooms only when necessary for supervision or safety, announce our presence, and respect privacy. We knock before entering and do not enter unnecessarily.
• We communicate with junior members in an appropriate and transparent manner. Whenever possible, we use agreed and visible communication channels and involve parents or guardians where appropriate.
• We do not transport a junior member alone without prior clear arrangements with a parent or guardian and without following club procedures.
• We do not make inappropriate comments, engage in unwanted physical contact, or arrange private meetings. We ask for consent when necessary and immediately respect any stated boundary.
• We remain alert to signs of exclusion, bullying, or unsafe situations, intervene where possible, and report concerns to the designated contact person.

Junior Members and Parents/Guardians

Junior members have the right to enjoy sport in a safe environment. Parents and guardians contribute by being respectful and supportive.

• Junior members treat teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials with respect and inform a trusted adult if something does not feel safe or comfortable.
• Parents and guardians provide positive encouragement, leave coaching during training sessions to the coach, and discuss concerns calmly through the agreed contact channels.
• Parents, guardians, and junior members respect privacy and obtain permission before sharing recognizable photos or videos of others.

Table Tennis Members

Members represent AMVJ during training sessions, competitions, and club activities.

• We welcome new members and contribute to an inclusive atmosphere, even when others play, learn, or communicate differently from us.
• We discuss disagreements directly and respectfully. If this is not possible, we seek assistance from a coach or the board.
• We follow the rules of the sport, the venue, and the club and set a positive example for junior members.

Safety and Boundaries

What Should You Do in the Event of an Incident?

• Is there an immediate danger? Ensure safety first and contact emergency services if necessary.
• Listen calmly, take the report seriously, and ask only what is necessary to understand the situation. Do not promise absolute confidentiality.
• Discuss the concern with a coach, a board member, or the Club Confidential Contact Person (CCP).
• You may bring someone with you to any conversation.
• Record what happened as factually as possible, including when it occurred and who was involved. Share this information only with those who need it for proper follow-up.
• The board will carefully consider appropriate next steps and hear all parties involved. If the report concerns a board member, the reporting person may contact another board member or the CCP.
• Bullying, pressure, intimidation, or retaliation against anyone who reports a concern or cooperates as a witness will not be tolerated.

Responding to Behavior

Whenever possible, inappropriate or unwanted behavior should be discussed early and calmly. In cases of repeated misconduct, serious situations, or safety concerns, the board will become involved. The board will carefully assess the situation and may take appropriate measures within the club’s rules and authority. In doing so, it will consider safety, the right to be heard, privacy, and the seriousness of the behavior. In situations of immediate danger, safety takes priority.

The Club Confidential Contact Person (CCP)

The Club Confidential Contact Person (CCP) serves as an accessible point of contact for members, parents/guardians, volunteers, and others who have a question, concern, or report regarding inappropriate behavior or social safety.

• The CCP provides a listening ear, helps the reporting person clarify the situation and desired next steps, and discusses available options.
• The CCP can explain the reporting process and, where necessary, assist in finding appropriate support or an external organization. The reporting person retains as much control as possible over further actions.
• The CCP is not an investigator, mediator, or decision-maker regarding measures. That responsibility lies with the board or, where appropriate, an independent external party.
• The CCP handles information carefully and discusses in advance what can remain confidential. In cases of immediate danger or where someone must be protected, sharing information may be necessary. Where possible, the CCP will discuss this with the reporting person beforehand.

The name and telephone number of the CCP are available on the AMVJ website. For more information, see the Municipality of Amsterdam’s guidelines on Codes of Conduct and Social Safety.

Shared Responsibility

Everyone at AMVJ plays a role in keeping these principles alive. Address each other respectfully, ask for help when in doubt, and report concerns in a timely manner. The board ensures that the contact procedures for questions and reports are clear and known and discusses this Code of Conduct whenever necessary.