How do I create a simple code of conduct for a hobby club?

Keep it brief and specific to how your club meets. A useful outline covers three things: respectful participation, what members can do when there is a disagreement, and how to raise a concern. Avoid vague rules like “be nice” on their own; give examples members can recognize.

For instance, a club might ask members to let others finish speaking and avoid personal attacks. The Library of Congress uses examples such as name-calling, abusive or threatening content, harassment, and personal attacks in its own online-forum policy; those are examples to consider, not rules that automatically govern your club. [S1]

You could open with: “This code applies during [club meetings and activities]. We want members to be able to take part respectfully, even when they disagree.” Replace the bracketed setting with your club’s actual activities.

Describe actions rather than labeling people. Use calm, direct wording and say what members should do as well as what is not acceptable. For example:

“Share the conversation. Give others room to speak, and respond to their ideas without insults or personal attacks.”

“Disagree with the idea, not the person. If a discussion gets heated, pause and return to it later or ask [club contact] for help.”

These are draft suggestions, not claims that one approach will resolve every disagreement. Adapt them to your format: a tabletop group, craft circle, and online club may need different examples. Ask a few members whether each sentence is understandable and whether they can picture what it asks them to do.

Give members a clear first step: identify a person or role they can approach, and offer another route if that person is involved or unavailable. Use placeholders until the club chooses its contacts—for example, “[club coordinator]” and “[another organizer].” State how to reach those roles using a club-approved method; don’t put someone’s private details in a public document.

A sample: “If something at a club activity concerns you, tell [club contact]. If that person is involved or you would rather speak to someone else, contact [alternate role]. You may also ask an organizer for help working out a next step.”

The National Park Service manual describes reporting options for its own volunteers, including a supervisor or another agency official, and encourages reporting certain concerning behavior. Those agency-specific channels are not a universal procedure for hobby clubs. [S2] Your club should decide its own suitable contacts and process. Don’t promise secrecy, an investigation, or a particular result unless the club has actually established and can support that commitment.

Here is a copyable starting point. Assume, just for this example, that the club meets in person and has a coordinator; change those details to match your group.

“Our club conduct

This code applies at [meetings, events, and club spaces]. We aim to make participation respectful and welcoming.

1. Let others take part. Listen, share time, and address ideas without insults or personal attacks.
2. Disagree respectfully. If a conversation becomes difficult, pause or ask [club contact] for help.
3. Raise concerns with [club contact]. If that person is involved or unavailable, contact [alternate role].

Members can suggest edits to [club review method]. The club will review this code [review timing].”

Before adopting it, ask: Does it cover the situations our group actually faces? Are the examples understandable? Do the named contacts agree to the role? Is the review method practical? Revise unclear or unrealistic parts, then share the agreed version somewhere members can find it. This outline does not specify a formal investigation or disciplinary process; if your club needs one, decide and document it separately.