CODE OF CONDUCT

The following are the rules and regulations that each and every member of the band is expected to abide and help enforce while representing the band thus honouring the good name of Sean McIlvenná with dignity and with respect for his memory and for the McIlvenná family.

1. All band members must act in a responsible and dignified manner when representing the band at parades, social functions or whenever asked to do so.

2. All band members must look after any band equipment given to them, i.e. flutes, drums, uniforms, flags etc. The band reserves the right to use any equipment, regardless of who it belongs to, as they see fit. All equipment possessed by any member must be signed for abiding that member, should they leave the band or are asked to leave for whatever reason, to return all equipment in their possession.

3. All band members must attend where possible on a regular basis the following. Band practice, social functions, parades and trips to parades out with this country. Should any band member be unable to attend on any occasion then they must notify the band secretary that they will be unable to attend a specific event whether it be practice, parades or otherwise. Failure to regularly attend any of the aforementioned on a regular basis will result in disciplinary actions being taken.

4. Trips to Ireland will be notified well in advance with closing dates for names and for money to be paid issued. In the event of a cancellation, unless able to find suitable replacement, no refund can be given. It will be at the band's discretion what actions require to be taken if payment is not made by the agreed dates.

5. It is each member's responsibility to contact the band secretary to obtain information on band matters on a weekly basis to ensure that they are fully informed on what is happening and what is required of them for any upcoming matters.

6. When representing the band in uniform if it is each member's responsibility to ensure that they are in full uniform and in possession of their designated equipment from flutes to flags. Failure to turn up in full uniform may result in disciplinary action being taken. Full uniform is black trousers gold stripe, black shoes/boots, non-white socks (preferably black), Band Jumper, band shirt and white round neck t-shirt, (Drummers and colour party white gloves).

7. All band members must not drink when in band uniform before a band parade and must be out of band uniform within 1 hour of a parade. Drinking will be at the band sergeant's discretion at functions.

8. When in attendance at band events the band sergeant is responsible for discipline and conduct and will have the final say on matters arising at such occasions and each member will be obliged to follow the band sergeant's guidance. It is also the band sergeant's remit in the first instance to enforce any band rules that may apply, depending on the situation, which must be strictly adhered to. Failure to do so by any member may result in disciplinary action.

9. All band members must act in a reasonable manner when in digs and respect the person's home at which they abide. Failure to act in this way could end up with the band not being welcome back to the area and will only blacken the name of the band. Any members found to be in breach of this rule will face the strictest disciplinary action and could face being dismissed from the band.

10. Drugs in the band will not be tolerated at functions, practice or parades. Any member found to be under the influence of drugs or excessive alcohol consumption will not be permitted to represent the band and may face disciplinary action as a result.

11. Each band member is required to pay weekly dues to the band. This is to help with the upkeep of existing and purchase of new instruments, transport and other matters in general. The current weekly dues are £1 for adults and 50 pence for under-16s but are subject to change at the band's AGM. The dues are payable at band practice each week whether in attendance or not as dues are backdated. Dues can be paid in advance also.

12. Should any member leave or be dismissed from the band they will be unequivocally required to promptly settle all monies that they owe to the band or face further action being taken.

13. All band members have the right to see the band's accounts at any time and their requested will be duly obliged where possible. Out with special requests, the band account book will be at band practice every 4 weeks for perusal.

14. It is the responsibility of each member to ensure that the contact information held by the band secretary is accurate at all times.

15. A disciplinary meeting will be held on a monthly basis where all general disciplinary matters will be held. Anyone who is to be disciplined will receive written notification that they have to attend this meeting that will be held out with band practice. Anyone who is unable to attend the disciplinary meeting can provide a written response. Anyone being disciplined has the right to seek representation at the disciplinary meeting with the band representative who will be able to assist where required. All disciplinary action can be appealed however; failure of any appeal could result in a more severe punishment being applied. Any appeals must be lodged in writing with the band's committee within 7 days of receipt of written notification of the action taken against them. A special disciplinary meeting may be called at the committee's discretion should a serious breach of conduct arise. Disciplinary action can take the form of fines, suspensions or dismissal.

16. The band's AGM will take place at a date to be notified in writing. Each member will be given at least 28 days notice of this meeting. This allows the opportunity to any issues or changes to the code of conduct that a member has to be submitted to the current committee for inclusion in the meeting's agenda. The band committee will be elected at this meeting. Any issues not submitted within 7 days of the date for the AGM in writing to the current committee cannot be accepted.

17. Any band member seeking clarification on the above or assistance with any other matters arising at any time should in the first instance discuss the matter with the nominated band representative in the strictest confidence. The band rep. can at your request raise any issues anonymously with the committee. The band rep. will then revert to you and if the matter is still not resolved a meeting with the committee can be arranged and will be held in the strictest confidence.

Sign member -------------------------- Date -----/-----/--------

Sign Commitee Member -------------------------- Date -----/-----/--------

It is hoped that in accordance with the above, if every band member abides by the Code of Conduct, then the band will run efficiently and with minimal, if any problems thus benefiting all members. This will help the band achieve its goals of honouring the name of Sean and the McIlvenná family with the dignity and respect they deserve. Compliance will also ensure that the band becomes one of the biggest and best as well as one of the most popular and well-respected Republican Flute Bands throughout the Republican movement for the way we conduct ourselves and for our efforts in supporting the Republican movement.