Treat everyone with dignity, fairness and courtesy. Discrimination, bullying, harassment and intimidation are not tolerated. Discuss differences respectfully and help every young member feel included and equally valued.

Bird welfare always comes first. Maintain high standards of housing, feeding, hygiene, equipment and daily care. Handle and fly birds within your abilities, with appropriate guidance. Follow applicable laws, registration requirements, permit conditions and current disease-control restrictions. Seek experienced or veterinary advice when needed.

Prioritise young people’s safety and wellbeing. Adults must maintain appropriate boundaries, provide supportive guidance and follow BYFA safeguarding arrangements, including online communication. Never pressure a young person into an activity they feel unsafe undertaking. Report concerns promptly to the person responsible for safeguarding, and obtain appropriate consent before sharing images or personal information.

Respect wild birds, habitats, livestock, landowners and the countryside. Obtain permission to use land and promote responsible fieldcraft. Illegal egg collection, persecution, trapping or taking of wild birds will not be tolerated.

Follow organisers’ instructions, risk assessments and welfare requirements. Birds must be fit to participate, appropriately equipped and safely managed and transported. Provide suitable supervision for young people. Do not handle birds while affected by substances that impair judgement. Report accidents, near misses and welfare concerns promptly.

Act with honesty, courtesy and respect, both in person and online. Do not bully, shame, threaten or share private information. Obtain authorisation before speaking on behalf of BYFA or using its name or logo to imply official endorsement. Celebrate progress and everyone’s contribution.

Raise concerns with the BYFA leadership team. Safeguarding and serious welfare concerns must be reported promptly. Complaints should be considered fairly and sensitively, without disadvantaging anyone who reports a concern in good faith. Breaches may lead to warnings, participation restrictions, suspension or termination of membership, with immediate protective action where needed and a fair opportunity to respond.

Respect falconry’s heritage, share knowledge generously and ask for help when needed. Encourage learning at each young person’s pace, without favouritism or unfair comparison. Value young people, families, mentors, volunteers and supporters.