Code of Conduct

Why a Code of Conduct

A Code of Conduct is important for the Band because it establishes expectations for the behaviour of Band members, volunteers and the management team. It helps to ensure that the Band is represented well in public and that members are committed to the Band. 

Why Conduct Matters

• Maintaining Safety: Proper conduct ensures the safety of all members during practices, performances and trips.

• Building Respect: Respectful behaviour fosters a positive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

• Promoting Discipline: Good conduct helps maintain discipline, which is essential for coordinating complex routines and achieving high performance standards.

• Enhancing Teamwork: Positive behaviour encourages teamwork and cooperation, which are vital for the Band to function smoothly as a unit.

• Reputation Management: Members represent the Band and their community, so good conduct helps maintain a positive reputation.

• Conflict Resolution: A clear code of conduct helps prevent conflicts and provides a framework for addressing issues when they arise.

Member conduct is fundamental to the success and well-being of the Band, creating an atmosphere where everyone can thrive and contribute positively.

Expectations

• Regular Attendance: Members are expected to attend performances, rehearsals and events on time, unless they have a valid reason for absence.

• Respectful Behaviour: Members should treat fellow Band members, instructors and staff with respect.

• Practice and Preparation: Members should practice their music and routines regularly at home to ensure they are prepared for rehearsals and performances.

• Team Spirit: Members are encouraged to support their peers, foster a positive atmosphere and work together as a team.

• Uniform and Equipment Care: Members should maintain their uniforms and equipment, ensuring they are clean, in good condition and ready for use.

• Adherence to Rules: Members must follow the Band's Code of Conduct and any additional rules or guidelines set by the Band.

These expectations help ensure that the Band operates smoothly, and that every member contributes positively to the group's success.

September 2025

BOURNEMOUTH YOUTH MARCHING BAND

Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct applies to members when participating in BYMB activities, events, rehearsals, performances, tours, camps, meetings, communications or other activities organised, authorised or undertaken on behalf of BYMB.

As members of the Band we agree to the following:

Members commitment

• I acknowledge that accepting a position as a member/associate of the Band involves commitment and a significant amount of time and energy.

• I will involve myself actively in the work of the Band and accept my fair share of responsibilities, providing I am physically able. This includes, but is not limited to: punctual attendance at rehearsals and performances, attendance at the AGM, private practice, helping to set up and pack down equipment etc.

If I am unable to attend a performance or expect to be late, I will let the Management Team know as soon as possible by email (bymband@aol.com) . A minimum of 1 month is required for planned absences.

• When representing the Band in a personal capacity, I will acknowledge my underlying responsibility as a member and maintain the Band’s professionalism and integrity at all times.

 • I will strive to work as part of a team, in which constructive working relationships are actively promoted.

• I will act kindly and without prejudice towards other Band members and the general public.

• I will support the Management Team and other members in their roles and responsibilities to further the future success and sustainability of the band.

• I am prepared to support Management Team in relation to delegated functions where possible.

• I will be mindful of my responsibility to uphold the ethos and reputation of the Band.

• I will adhere to the Band’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

• I expect to play an active part in the Band’s fundraising activities.

Members Conduct

• All Band members have a responsibility for safeguarding and, as such, have a duty of care for each other.

 • Inappropriate behaviour and language, whether face-to-face interaction, via social media or as part of any online activity, will not be accepted. This includes during rehearsals, as well as Band engagements (see below for what constitutes acceptable behaviour and what will be deemed inappropriate).

 • Members will adhere to the Band’s policies and procedures as set out in the Band’s governance documents; including, but not limited to, Safeguarding and Health and Safety.

• In the event that a member has cause for concern regarding the conduct or welfare of another member, this should be reported to the Management Team in a timely manner.

• Band members are expected to assist with the setting up and packing away of chairs, stands and equipment at rehearsals and engagements.

• Band members should arrive at engagement venues by the time stated wearing or bringing the specified uniform as required.

Appropriate Behaviours

• Treat other Band members, including children and young people, with respect and dignity.

• Encourage and support children and young people in the Band, but avoid having (or being perceived to have) favourites.

 • In general, avoid being alone with children and young people under 18 who are Band members, unless you are their parent or carer.

• If it is necessary to be alone with a child or young person: – Make sure another adult knows where you are and approximately how long you will be – Invite the child or young adult to bring a friend – Leave the door of the room you are in fully open – Move into the centre of the room so you are in plain view

• Avoid physical contact with children and young people in the Band, unless it is necessary for a particular activity or if the person in question or someone at risk from them has been, or is about to be injured.

• If physical contact cannot be avoided, seek permission of the child or young person wherever possible and ensure they are comfortable with what you are going to do.

• If a child or young person talks to you about something confidential, ensure that they understand that you will not share the information without their consent, except in specific circumstances relating to child protection or safeguarding.

• If you are told or see something regarding a child or young person that causes you to have a safeguarding concern, follow the Band’s safeguarding procedures and contact the Management Team as soon as possible.

• Outside Band activities, avoid contacting children or young people who are Band members unless this is via their parents and part of a family friendship.

• Be aware that children and young people in the Band will look up to you; it is important that you model responsible and considerate behaviours associated with appropriate professional/personal boundaries.

 • Do not give your personal telephone number, email address or social media usernames (handles) to children or young people in the Band.

• Do not develop individual friendships with children and young people in the Band, whether online or offline, except as part of a family friendship.

• Be mindful of your use of language during band activities, especially when children and young people are around.

• If you are involved with the Band in a teaching or leadership capacity, do not, in general, accept/give gifts or money to children or young people you work with. If you are presented with a token ‘thank you’ gift from a child, accept it with thanks and inform the Management Team. If you wish to present a token gift to a child or young person for a specific reason, this should be discussed and agreed in advance with the Management Team.

Inappropriate / Prohibited Behaviours

• Hitting or striking another Band member, whether this is a child or adult.

• Verbally abusing (including shouting or swearing at) another Band member.

• Deliberately humiliating or undermining another Band member.

• Inappropriate/intimate touching, sexual conversations, whether online or offline, or use of sexual innuendo or images with a child or young person/in the presence of a child or young person.

• Developing or implying sexual relationships with children and young people in the Band.

• Encouraging, or knowingly involved in, another Band member committing a crime.

• Taking illegal substances before or during Band activities.

• Being intoxicated at a Band event.

• Using digital technology to groom a child or adult, or to abuse them in any way.

• Creating, sharing or downloading abusive images of children or adults.

• Bringing the Band into disrepute through inappropriate use of social media.

Property Care

• Members are expected to maintain any property issued to them, keeping it clean and in good working order.

• Any damage or concerns about instruments or other equipment should be reported to the relevant person as soon as possible. You must not try and fix it yourself.

• Equipment must be stored securely when not in use.

• Instruments borrowed from the Band can also be used for private tuition or school based music making only.

• Outside of our Band use of the instrument is entirely at your own risk and any loss or damage must be paid for.

• You cannot use a BYMB instrument, equipment or uniform in any other Band. 

• Members will return any instruments and property issued to them when requested by the Management Team or when leaving the Band.

• Members are expected to leave the sheet music provided in good order in the Band folders. March-cards are to be returned to the box after each use. (Arrangements will be made for practice music.)

Personal Appearance Guidelines

• You will be provided with the appropriate Band uniform(s).

• Members are expected to keep their uniform(s) clean and well maintained.

• A smart appearance is required.

• Any jewellery must not be visible.

• Sunglasses or tinted glasses are not worn.

• For female members one pair of small stud earrings may be worn when in uniform.

• Long hair is tied in a low bun.

• Any makeup is discrete and plain nail varnish.

• Further specific instructions may be announced prior to or at each performance.

Conflicts of interest

• Conflicts of interest of any sort must be avoided.

• Members will record any financial or other business interests that they have in connection with the Band’s business. If any such conflicted matter arises they will elect to be absent for an appropriate length of time.

• Members will act in the best interests of the Band as a whole and not as a representative of any other group.

• You must not join another youth marching band during your membership with us. If you play with another Band you must tell us and always put our Band first.

Confidentiality

Members will observe complete confidentiality when matters are deemed confidential, or where they concern specific Band members, at all times.

Compliance 

Members will protect the Band’s legality regarding all environmental, safety and fair dealing laws.

Breaching the Code of Conduct  

In the event that any member of the Band does not adhere to this code of conduct, or of any other Band policy, the Band reserves the right to investigate and take the necessary action to protect the integrity of the Band and its members.

We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will be available on our Members and Parents website bymbmembers.org.uk

September 2026

Bournemouth Youth Marching Band

Code of Conduct – Children & Youth Members

This Code of Conduct applies to members when participating in BYMB activities, events, rehearsals, performances, tours, camps, meetings, communications or other activities organised, authorised or undertaken on behalf of BYMB.

The Code does not seek to regulate members' personal lives or behaviour unrelated to BYMB.

This Code of Conduct aims to:

•        identify acceptable and unacceptable behaviour,

•        encourage cooperation, honesty 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. 

Member Commitment

• I understand that being a member of the band involves a lot of time and energy.

• I will involve myself in the work of the Band and accept my fair share of responsibilities if I am physically able. 

• I will attend rehearsals and performances, arrive at the agreed time, practise outside of rehearsals and help to set up and take down equipment before and after rehearsals and performances.

• If I am unable to attend a performance or expect to be late, I will let the Management Team know as soon as possible by email (bymband@aol.com) . A minimum of 1 month is required for planned absences.

• When I am representing the Band at performances and other events, I understand my responsibility as a member and I will behave in a way that maintains the Band’s professionalism and reputation at all times.

• I will work as part of a team, including working hard to keep good relationships with other Band members.  I will act kindly and without prejudice towards other Band members and the general public. 

• I understand that I have a responsibility in everything I say and do to uphold the ethos and reputation of the band.

• I will treat people equally, regardless of their playing ability, position within the band, age, gender, ethnicity, religion, beliefs or sexuality.

• I hope to play an active part in the Band’s fundraising activities.

Members’ Conduct

As members of the Band we agree to the following:

• All Band members have a responsibility to look out for each other and keep each other safe.

• Inappropriate behaviour and language will not be accepted.  This includes at rehearsals, as well as engagements (see below for what constitutes unacceptable behaviour).

• All members must behave according to the Band’s policies and procedures as set out in the band’s governance documents including, but not limited to, Safeguarding and Health and Safety.

• If a player is worried about the behaviour or welfare of another member, this should be raised with a relevant adult as soon as possible.

• Members are expected to leave the sheet music provided in good order in the Band folders. March-cards are to be returned to the box after each use. (Arrangements will be made for practice music.)

• Band members are expected to assist with the setting up and packing away of chairs, stands and equipment at rehearsals and engagements.

• Band members should arrive at engagement venues by the time stated wearing or bringing the specified uniform. 

Do’s and Dont’s for children and young people

You should:

→  be supportive and kind to others, 

→  be friendly,

→  listen to others,

→  be helpful,

→  have good manners,

→  treat everyone with respect,

→  take responsibility for your own behaviour,

→  talk to a member of the Management Team about anything that worries or concerns you,

→  follow this Code of Conduct and other rules including the law,

→  join in and have fun!

You shouldn’t:

→  be disrespectful to anyone else, 

→  swear or use inappropriate language,

→  have inappropriate conversations around children,

→  vape or smoke,

→  bully other people online or offline,

→  behave in a way that could be intimidating,

→  be abusive towards anyone,

→  pursue others in an inappropriate manner (including online/via messaging).

Property Care

• Members are expected to maintain any property issued to them, keeping it clean and in good working order.

• Any damage or concerns about instruments or other equipment should be reported to the relevant person as soon as possible. You must not try and fix it yourself.

• Equipment must be stored securely when not in use.

• Instruments borrowed from the Band can also be used for private tuition or school based music making only.

• Outside of our Band use of the instrument is entirely at your own risk and any loss or damage must be paid for.

• You cannot use a BYMB instrument, equipment or uniform in any other Band. 

• Members will return any instruments and property issued to them when requested by the Management Team or when leaving the Band.

• Members are expected to leave the sheet music provided in good order in the Band folders. March-cards are to be returned to the box after each use. (Arrangements will be made for practice music.)

Personal Appearance Guidelines

• You will be provided with the appropriate Band uniform(s).

• Members are expected to keep their uniform(s) clean and well maintained.

• A smart appearance is required.

• Any jewellery must not be visible.

• Sunglasses or tinted glasses are not worn.

• For female members one pair of small stud earrings may be worn when in uniform.

• Long hair is tied in a low bun.

• Any makeup is discrete and plain nail varnish.

• Further specific instructions may be announced prior to or at each performance.

Conflicts of interest

• Conflicts of interest of any sort must be avoided.

• Members will act in the best interests of the Band as a whole and not as a representative of any other group.

• You must not join another youth marching band during your membership with us. If you play with another Band you must tell us and always put our Band first.

Breaking the Code of Conduct

In the event of a member of the Band not following this code of conduct, or of any other Band policy, the Band will investigate and take action to protect the safety and reputation of the Band and its members.

We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will be available on our website.

Outside Of The Band

The Code does not seek to regulate members' personal lives or behaviour unrelated to BYMB. The Band recognises that members have lives, friendships and activities outside of the Band. What a member chooses to do in their personal time, away from Band activities and without representing the Band, is generally a private matter and is not the responsibility of the Band. 

The Band will not become involved in personal disagreements, friendships, social-media activity or other matters that have no connection to the Band.

However, where an issue that occurs outside the Band directly affects the safety, wellbeing, safeguarding, reputation or proper functioning of the Band, or involves conduct connected to Band activities or other Band members, the Band may need to take appropriate action.

The key principle is that Band management will only become involved where there is a clear and relevant connection to the Band or its responsibilities.

August 2026