Code of Conduct

Draft as of 2/20/2023

The Pittsburgh Pharaoh Hounds Running Club is dedicated to providing a friendly practice space and events that promote the running community in Allegheny County. The club welcomes a wide variety of fitness levels from curious newcomers to advanced competitors.

This Code of Conduct sets forth the shared principles of decency we expect all club members, visitors, and affiliates to follow so that everyone may participate and achieve their running goals in a safe, fun environment.  

As a member or guest of the Pittsburgh Pharaoh Hounds, you agree to the following rules:

1. Show personal respect to your fellow club members, visitors, and affiliates at all times.

2. Never harass or bully other club members, visitors, and affiliates. This ban includes all unwelcome or inappropriate actions that harm a person’s physical, sexual, or psychological well-being.

3. Never make discriminatory or derogatory comments to club members based on age, disability, ethnicity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or body shape or size.

4. Do not engage in any illegal or illicit activities at any Pittsburgh Pharaoh Hounds practice or event.

5. Practice safe running etiquette at the track and out in the community. Follow all rules of the road. Respect pedestrians, cyclists, cars, and other road users. Check in with the other runners in your group, and do not leave them behind without asking.

6. Report violations of the Pharaoh Hounds Code of Conduct policy to the club’s SafeSport Coordinator in writing via email.

Reported violations of this Code of Conduct will be presented by the SafeSport Coordinator to members of the elected Club Officers, who shall investigate the circumstances of the allegations and decide on appropriate response. This response may include, but are not limited to, a verbal warning, a written warning, referral of the matter to proper law enforcement, and temporary or permanent exclusion from Pittsburgh Pharaoh Hounds practices or events.

As a USATF-sanctioned club, the Pittsburgh Pharaoh Hounds adhere to the policies and procedures of USATF and SafeSport to make the club a safe space for its members.

A list of USATF policies and procedures are listed here: https://www.usatf.org/governance/policies 

SafeSport aims to prevent sexual misconduct and abuse, bullying, hazing, harassment, physical abuse, and emotional abuse in the sports of LDR, race walking, and track and field. The goal of SafeSport is to create a clear culture of awareness to protect the participants in sports at all levels. The SafeSport handbook can be viewed here: https://www.usatf.org/safe-sport/usatf-safe-sport-handbook