Innerkip Minor Ball

Code of Conduct and Ethics

 

Definitions

1.      The following terms have these meanings in this Code:

a)       “Individuals” - Individuals employed by, or engaged in activities with, Innerkip Minor Ball including, but not limited to, athletes,  coaches,  convenors,  referees,  officials,  volunteers,  managers,  administrators,  committee  members, and directors and officers of Innerkip Minor Ball.

Purpose

2.      The purpose of this Code is to ensure a safe and positive environment (within Innerkip Minor Ball’s programs, activities, and events)  by  making  Individuals  aware  that  there  is  an  expectation,  at  all  times,  of  appropriate  behaviour  consistent  with Innerkip Minor Ball’s  core  values. Innerkip Minor Ball supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices and is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.

Application of this Code

3.      This Code applies to Individuals’ conduct during Innerkip Minor Ball’s business,  activities,  and  events  including,  but  not limited  to, competitions,  practices,  tryouts,  training  camps,  travel  associated  with Innerkip Minor Ball’s activities.

4.      An Individual who violates this Code may be subject to sanctions determined by Innerkip Minor Ball’s Executive.  In  addition  to  facing  possible  sanction, an Individual who violates this Code during a competition may be ejected from the competition or the playing area, the official may  delay  the  competition  until  the  Individual  complies  with  the  ejection,  and  the  Individual may  be  subject  to  any additional discipline associated with the particular competition.

5.      This Code also applies to Individuals’ conduct outside of Innerkip Minor Ball’s business, activities, and events when such conduct adversely affects relationships within Innerkip Minor Ball (and its work and sport environment) and is detrimental to the image and reputation of Innerkip Minor Ball. Such applicability will be determined by Innerkip Minor Ball at its sole discretion.

Responsibilities

6.      Individuals have a responsibility to:

a)      Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of Innerkip Minor Ball members and other individuals by:

                                       i.           Demonstrating  respect  to  individuals  regardless  of body  type,  physical  characteristics,  athletic  ability, age,  ancestry,  colour,  race,  citizenship,  ethnic  origin,  place  of  origin,  creed,  disability,  family  status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, sex, and sexual orientation

                                      ii.           Focusing  comments  or  criticism  appropriately  and  avoiding  public  criticism  of  athletes,  coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees, or members

                                    iii.           Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership, and ethical conduct

                                    iv.           Acting, when appropriate, to correct or prevent practices that are unjustly discriminatory

                                      v.           Consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably

                                    vi.           Ensuring adherence to the rules of the sport and the spirit of those rules

 

b)      Refrain  from any  behaviour  that  constitutes harassment,  where  harassment  is  defined  as  comment  or  conduct directed towards an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading, or malicious. Types of behaviour that constitute harassment include, but are not limited to:

                                       i.           Written or verbal abuse, threats, or outbursts

                                      ii.           The  display  of  visual  material  which  is  offensive  or  which  a  reasonable  person  ought  to  know is offensive in the circumstances

                                    iii.           Unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo, or taunts

                                    iv.           Leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures

                                      v.           Condescending   or   patronizing   behaviour   which  is   intended   to   undermine  self-esteem,   diminish performance or adversely affect working conditions

                                    vi.           Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety, or negatively affect performance

                                   vii.           Any form of hazing

                                 viii.           Retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports harassment

                                    ix.           Bullying

                                      x.           Offensive or intimidating phone calls or emails

                                    xi.           Displaying or circulating offensive pictures, photographs or materials in printed or electronic form

                                   xii.           Psychological abuse

                                  xiii.           Discrimination

                                  xiv.           Words  or  actions  which  are  known  or  should  reasonably  be  known  to  be  offensive,  embarrassing, humiliating, demeaning or intimidating

                                   xv.           Behaviours such as those described above that are not directed towards a specific individual or group but have the same effect of creating a negative or hostile environment

 

c)      Refrain  from  any  behaviour  that  constitutes violence,  where  violence  is  defined  as  the  exercise  of  physical force, that causes or could cause physical injury; an attempt to exercise physical force that could cause physical injury; or a statement or behaviour that it is reasonable to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force. Types of behaviour that are applicable to this section include, but are not limited to:

                             i.           Verbal threats to attack

                           ii.           Sending to or leaving threatening notes or emails

                          iii.           Making threatening physical gestures

                          iv.           Wielding a weapon

                           v.           Hitting, pinching or unwanted touching which is not accidental

                          vi.           Throwing an object

                        vii.           Blocking normal movement or physical interference, with or without the use of equipment

                       viii.           Any attempt to engage in the type of conduct outlined above

 

d)      Refrain  from  any  behaviour  that  constitutes sexual  harassment,  where  sexual  harassment  is  defined  as unwelcome  sexual  comments  and  sexual  advances,  requests  for  sexual  favours,  or  conduct  of  a  sexual  nature. Types of behaviour that constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

                             i.           Sexist jokes

                           ii.           Sexual violence

                          iii.           Display of sexually offensive material

                          iv.           Sexually degrading words used to describe a person

                           v.           Inquiries or comments about a person’s sex life

                          vi.           Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions

                        vii.           Inappropriate sexual touching, advances, suggestions or requests

                       viii.           Unwanted physical contact including, but not limited to, touching, petting, pinching, or kissing

                          ix.           Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, requests, or invitations

                           x.           Physical or sexual assault

 

e)      Abstain  from  the  non-medical  use  of  drugs  or  the  use  of performance-enhancing  drugs  or  methods.  More specifically, Innerkip Minor Ball adopts and adheres to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. Any infraction under this Program  shall  be  considered  an  infraction  of  this  Code  and  may  be  subject  to  further  disciplinary action,  and possible  sanction.

f)       Refrain  from  associating  with  any  person  for  the  purpose  of  coaching,  training,  competition,  instruction, administration, management, athletic development, or supervision of the sport, who has incurred an anti-doping rule violation and is serving a sanction involving a period of ineligibility imposed pursuant to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program and/or the World Anti-Doping Code and recognized by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES)

g)      Refrain  from  the  use  of  power  or  authority  in  an attempt  to  coerce  another  person  to  engage  in  inappropriate activities

h)      Refrain  from  consuming  alcohol,  tobacco  products,  or  recreational  drugs  while  participating  in Innerkip Minor Ball programs, activities, competitions, or events

i)       In the case of adults, avoid consuming alcohol in situations where minors are present and take reasonable steps to  manage  the  responsible  consumption  of  alcohol  in  adult-oriented  social  situations  associated  with Innerkip Minor Ball’s events

j)       Respect the property of others and not willfully cause damage

k)      Promote the sport in the most constructive and positive manner possible

l)       Adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal and host country laws

m)    Comply,  at  all  times,  with Innerkip Minor Ball’s bylaws,  policies,  procedures,  and  rules  and  regulations, as  adopted and amended from time to time

 

 

 7.      In  addition  to  section  6  (above), Innerkip Minor Ball’s  Directors,  Committee  Members,  and  Staff  will  have  additional responsibilities to:

a)      Function  primarily  as  a  member  of  the  board  and/or  committee(s)  of Innerkip Minor Ball;  not  as  a  member  of  any other particular member or constituency

b)      Act   with   honesty   and   integrity   and   conduct   themselves   in   a   manner   consistent   with   the   nature   and responsibilities of Innerkip Minor Ball’s business and the maintenance of Individuals’ confidence

c)      Ensure that Innerkip Minor Ball’s financial affairs are conducted in a responsible and transparent manner with due regard for all fiduciary responsibilities

d)      Conduct themselves openly, professionally, lawfully and in good faith in the best interests of Innerkip Minor Ball

e)      Be independent and impartial and not be influenced by self-interest, outside pressure, expectation of reward, or fear of criticism

f)       Behave  with  decorum  appropriate  to  both  circumstance  and  position  and  be  fair,  equitable,  considerate,  and honest in all dealings with others

g)      Keep  informed  about Innerkip Minor Ball activities,  the  provincial  sport  community,  and  general  trends  in  the sectors in which they operate

h)      Exercise the degree of care, diligence, and skill required in the performance of their duties pursuant to the laws under which Innerkip Minor Ball is regulated

i)       Respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature

j)       Ensure  that  all  Individuals  are  given  sufficient  opportunity  to  express  opinions,  and  that  all  opinions  are  given due consideration and weight

k)      Respect the decisions of the majority and resign if unable to do so

l)       Commit the time to attend meetings and be diligent in preparation for, and participation in, discussions at such meetings

m)    Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of all Innerkip Minor Ball governance documents

n)      Conform to the bylaws and policies approved by Innerkip Minor Ball, in particular this Code of Conduct

 

8.      In addition to section 6 (above), coaches have many additional responsibilities. The coach-athlete relationship is a privileged one and plays a critical role in the personal, sport, and athletic development of the athlete. Coaches must understand and respect  the  inherent  power  imbalance  that  exists  in  this  relationship  and  must  be  extremely  careful  not  to  abuse  it, consciously or unconsciously. Coaches will:

a)      Ensure  a  safe  environment  by  selecting  activities  and  establishing  controls  that  are  suitable  for  the  age, experience, ability, and fitness level of the involved athletes

b)      Prepare  athletes  systematically  and  progressively,  using  appropriate  time  frames  and  monitoring  physical  and psychological adjustments while refraining from using training methods or techniques that may harm athletes

c)      Avoid  compromising  the  present  and  future  health  of  athletes  by  communicating  and  cooperating  with  sport medicine professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of athletes’ medical and psychological treatments

d)      Support  the  coaching  staff  of  a  training camp,  provincial  team,  or  national  team;  should  an  athlete  qualify  for participation with one of these programs

e)      Provide athletes (and the parents/guardians of minor athletes) with the information necessary to be involved in the decisions that affect the athlete

f)       Act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person

g)      Respect other coaches

h)      Meet   the   highest   standards   of   credentials,   integrity   and   suitability

i)       Report any ongoing criminal investigation, conviction, or existing bail conditions, including those for violence, child pornography, or possession, use, or sale of any illegal substance

j)       Under  no  circumstances  provide,  promote,  or  condone  the use  of  drugs  (other  than  properly  prescribed medications) or performance-enhancing substances and, in the case of minors, alcohol and/or tobacco

k)      Respect athletes playing with other teams and, in dealings with them, not encroach upon topics or actions which are  deemed  to  be  within  the  realm  of  'coaching',  unless  after  first  receiving  approval  from  the  coaches  who  are responsible for the athletes

l)       Not engage in a sexual relationship with an athlete under 18 years old, or an intimate or sexual relationship with an athlete over the age of 18 if the coach is in a position of power, trust, or authority over the athlete

m)    Recognize the power inherent in the position of coach and respect and promote the rights of all participants in sport.  This  is  accomplished  by  establishing  and  following  procedures  for  confidentiality  (right  to  privacy), informed participation, and fair and reasonable treatment. Coaches have a special responsibility to respect and promote  the  rights  of  participants  who  are  in  a  vulnerable  or  dependent position  and  less  able  to  protect  their own rights

n)      Dress professionally, neatly, and inoffensively

o)      Use inoffensive language, taking into account the audience being addressed Athletes

 

 9. In addition to section 6 (above), athletes will have additional responsibilities to:

a)      Report any medical problems in a timely fashion, when such problems may limit their ability to travel, practice, or compete; or in the case of carded athletes, interfere with the athlete’s ability to fulfill requirements under the Athlete Assistance Program

b)      Participate and appear on-time, well-nourished, and prepared to participate to their best abilities in all competitions, practices, training sessions, tryouts, tournaments, and events

c)      Properly represent themselves and not attempt to participate in a competition for which they are not eligible by reason of age, classification, or other reason

d)      Adhere to Innerkip Minor Ball’s rules and requirements regarding clothing and equipment

e)      Never ridicule a participant for a poor performance or practice

f)       Act in a sportsmanlike manner and not display appearances of violence, foul language, or gestures to other athletes, officials, coaches, or spectators

g)      Dress in a manner representative of Innerkip Minor Ball; focusing on neatness, cleanliness, and discretion

h)      Act in accordance with Innerkip Minor Ball’s policies and procedures and, when applicable, additional rules as outlined by coaches or managers Officials

 

 10. In addition to section 6 (above), officials will have additional responsibilities to:

a)      Maintain and update their knowledge of the rules and rules changes

b)      Work within the boundaries of their position’s description while supporting the work of other officials

c)      Act as an ambassador of Innerkip Minor Ball by agreeing to enforce and abide by national and provincial rules and regulations

d)      Take ownership of actions and decisions made while officiating

e)      Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all individuals

f)       Not publicly criticize other officials or any club or association

g)      Assist with the development of less-experienced referees and minor officials

h)      Conduct themselves openly, impartially, professionally, lawfully, and in good faith in the best interests of Innerkip Minor Ball, athletes, coaches, other officials, and parents

i)       Be fair, equitable, considerate, independent, honest, and impartial in all dealings with others

j)       Respect the confidentiality required by issues of a sensitive nature, which may include ejections, defaults, forfeits, discipline processes, appeals, and specific information or data about individuals

k)      Honour all assignments unless unable to do so by virtue of illness or personal emergency, and in these cases inform the assignor or association at the earliest possible time

l)       When writing reports, set out the true facts and not attempt to justify any decisions

m)    Dress in proper attire for officiating

 

 11.  In addition to section 6 (above), parents/guardians of individuals and spectators at events will have additional responsibilities to:

 a)      Encourage athletes to play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

b)       Never ridicule a participant for a poor performance or practice.

c)       Respect the decisions and judgment of officials and encourage athletes to do the same.

d)      Not question the judgment or honesty of an official or a Innerkip Minor Ball supervising member.

e)       Respect and show appreciation to all competitors and to the coaches, officials, and other volunteers who give their time to the sport.

f)       Keep off of the Competition area and not interfere with events or calls.