Code Of Conduct

[Robalan]

I see Harness Racing New Zealand have put out a new version of the propsed Code Of Conduct which would cover everybody involved in Harness Racing from owners to stablehands and everybody in between. What are the thoughts of posters on this site. Is it something that Harness Racing has a right to do. It is in effect placing restrictions on people involved in Harness and applying it on participants retroactively

[Chief Stipe]

Do you have a link to the new version?

 

[Rangatira]

Back in my day and The Brodsters day before that, commonsense prevailed.

No longer common ☹️

[Ludwig]

8 minutes ago, Rangatira said:

Back in my day and The Brodsters day before that, commonsense prevailed.

No longer common ☹️

Nowadays, unhinged drivel seems to prevail.

[Chief Stipe]

The Code of Conduct is an absolute nonsense.  It is a form of elitism derived from insecurity.

Basically "we'll hide our incompetence behind a veil of control".  "You either don't criticise us or you don't participate".

Would be a bit like the BOAY Chief Stipe banning or fining anyone who criticised him.  

You can clip your heels and salute or stand firm with a polite erect middle finger and enjoy your sport.

[Ludwig]

2 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

The Code of Conduct is an absolute nonsense.  It is a form of elitism derived from insecurity.

Basically "we'll hide our incompetence behind a veil of control".  "You either don't criticise us or you don't participate".

Would be a bit like the BOAY Chief Stipe banning or fining anyone who criticised him.  

You can clip your heels and salute or stand firm with a polite erect middle finger and enjoy your sport.

Is there a parallel between the code of conduct, and St Cindy and her entourage and their threats over the vaccine, and people's freedom of movement?

[Rangatira]

19 minutes ago, Ludwig said:

Is there a parallel between the code of conduct, and St Cindy and her entourage and their threats over the vaccine, and people's freedom of movement?

I heard it's poisonous.  

[hunterthepunter]

1 hour ago, Rangatira said:

I heard it's poisonous.  

ranga don't think the borodster going to be injected with labour party juice or microchipped

[Rangatira]

15 minutes ago, hunterthepunter said:

ranga don't think the borodster going to be injected with labour party juice or microchipped

Brodster loves his Fish and Chips, can't stop talking about them.

Did the leading lady work in Eddie Cowies shop?

[hunterthepunter]

5 minutes ago, Rangatira said:

Brodster loves his Fish and Chips, can't stop talking about them.

Did the leading lady work in Eddie Cowies shop?

brodster more of a loner star man

[Rangatira]

4 minutes ago, hunterthepunter said:

brodster more of a loner star man

It's safe to say hunger got the better of him this day

[hunterthepunter]

1 minute ago, Rangatira said:

It's safe to say hunger got the better of him this day

that's the tab side of the bush in .was in a hurry to get a bet on Elmer . taking the shorts at 1.20 

[Rangatira]

1 minute ago, hunterthepunter said:

that's the tab side of the bush in .was in a hurry to get a bet on Elmer . taking the shorts at 1.20 

Probably be able to get as much as a hundy on at those odds.

[Chief Stipe]

So @Rangatira and @hunterthepunter do you have a reason for hijacking another thread?

Back to the Topic.

Do either of you have a copy of the HRNZ Code of Conduct?

I note that at the end of October the included a clause in their Rules that references the Code of conduct.

[Chief Stipe]

This was the last published one - May 2021 Draft.

 

Code-of-Conduct-and-Social-Media-Policy-Regulations-22-April-2021-Draft.pdf

[Rangatira]

30 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

So @Rangatira and @hunterthepunter do you have a reason for hijacking another thread?

Back to the Topic.

Do either of you have a copy of the HRNZ Code of Conduct?

I note that at the end of October the included a clause in their Rules that references the Code of conduct.

Be great to see a copy.

I believe license holders give up too much as it is when agreeing to the terms of their licence.

[Chief Stipe]

1 minute ago, Rangatira said:

Be great to see a copy.

I believe license holders give up too much as it is when agreeing to the terms of their licence.

I can only find the May 2021 Draft.  Haven't seen an update or final copy aside from the change in the rules.

[Robalan]

I have a copy of the new draft sent to me by HRNZ but not being particularly computer literate I don't know how to get a copy onto your site. Perhaps you could provide me with instructions

[Chief Stipe]

7 minutes ago, Robalan said:

I have a copy of the new draft sent to me by HRNZ but not being particularly computer literate I don't know how to get a copy onto your site. Perhaps you could provide me with instructions

When you start writing a new post you will see just below where you are typing a paper clip and "Drag files here to attach, or choose files...."

Just save the document to your files and then drag and drop onto the paper clip area OR select choose files which will open a box that shows your file directories and then go to the file and select it.

[Robalan]

Code-of-Conduct-Regulations-Nov-2021-draft.pdf

[Robalan]

I got it this far Chief can you work on it from here

[Chief Stipe]

1. NAME AND COMMENCEMENT

1.1 These regulations are the Code of Conduct Regulations made by the Board under the New Zealand Rules of Harness Racing and clause 14.4 of the Constitution of Harness Racing New Zealand Incorporated.

1.2 These regulations come into force at [a date to be agreed by the Board].

2. OBJECT AND PURPOSE

2.1 The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to:

2.1.1 Set a standard of conduct required by all participants in harness racing.

2.1.2 Ensure a clear understanding of what is expected and required in our conduct and behaviours to ensure a positive, healthy, supportive and professional working environment.

2.1.3 Protect our sport, our people, and our reputation.

2.1.4 Ensure participants conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, particularly in their engagement with other participants and with a board member, committee member 2 panellist, employee, or contractor of:

a. Harness Racing New Zealand.
b. The Racing Integrity Board.
c. TAB NZ.
d. Racing New Zealand.
e. Harness racing clubs.
f. Kindred Bodies.

2.2 Other obligations are imposed upon participants under the Rules and associated HRNZ regulations. This regulation complements those Rules and regulations. The Rules of Harness Racing at all times prevail.

3. INTERPRETATION

3.1 In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires: owner has the same meaning as provided in rule 105(1) of the Rules. participant— (a) means a person registered with HRNZ; and (b) includes (without limitation)—
(i) a trainer, driver, stablehand, or a person working at a harness training premises;
(ii) a breeder of standardbred horses;
(iii) an owner of a standardbred horse;
(iv) a person who otherwise deals with animals used for harness racing;
(v) a member of a Harness Racing Club or Kindred Body; and
(vi) any other person to whom Rules apply. Rules or Rules of Harness Racing means the New Zealand Rules of Harness Racing. social media includes social networking sites, video and photo sharing websites, micro-blogging sites, weblogs (including corporate or personal blogs or blogs hosted by media publications), forums and discussion boards, online encyclopedias, and any other websites that allow persons to use simple publishing tools.

4. COVERAGE

4.1 This code applies to all participants, employees of HRNZ and the members of the Board.

4.2 This code does not affect any other obligations imposed under the Rules or any other regulations.

5. GENERAL STANDARDS

5.1 Person to who this Code of Conduct applies must:

5.1.1 Maintain their competence in their field of expertise and to undertake continuing education and professional development.
5.1.2 Work within the limits of their knowledge, training, experience and expertise.
5.1.3 Provide ongoing education to cadets employed by them.
5.1.4 Act with care and diligence and perform their duties in a manner that protects the health and safety of themselves and others with whom they work.
5.1.5 To act with integrity in a responsible and trustworthy manner in their dealing with others.
5.1.6 Read, understand, keep up to date, comply, and uphold all applicable harness racing rules, regulations, directives, and orders.

6. PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES, PROHIBITED PRACTICES, MATCH FIXING, AND BETTING

6.1 All participants must abide by the applicable rules relating to prohibited substances and prohibited practices and ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure these rules are not contravened.

6.2 All participants must abide by the applicable rules relating to betting on harness races.

6.3 All persons to whom this code applies must comply with the TAB-NZ Betting Rules.

6.4 All persons to whom this code applies must not engage in race fixing or misuse inside information relating to racing.

7. INTERACTION WITH OTHERS

7.1 Persons to whom this code applies must:

7.1.1 Recognise their interactions with others involved in harness racing must be appropriate. They must respect the privacy of others and not take advantage of a relationship they have with another.
7.1.2 Treat everyone with respect, courtesy and without harassment or unlawful discrimination.
7.1.3 Take all reasonable steps to eliminate any forms of unlawful discrimination and any physical, verbal or emotional bullying or abuse by or of others.
7.1.4 Maintain confidentiality of personal information and confidential information, whether received verbally, in writing or otherwise.
7.1.5 Act with freedom from prejudice or malice in dealing with participants, the Racing Integrity Board, and HRNZ.

8. REPUTATION

8.1 Persons to whom this code applies must behave in a way that enhances and supports the good reputation of harness racing and does not bring harness racing into disrepute.

8.2 When making public statements or using social media related to harness racing, participants should provide informed and factually accurate information and ensure that any commentary or opinion does not cause damage to the reputation of harness racing and does not breach the Rules of Harness Racing.

9. DISCLOSURES

9.1 Participants may use The Protected Disclosures Act 2000 that provides a safe opportunity for participants to raise concerns about inappropriate actions

10. BREACHES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

10.1 All persons to whom this Code applies have an obligation to report any behaviour or conduct which may be in breach of this Code. Failure to do so is, in itself, a breach of this Code.

10.2 A breach of the code of conduct must be reported to HRNZ.

10.3 In determining whether or not to take any action in relation to any statement HRNZ must take into account the persons right of freedom of expression and whether the conduct was proportionate to any lawful aim being pursued and whether it is supported by appropriate reasons.

10.4 HRNZ may direct, without limitation, one or more the following:

10.4.1 No action be taken.
10.4.2 A requirement that the person attend a meeting at HRNZ with management.
10.4.3 A record be placed on the person’s disciplinary record.
10.4.4 A referral to the Racing Integrity Board for consideration of laying charges under the Rules.
10.4.5 A requirement to attend a meeting with the HRNZ Licensing Panel for review of license status.
10.4.6 A recommendation to the Board that it reviews the participant’s license under Rule 324.

[Chief Stipe]

Pretty tame really.  Vague in parts.  Any draconian penalties would be difficult to enforce.  For example the following clause is vague, open to interpretation and thus difficult to enforce.  Ultimately it will end up with the RIB to adjudicate over.

4 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

8. REPUTATION

8.1 Persons to whom this code applies must behave in a way that enhances and supports the good reputation of harness racing and does not bring harness racing into disrepute.

8.2 When making public statements or using social media related to harness racing, participants should provide informed and factually accurate information and ensure that any commentary or opinion does not cause damage to the reputation of harness racing and does not breach the Rules of Harness Racing.

 

How do you measure the "damage to the reputation of harness racing"?  Does that mean when the administrators themselves display incompetence any owner can lodge a complaint with HRNZ because it breaches the Code of Conduct?

 

[Robalan]

In my opinion everything in this code of conduct is already coved by the rules of Harness Racing. Is it really possible to stop people posting or discussing negative opinions, Surely the only way to make progress is to act on negative discussion and correct issues which have resulted in negative opinions. If a persons opinion is not based on facts then surely it is possible to point out where a person is incorrect by stating the full facts

[Chief Stipe]

10 minutes ago, Robalan said:

In my opinion everything in this code of conduct is already coved by the rules of Harness Racing. Is it really possible to stop people posting or discussing negative opinions, Surely the only way to make progress is to act on negative discussion and correct issues which have resulted in negative opinions. If a persons opinion is not based on facts then surely it is possible to point out where a person is incorrect by stating the full facts

It's not worth worrying about in my opinion and as you say most of it is in the rules already.  Much of it is vague and immeasurable and therefore enforcing the intent (whatever that is) would be problematic.

If you applied the broad brush of this Code of Conduct to the administrators themselves then many would fail on the following clauses:

49 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

5.1.1 Maintain their competence in their field of expertise and to undertake continuing education and professional development.
5.1.2 Work within the limits of their knowledge, training, experience and expertise.