MSC Members’ Code of Ethics
Starting with Self Proficiency: We are practitioners of sports that by their very nature are performed in remote locations. There is a risk of accidents. Cognisant of these two factors we must conduct ourselves, train for and strive to maintain a high level of self-proficiency. This relates to personal injury and objective dangers. Parties and individuals need to communicate and mitigate hazards, not only for ourselves, but respectfully to other participants in the field. Actions of individuals must not endanger those around them or the environment.
One for all: Team spirit means making compromises for varied ability levels within your party. Any outing in the mountains can be a meaningful and encouraging experience as long as each member supports and encourages each other.
Collective Respect: Every person on a mountain side, in a hut, or road head is deserving of respect. Even in remote and stressful situations, we must treat each other as we’d expect to be treated ourselves.
Emergency Management: We must be prepared for emergencies and incidents that could lead to serious injury and even death. All participants should clearly understand the risks and hazards that they are entering into in this grand alpine theatre. That understanding extends to the comprehensive skills required to manage emergencies and operate safety equipment, including preventative measures. The willingness to help and assist people in an emergency, and readyness to face the consequences of tragedy. Always prepared to sacrifice an objective to assist others in distress.
Recognition & Respect of Traditional Lands: As members of the MSC, of many origins as we are, speak with one voice in acknowledging and pay respect to the Indigenous Australians who are the first people of this land and acknowledge the people of the Dhuduroa, Jaitmathang, Taungurong, Gunai/kurnai, and Ngarigo nations as the original custodians of the lands in which we meet and travel. We acknowledge that European colonisation brought about immense changes to the land and Indigenous people resulting in loss of land, culture, family, health and sovereignty. We acknowledge that for over two hundred years Indigenous people have survived European colonisation. MSC will continue to publicly acknowledge and support significant cultural dates, commemorative events and sites of cultural significance. We support the rights of all Indigenous people as outlined in the Draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. We acknowledge that Aboriginal people bestow the mountain communities with significant cultural, social, economic and spiritual contributions that are crucial to the character and nature of the Alpine National Park.
When Abroad: We recognise ourselves as guests in foreign countries. We respect and show open consideration for the local people and practices including alpine safety measures. Conducting ourselves in a way that is polite and mindful of faith (sacred places and holy mountains), and socio-economic challenges (always endeavour to benefit local economies) and established cultural practises.
Access & Conservation: As members of the MSC we believe that the freedom and access to our mountains is a fundamental human right. In recognition of this we strive to do so in a responsible manner at all times and show leadership of this consideration. We are proactive in the preservation of nature and the landscape. We must respect access restrictions and leave no trace in any viable form beyond footprints and ski / skin trails.
Support the purposes of the association:
A. The encouragement and practice of mountain sport / pursuits (on public domain, primarily National Parks) and the promotion of these skills through participation in the activities of the Association.
B. Promotion of safety, risk management and prevention of mountain incidents.
C.The education of the Australian community in appreciation of alpine / mountain activities, safety and conservation of the mountain environment.
D. Promoting and securing accessibility to participate in alpine activities for all members of the public, including reducing barriers to participation.
E. The exploration of mountain regions, the promotion of scientific study there, primarily in Australia, but also in other countries possessing mountain ranges.
F. The preservation of the natural beauty of Australia's mountain environments. Sharing of information for safety, and general knowledge concerning mountains and mountain sports / pursuits, through meetings, publications and resources.
G. The exchange of information of educational or scientific value, information about equipment and techniques and any other matters of interest, Collaborating with other alpine clubs, and organizations, companies and individuals having the same or similar objects or related objects in the mountain environment, throughout the world.
H. Undertake and or do all such things or activities which are necessary, incidental or conducive to the advancement of these Objects.