Code of Conduct Manual

Welcome

At Break the Boundary, we're committed to creating safe, inclusive and enjoyable outdoor adventures for people of all abilities.

Whether you're a participant, volunteer, clinician, support rider, family member or visitor, we ask everyone to contribute to a positive environment where people feel welcome, respected and supported.

By attending a Break the Boundary activity, you agree to follow this Code of Conduct.

Respect Others

Please:

  • Treat everyone with kindness, courtesy and respect.

  • Support an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination or intimidation.

  • Respect individual differences, abilities and personal boundaries.

  • Be patient and encouraging.

  • Raise concerns respectfully through the appropriate channels.

We have zero tolerance for abusive or threatening behaviour.

Follow Instructions

Our volunteers and activity leaders are responsible for everyone's safety.

Please:

  • Follow instructions given by activity leaders and volunteers.

  • Ride or participate within your own ability.

  • Ask questions if you're unsure.

  • Respect decisions made for safety reasons.

If an activity leader decides conditions are unsafe or an activity needs to change, their decision is final.

Help Keep Everyone Safe

Safety is everyone's responsibility.

Please:

  • Wear any required safety equipment.

  • Tell a leader if you become injured or unwell.

  • Report hazards, incidents or near misses.

  • Never pressure another participant to attempt something they are uncomfortable with.

  • Respect trail closures and access restrictions.

Respect Our Equipment

Much of our adaptive equipment has been purchased through grants, fundraising and generous community support.

Please:

  • Use equipment responsibly.

  • Follow operating instructions.

  • Report any damage immediately.

  • Do not modify equipment without approval.

  • Help us care for our equipment so others can enjoy it too.

Respect the Environment

We are privileged to access beautiful parks and trails.

Please:

  • Stay on designated trails where directed.

  • Respect wildlife and vegetation.

  • Leave no rubbish behind.

  • Respect other trail users.

  • Help us protect the places we enjoy.

Drugs and Alcohol

Participants, volunteers and support riders must not participate while impaired by alcohol or illicit drugs.

If you take medication that may affect your ability to participate safely, please discuss this with our clinicians at your initial induction session or with an activity leader before the activity.

Photography and Privacy

We love sharing the achievements of our community.

Please:

  • Respect the privacy of others.

  • Ask permission before sharing identifiable images of another person.

  • Respect anyone who has chosen not to be photographed.

If Something Goes Wrong

If you witness unsafe behaviour, have concerns about someone's welfare or experience behaviour that doesn't align with this Code, please let an activity leader or committee member know as soon as possible.

We encourage concerns to be raised early so they can be addressed respectfully and fairly.

Failure to Follow this Code

Where appropriate, Break the Boundary may:

  • provide education or guidance;

  • ask a person to modify their behaviour;

  • ask someone to leave an activity;

  • suspend participation;

  • suspend or terminate membership; or

  • report matters to relevant authorities.

Our response will always be proportionate to the circumstances.

Thank You

Thank you for helping us create a safe, welcoming and inclusive community where everyone can enjoy the outdoors.

Insurance & Personal Responsibility

Keeping Everyone Safe

Break the Boundary works hard to provide well-planned, inclusive and enjoyable outdoor experiences. We maintain organisational insurance and implement risk management practices to support the safety of participants, volunteers and the wider community.

Outdoor recreation, however, always involves some level of inherent risk.

Every participant also has an important role to play in managing their own safety.

What Break the Boundary Does

Break the Boundary:

  • maintains appropriate organisational insurance;

  • plans activities and manages foreseeable risks;

  • provides trained volunteers and activity leaders;

  • maintains and inspects organisational equipment;

  • carries emergency communication equipment where appropriate;

  • develops emergency response procedures; and

  • continually reviews incidents and near misses to improve safety.

Your Responsibilities

Participants are responsible for:

  • deciding whether an activity is appropriate for them;

  • ensuring they are medically fit to participate;

  • providing accurate medical information where requested;

  • following instructions from activity leaders;

  • using equipment responsibly;

  • wearing required safety equipment;

  • informing leaders if they become unwell or injured during an activity; and

  • taking reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others.

Personal Insurance

Break the Boundary's insurance is designed to protect the organisation and its volunteers against certain legal liabilities.

It is not personal accident insurance.

We encourage participants to consider whether they wish to obtain their own insurance, such as:

  • Personal Accident Insurance

  • Income Protection Insurance

  • Private Health Insurance

  • Ambulance Cover

  • Insurance for personal equipment or mobility devices

Everyone's circumstances are different, and participants should obtain independent advice if they are unsure what insurance is appropriate for them.

Medical Conditions

Participants are responsible for informing Break the Boundary of any medical condition that may affect their safe participation.

If your health changes, please let us know before attending another activity.

Providing accurate information helps our volunteers support you safely.

Equipment

Break the Boundary maintains its own equipment to a high standard.

Participants remain responsible for:

  • caring for any personal equipment they bring;

  • ensuring personal equipment is appropriate and in safe working order; and

  • reporting any concerns regarding organisational equipment immediately.

Outdoor Environments

Our activities take place in natural environments where conditions can change quickly.

Hazards may include:

  • uneven terrain;

  • steep descents and climbs;

  • changing weather;

  • wildlife;

  • fallen trees and obstacles;

  • remote locations; and

  • other trail users.

While we work to manage these risks wherever reasonably practicable, they cannot be eliminated entirely.

Working Together

The safest activities occur when everyone works together.

By following instructions, communicating openly and supporting one another, we help create enjoyable experiences for everyone.

Thank you for helping Break the Boundary provide safe, inclusive and adventurous opportunities for our community.

Their attention to detail and commitment to quality truly stood out. We’ve already recommended them to others.

—Former Customer