(we've got each other's back)

PHAT Code of Ethics and Safety

• Bring enough water and fuel for yourself for the time expected plus a bit in case of the "what if" situation.

• Carry your mobile phone, charged, with the other PHATties' numbers stored.

• You are the one most responsible for passing on the route information to the person behind you. That is, if there is a junction/turn, you likely need to wait there until you see the person behind you sight you. This is the case unless it is 100% clear that the route is so familiar it could essentially be run blindfolded.

• Pride has no place when it comes to trail running with the group (except in secret racing!). Whilst you should do everything to be prepared for the run, it happens that fuel is forgotten, water bladders weren't topped up, or blisters form. Before an issue becomes any worse, you need to let your trailmates know. They should respect your honesty and be glad you're addressing a 'small' issue before it's a potentially big one (of course, you may be subject to some small amount of friendly abuse!)

• Things that some of us carry and encourage others to carry (in addition to water, fuel, and mobile): a credit card, emergency cash, a space blanket, a whistle, blister patches, sunscreen, a compass, maps of the area (e.g., Bibbulmun track and Munda Biddi track), electrolytes, a headlamp, spare batteries, a compression bandage, small container of bug spray, a flint, a pocket knife, anti-chafe cream, gloves for rainy winter days.

• If you lose sight of the group and get concerned you are lost, it's probably better to stand still where you are and spend 2 minutes taking stock. Try to call another Phattie by phone. Look at the sun, which is in the north and tracks from east to west. Were you running into the sun, along with the sun at your side? Does that information fit with anything you know about the run you were on and the direction you should have been travelling?

• A good long "cooooeeee" often travels better than the sound of a whistle and gives a sense of direction (cup your hands on your mouth) when trying to locate another runner in the bush. It's worked for us!

• A GPS device like a Garmin can be so much more than a calorie counter. Ask other Phatties how to use your map function and "back-to-start" function and the "course" function if you don't know how. It will be energy well spent to learn to understand these tools. You'll have a lot more comfort and be more safe out there.