As falconry can be scrutinised by the anti fieldsport types,and to protect our sport from those less than honest, there are now guidelines for club members



Cleveland hawking club code of conduct 2004


This Code sets out the general standards of the Cleveland hawking Club which members are expected to observe. Members are of course, required to observe the Club's rules. The Code is used by the Director as a guideline in assessing any questions of "bringing falconry into disrepute" under the Club Rules:

1.Falconry is the sport of hunting quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of trained hawks. The first duty of all members is to respect and uphold this standard.

2. Members must always endeavor to promote the welfare and survival of hawks in the wild state taking into account all environmental issues.

3. Members are under an obligation to observe the laws and customs of the United Kingdom and of foreign countries with regard to the taking, import and export of hawks, the taking of quarry species and the right of access to land in the country concerned. Any member found guilty in a court of law of any such offence will automatically be subject to investigation by a disciplinary committee convened under the Club Rules. The Council will also regard any complaints of attempting to supplant permission or hawking on land without permission as conduct meriting investigation under the Club Rules.

4.A Member must uphold the highest standards of welfare, housing and feeding hawks. The welfare of a hawk must over-ride any other considerations.

5. A Member should not train a hawk unless he or she can fly it at suitable quarry. A Member should not try to train a difficult type of hawk if he/she has not got the general experience and knowledge to handle it.

6. Unwise publicity can bring falconry into disrepute and may embarrass the Club's relations with welfare and protectionist organizations. Only Members with considerable experience should attempt to provide material for publishing, take part in films or plays, give lectures and instruction or give displays. They should ensure that their actions comply with the standards of the Club. The Hawk Board and the Countryside Alliance guidelines on public displays (flying and static) should be studied carefully. Interviews with the press, television and broadcasting can be seriously distorted on publication. Members should consult the club Directors before committing themselves.

7. A Member, who faces accusation in a Court of Law, of an offence connected with birds or falconry, must report the matter to the Directors. His or her membership of the Club may be suspended at the discretion of the directors until legal proceedings are concluded.

8. A Member who has reason to believe that another Member is in breach of the Code or of the Rules, shall remonstrate with him, and if necessary, report the matter (in confidence if he wishes) to the Directors. If he does not do so, he himself is in breach of the Code.

9. If the Directors have any reason to believe that a Member of the Club shall have offended
against the Code of Conduct, or that the conduct of such a member could “bring falconry into disrepute”, The offending member is liable to expulsion from the club.

9(a) In all cases though, a disciplinary committee shall give the offending member(s).
an opportunity to explain or justify his or her conduct.

10.Once a committee has considered the matter, it shall make its recommendations as to the disciplinary action to be taken against the Member concerned. The committee, on a majority decision may expel the Member concerned from the Club. Anyone so expelled may not re-apply for membership for at least three years.

10(a) Any Member who refuses to attend a Disciplinary Committee with due notices given, shall also render themselves liable to expulsion from the Club.