Title:  Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy  

 

Approved by: CRKW Board of Directors

Date of Approval: August 26, 2019

Next Review: August 26, 2021

Policy Statement

This Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy is the agreement for how all Individuals of the CRKW ‘family’ approach their activities within CRKW.

Policy Purpose

CRKW supports equal opportunity and is committed to providing a compassionate, ethical and inclusive environment in which all individuals are treated fairly, with appropriate dignity and respect. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that our behaviours support our aspiration for a safe and positive CRKW sport environment by making Individuals aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with CRKW’s values, mission, and objectives. This policy is fundamental to how we operate and conduct ourselves and for that reason, has been established as an umbrella policy covering all aspects of our organization’s activities and undertakings. It is from this statement that all other policies developed and implemented at CRKW will reflect our integrity as outlined here.

Definitions

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

a) “Individuals” – All categories of membership defined in the CRKW’s Bylaws, as well as all individuals employed by, or engaged in activities with, the Society including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, and directors and officers of the Society;

b) “Society” – Campbell River Killer Whales (“CRKW”) 

c) “Sport Environment” – Any place where CRKW business or activities are conducted, including but not limited to: 

i. Any meetings in which the members represent the interests of CRKW;

ii. Work or sport related social functions, assignments, travel, and conferences or training sessions;

iii. Competitions, practices, tryouts, training camps, speaking engagements and travel to and from those events.

d) “CSCTA” – Canadian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association   

Application of this Policy

2. This Policy applies to Individuals’ conduct during CRKW’s business, activities, and in the sport environment.  Agreement to uphold this policy is undertaken through:

i. election to the Board of Directors;

ii. appointment to any CRKW Committee;

iii. employment, whether contracted or salaried by CRKW;

iv. recruited as a volunteer in a defined role:

v. selection to a CRKW team; or

vi. participation in activities sanctioned by CRKW.

 

3. An Individual who violates this Policy may be subject to sanctions as decided by the Board of Directors.

4. An employee of CRKW found to have breached this Code will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action subject to the Employment Standards Act, as well as the employee’s Employment Agreement, as applicable. 

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

Responsibilities

6.             A) Individuals have a responsibility to:

i. Demonstrate respect to individuals regardless of, 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. Focus comments or criticism appropriately and avoid public criticism of any Individual or the CRKW.

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

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

v. Consistently treat individuals fairly and reasonably.

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

a) Individuals have a responsibility to refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment, and which can generally be defined as any comment(s) or conduct, directed toward an individual or group of individuals, which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive. Types of behaviour that constitute harassment include, but are not limited to:

i. written or verbal or online abuse, threats, or outbursts

ii. the display of visual material which is offensive or which one ought to know is offensive

iii. unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo, or taunts about a person’s physical characteristics, athletic ability, age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression gender identity, leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures

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

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

vi. any form of hazing

vii. unwanted physical contact including, but not limited to, touching, petting, pinching, or kissing;

viii. unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, requests, or invitations

ix. physical or sexual assault

x. 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

xi. retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports harassment

b) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes workplace harassment or workplace violence, generally defined as conduct against a worker in a workplace that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome; and where workplace violence is defined as the exercise of physical force by a person against a worker, in a workplace, that causes or could cause physical injury to the worker; an attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker; or a statement or behaviour that it is reasonable for a worker to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against the worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker. Workplace matters should not be confused with legitimate, reasonable management actions that are part of the normal work function, including measures to correct performance deficiencies, such as placing someone on a performance improvement plan, or imposing discipline for workplace infractions. Types of behaviour that constitute workplace harassment or workplace violent include, but are not limited to:

Workplace Harassment

i. Bullying 

ii. Repeated offensive or intimidating phone calls or emails

iii. Inappropriate touching, advances, suggestions or requests

iv. Displaying or circulating offensive pictures, photographs or materials 

v. Psychological abuse

vi. Discrimination

vii. Intimidating words or conduct (offensive jokes or innuendos)

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

Workplace Violence 

ix. Verbal threats to attack a worker

x. Sending or leaving threatening notes or emails 

xi. Making threatening physical gestures 

xii. Wielding a weapon 

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

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

xv. Sexual violence 

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

c) 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. Display of sexually offensive material

iii. Sexually degrading words used to describe a person

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

v. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions

vi. Persistent unwanted contact

d) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes bullying, where bullying is defined as intentionally hurting someone in order to insult, humiliate, coerce, degrade or exclude him or her. Bullying can be broken down into five categories: 

i. Physical

ii. Verbal 

iii. Relational (ie. trying to cut off victims from social connection by convincing peers to exclude or reject a certain person), and 

iv. Reactive (i.e., engaging in bullying as well as provoking bullies to attack by taunting them)

v. Electronic or online

e) Athletes will abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods. More specifically, CRKW adopts and adheres to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. CRKW will respect any penalty enacted pursuant to a breach of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, whether imposed by CRKW or any other sport Society

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 antidoping 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) CRKW has a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding illegal drug usage. The use, sale, possession, conveyance, distribution or manufacture of illegal drugs, intoxicants, controlled substances, and/or drug paraphernalia in any amount or in any manner in the workplace or in a sport environment is strictly prohibited and is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination or dismissal from the Society. The Society has a Zero Tolerance Policy for any consumption of alcohol or cannabis by a minor (as defined by local regulations).

In addition, 

(1) An Individual must not enter or remain at any workplace or sport environment while the Individual's ability to work is affected by alcohol, cannabis, a drug or other substance so as to endanger the person or anyone else.

(2) CRKW must not knowingly permit an Individual to remain at any workplace or in a sport environment while the Individual's ability to work is affected by alcohol, cannabis, a drug or other substance so as to endanger the Individual or anyone else.

(3) An Individual must not remain at a workplace or sport environment if the individual's behaviour is affected by alcohol, cannabis, a drug or other substance so as to create an undue risk to other Parties, except where such a workplace/sport environment has as one of its purposes the treatment or confinement of such persons.

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 CRKW events. 

j) Respect the property of others and not wilfully cause damage.

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

l) Comply, at all times, with CRKW’s bylaws, policies, procedures, and rules and regulations, as adopted and amended from time to time.

Board/Committee Members and Staff

7. In addition to section 6 (above), CRKW’s Board of Directors, Committee Members, and Staff will have additional responsibilities to:

a) Function primarily as a member of the board and/or committee(s) of CRKW; 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 CRKW’s business and the maintenance of Individuals’ confidence

c) Ensure that CRKW’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 CRKW

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 

g) Keep informed about CRKW’s 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 CRKW is incorporated

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

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

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

l) Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of all CRKW governance documents

m) Conform to the bylaws and policies approved by CRKW

n) Refrain from the use of inappropriate language and harassment of competitors, coaches, officials, parents/guardians or other spectators either in person or electronically.

Coaches 

8. In addition to section 6 of this document, all registered coaches of CRKW are bound by the “CSCTA Code of Professional Conduct” produced by the CSCTA.  Any breach of the “CSCTA Code of Professional Conduct” shall be considered a breach of this policy.

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

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 CRKW’s rules and requirements regarding clothing and equipment

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

f) Dress in a manner representative of CRKW

g) Act in accordance with CRKW’s policies and procedures and, when applicable, additional rules as outlined by coaches or managers

h) Refrain from the use of inappropriate language and harassment of competitors, coaches, officials, parents/guardians or other spectators either in person or electronically.

 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 CRKW 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 CRKW

g) Act openly, impartially, professionally, lawfully, and in good faith 

h) Be fair, equitable, considerate, independent, honest, and impartial in all dealings 

i) 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

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

k) When writing reports, set out the true facts 

l) Dress in proper attire for officiating

m) Refrain from the use of inappropriate language and harassment of competitors, coaches, officials, parents/guardians or other spectators either in person or electronically.

Parents/Guardians and Spectators

11. In addition to section 6 (above), Parents/Guardians and Spectators at events will: 

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

b) Condemn the use of violence in any form

c) Never ridicule a participant for making a mistake during a performance or practice

d) Provide positive comments that motivate and encourage participants continued effort

e) Respect the decisions and judgments of officials and encourage athletes to do the same. Feedback on competition performances is provided by officials only to the coaching staff, so parents are encouraged to discuss any questions with your athlete’s coach

f) Recognize that officials, executives and staff act in good faith, and in the best interests of the athletes and sport as a whole 

g) Respect the decisions and judgments of officials, and encourage athletes to do the same

h) Never question an officials’ or staffs’ judgment or honesty

i) Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse, coercion, intimidation and sarcasm 

j) Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, and to the coaches, officials and other volunteers 

k) Refrain from the use of inappropriate language, and harassment of competitors, coaches, officials, parents/guardians or other spectators either in person or electronically