1. OVERVIEW

The Astronomical Society of Victoria (ASV) aims to provide enjoyment of amateur astronomy, by ASV members and by the public. The ASV therefore has a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviour, both among members and towards the public. As a good corporate citizen, the ASV will conform to all regulations for the safety of its members and of the public. This Code of Conduct is divided into sections, covering management of the ASV, representation of the ASV, and behaviour at ASV events and in ASV social media.

2. MANAGEMENT OF THE ASV

The ASV is managed according to its Rules by an elected Committee, and by the persons it has delegated from time to time. Fiscal, business and professional conduct is regulated by these Rules. Managers of the ASV must be fully aware of the ASV Rules and of this Code of Conduct. Conflicts of interest must be reported and recorded. The ASV intends its meetings and events to be welcoming, friendly and accessible. Complaints or suggestions should be willingly received through easily accessed channels. The ASV should provide and publicise at least one such channel for reporting inappropriate behaviour, for example, by clicking on a web form, or telephoning or writing to the President or Secretary. Each such report should be automatically sent to more than one ASV officer. The ASV protects the privacy of its members. Members may freely access and make corrections to all of their personal information held by the ASV. The ASV will not release the private details of its members, including their email address, postal address or phone number to individuals or for marketing or broadcast purposes. 

3. REPRESENTATION OF THE ASV

The ASV is a respected century-old organisation and is proud of its earned reputation with its members, other Astronomical Societies, the media and the wider community.

All representation of the ASV, or of its members acting as such, must be approved by the Committee. Persons representing the ASV should identify themselves in that context. At any event where the ASV interacts with the public there should be at least two identifiable ASV representatives.

Care should be taken not to present incorrect or inaccurate information when representing ASV. Copyright of photographs, pictures, text or information must be respected. Plagiarism is not acceptable unless the source is properly identified.

ASV officers and members who approach, or deal with, under-18s in any way must carry a valid Working With Children card and be fully aware of the Child Safety Standards.

4. BEHAVIOUR AT ASV EVENTS AND IN SOCIAL MEDIA

ASV members are expected to conduct themselves in a dignified and appropriate manner. Inappropriate behaviour at an ASV event, or on the ASV website or related social media, should be reported through the channels provided. Inappropriate behaviour includes:

• Racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or bigoted comments
• Sexual advances or harassment
• Repeated personal harassment, including verbal or physical abuse, bullying, threatening behaviour, insults
• Offensive or obscene language
• Intolerance of a person’s religion, politics, or opinions
• Behaving in a way that disturbs the enjoyment of other people, such as loud phone conversations or music or displaying white lights at events held in darkness
• Drunken behaviour, or leaving alcohol and related litter visible at events
• Any actions deemed to be intentionally hurtful, harmful, threatening or inappropriate.

https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/childsafe-standards/the-11-child-safe-standards.

The ASV will enforce the right for all ASV members to enjoy their club in environments that are safe and without risk to health, violence or aggression. Persons behaving inappropriately at any ASV event will be asked to leave the event, forfeiting any admittance fees. A similar policy applies to ASV social media

In addition, to adhering to this Code of Conduct, ASV members should also conform to any Code of Conduct of the venue of a location or an event (or of a social medium). Venue security and staff, and social media moderators, should be treated with respect. Members are expected to conform to the instructions of the ASV Committee, and of its delegated representatives

Breaches of this Code of Conduct may lead to disciplinary action, as provided by the ASV Rules.