As a club, we strive to create an atmosphere where everyone can feel welcome and accepted.

As part of our commitment to this ideal, we developed a Code of Conduct that establishes basic expectations of behavior and provides a way to address a problem should it occur.

​When someone joins or renews their membership, they will be asked to read and agree to the Code of Conduct. We hope that as a representative of HOTV you will help foster a safe and welcoming environment during group runs, events, social functions, and on HOTV social media. Thank you!

HOTV Code of Conduct Policy

Heart of the Valley Runners (HOTV) is a diverse group of road and trail runners and walkers in and around Corvallis, Oregon. HOTV provides a supportive and inspiring community, hosts group runs, and hosts or assists with running events and programs. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive space where runners and walkers of all abilities feel welcome.
The Code of Conduct is created for the safety and benefit of HOTV members and guests. The purpose of this policy is to set forth the basic principles of decency we expect members to follow so that all can achieve their running goals in a safe and fun environment. ​
Each member is a representative of HOTV; be mindful of your actions in public places, at events, and during training runs, as they may reflect on, and have negative consequences for, HOTV as an organization.​
As an HOTV member, you agree to:
  • Show respect for your fellow club members at all times.
  • Foster a safe, comfortable, and welcoming club environment for members, guests, and others you may interact with.
  • Always look after other runners in your training group; if someone is struggling make sure they are not left on their own.
  • Always show respect and appreciation for the volunteers and organizers who give their time to help the club and/or event(s).
  • Always abide by race rules and engage in fair competition.
  • Respect pedestrians, cyclists, automobiles, and other road and trail users. Be aware of your surroundings and give way to others when necessary.
  • Respect private and public land and follow the rules. Pick up after yourself and your pet, and leash your pet when required.
  • Never yell, taunt, or threaten physical violence upon another member of the club, a volunteer or event spectator. (Members with a criminal history of violence or with a legal restraining order against them by another member may be barred from membership and participation in all club activities.)
  • Never use abusive or vulgar language or make slurs or derogatory comments at club events or on HOTV social media.
  • Never stalk, harass, or make unwanted sexual or physical contact with other members, including on HOTV social media. (Members found to be listed on a sex offender registry, convicted of a sex crime, or caught having, creating, or distributing child pornography may be barred from membership and all participation in club activities.)
  • Always report violations of the HOTV Code of Conduct to the Board in writing.
​All alleged violations of the Code of Conduct will be investigated by the HOTV Board. The Board will review the report and gather information by interviewing the involved parties and any witnesses to the alleged violation. ​The Board will then discuss the findings at the next scheduled Board meeting.
The Board, in its discretion and upon a majority vote, may fashion a remedy depending on the severity of the violation, including but not limited to a verbal warning, a written warning, referral of the matter to law enforcement, temporary or permanent exclusion from HOTV sponsored events, and termination of HOTV membership, without full or partial reimbursement of dues paid. ​
Any member faced with cancellation of HOTV membership or exclusion from HOTV events will have the opportunity to address the Board either in writing or in person before any such sanction is issued.
HOTV Code of Conduct Policy
File Size: 430 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File