CODE OF CONDUCT
Langport Runners are now well known and recognisable. It is therefore
essential that, whilst out running as a club, we are seen to be polite, responsible,
and set a good example to others. The following advice should enable us to do this,
but also be as SAFE as possible! Although we have captains and leaders, if we all
take responsibility both for ourselves and for those we are with, we should enjoy
safe and happy runs!!
AT ALL TIMES (DAY OR NIGHT):
BE SEEN! You can never be too visible!
During the day, if running on the road, always wear bright or light-coloured/ clothing
- fluorescent is good.
At night, ALWAYS wear light-coloured clothing plus a REFLECTIVE (not just fluorescent)
bib or sash - a small wristband is inadequate. Wearing dark colours at night is
asking for trouble!
NEVER ASSUME YOU'VE BEEN SEEN - Always be cautious with traffic
ALWAYS FACE ONCOMING TRAFFIC (i.e. run on the right-hand side of the road) if there
is no pavement. The only exception is right-hand bends - in this case, cross over
well beforehand, and cross back afterwards. This way, you can always see what's
coming and take evasive action if necessary.
BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER ROAD/PAVEMENT USERS!
- do NOT force pedestrians into the road - do NOT step off the pavement without checking
behind - cyclists do not make a noise!
- NEVER run across the road in front of cars!
- just BE AWARE generally!
BE AWARE OF OTHER HAZARDS
whilst out and about- avoid running up to or spooking jumpy livestock - SLOW
DOWN or WALK!
- if running through long grass where livestock have been, always check for ticks
when you get home. If you get a tick bite followed by a red ring round the bite,
or start getting flu-like symptoms, see your doctor ASAP - Lyme's disease can be
serious!
- if you have to climb over gates, always climb over at the hinged end. Climbing
over the latch end puts pressure on the gate and causes it to drop.
RUNNING AT NIGHT:
BE SEEN!! ALWAYS wear a REFLECTIVE bib or sash - See previous page - this cannot
be emphasised enough! The club will not take any responsibility for you if you run
in the dark without wearing something reflective.
ALWAYS RUN WITH SOMEONE ELSE, preferably someone/a group of similar pace and ability
BEFORE SETTING OUT:
- know who's in your group, who's leading, who's at the back
- know your route, and stick to it
- know the distance, and make sure you are up to it
- make sure someone else knows where your group is going
- be aware of conditions, e.g. freezing temperatures, icy/slippery pavements,
etc
IF LEAVING STREET-LIT AREAS, ALWAYS TAKE A TORCH!
- It helps drivers/other people see you
- If you cannot see where you are putting your feet in the dark, SLOW DOWN OR
WALK!
WHILE YOU ARE OUT…
- stick with your group and try to ensure the group stays together
- if you have to depart from the group for any reason, avoid going alone, and
make sure you tell someone else in the group where you are going.
JUNIORS (i.e. those under 18 years of age)
Before you can start running with the club, you must produce a Consent Form signed
by a parent or guardian. If you do not have one, ask Steve Brown or a member of
the Running Club Committee - this form must be signed before you can run with the
club.
REFER TO THE HIGHWAY CODE FOR MORE
INFORMATION ON ROAD SAFETY!!
