Definitions
1. The following terms have these meanings in this Code:
a) “Abuse” – As described in Athletics Ontario’s Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy.
b) “Discrimination” – Differential treatment of an individual based on one or more prohibited grounds which include race, citizenship, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability.
c) “Harassment” – A course of vexatious comment or conduct against an individual or group, which is known or ought to reasonably be known to be unwelcome. Harassment is defined by the reasonable perceptions of the recipient of the behaviour, not by those of the perpetrator. Harassment should not be confused with the discipline and demands of training for the sport of athletics. Types of behaviour that constitute Harassment include, but are not limited to:
d) “Participants” – Individuals employed by, or engaged in activities with, Athletics Ontario including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, parents and guardians and spectators at events, Directors and Officers of Athletics Ontario, and clubs that are members of Athletics Ontario.
e) “Sexual Harassment” – A course of vexatious comment or conduct against an individual because of sex, sexual orientation, gender identify or gender expression, where the course of comment or conduct is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome; or making a sexual solicitation or advance where the person making the solicitation or advance is in a position to confer, grant or deny a benefit or advance to the individual and the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the solicitation or advance is unwelcome.
Types of behaviour that constitute Sexual Harassment include, but are not limited to:
f) “Social media” – The catch-all term that is applied broadly to computer-mediated communication media such as blogs, chat rooms and forums, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Snapchat, and Twitter.
g) “Sport Environment” – Any place where Athletics Ontario’s business or activities are conducted. The sport environment includes but is not limited to, Athletics Ontario’s competitions, practices, tryouts, training camps, meetings, travel associated with Athletics Ontario, and Athletics Ontario’s office environment.
Purpose
2. The purpose of this Code is to promote a safe and positive environment within Athletics Ontario’s Sport Environment by making Participants aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with Athletics Ontario’s core values. Athletics Ontario supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is committed to providing an environment in which all Participants are treated with respect and fairness.
Application of this Code
3. This Code applies to Participants’ conduct in Athletics Ontario’s Sport Environment
4. A Participant who violates this Code may be subject to sanctions pursuant to Athletics Ontario’s Complaints, Dispute Resolution and Discipline Policy. In addition to facing possible sanction pursuant to Athletics Ontario’s Complaints, Dispute Resolution and Discipline Policy, a Participant who violates this Code during a competition may be ejected immediately from the competition or the competition area, the official may delay the competition until the Participant complies with the ejection, and the Participant may be subject to additional discipline associated with the competition.
5. In addition to being subject to this Code, employees of Athletics Ontario are subject to the terms of Athletics Ontario’s human resources policies as well as the employee’s employment agreement, if applicable.
6. This Code also applies to Participants’ conduct outside of Athletics Ontario’s Sport Environment when such conduct adversely affects relationships within Athletics Ontario and its Sport Environment and is detrimental to the image and reputation of Athletics Ontario. Such applicability will be determined by Athletics Ontario at its sole discretion. Responsibilities - Participants
7. Participants have a responsibility to:
a) Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of Athletics Ontario’s members and other Participants by:
b) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes Abuse, Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Harassment
c) Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs and the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods. More specifically, Athletics Ontario 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, pursuant to Athletics Ontario’s Complaints, Dispute Resolution and Discipline Policy. Athletics Ontario will respect any penalty enacted pursuant to a breach of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, whether imposed by Athletics Ontario or any other sport organization
d) Reasonably cooperate with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) or another anti-doping organization investigating anti- doping rule violations
e) 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)
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 been expelled from Athletics Ontario or who is serving a sanction involving a period of ineligibility imposed by Athletics Ontario
g) Refrain from engaging in inappropriate personal or sexual relationships where there is a power imbalance between the Participants in their interactions, such as between athletes and coaches, Directors and staff, officials and athletes, etc.
h) Refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to engage in inappropriate activities
i) Refrain from consuming tobacco products or recreational drugs while participating in Athletics Ontario’s programs, activities, competitions, or events
j) In the case of minors, not consume alcohol while participating in Athletics Ontario’s programs, activities, competitions, or events
k) In the case of adults, not consume alcohol while participating as an athlete, coach, official, volunteer, or manager in Athletics Ontario’s programs, activities, competitions, or events, and take reasonable steps to manage the responsible consumption of alcohol in social situations associated with Athletics Ontario’s events
l) Respect the property of others and not wilfully cause damage
m) Promote the sport in the most constructive and positive manner possible
n) Adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal and host country laws
o) Refrain from engaging in deliberate cheating that is intended to manipulate the outcome of a competition and/or not offer or receive any bribe that is intended to manipulate the outcome of a competition
p) Comply, at all times, with Athletics Ontario’s bylaws, policies, procedures, and rules and regulations. Additional Responsibilities - Directors, Officers, and Committee Members
8. In addition to section 7 (above), Athletics Ontario’s Directors, Officers, and committee members have additional responsibilities to:
a) Act with honesty and integrity and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the nature and responsibilities of Athletics Ontario’s business and the maintenance of Participants’ confidence in Athletics Ontario
b) Conduct or oversee the conduct of Athletics Ontario’s financial affairs in a responsible and transparent manner with due regard for all fiduciary responsibilities
c) Conduct themselves transparently, professionally, lawfully and in good faith in the best interests of Athletics Ontario
d) Be independent, impartial, and not be influenced by self-interest, outside pressure, expectation of reward, or fear of criticism
e) Behave with decorum appropriate to both circumstance and position
f) Keep informed about Athletics Ontario’s activities, the sport community, and general trends in the sectors in which it operates
g) Exercise the degree of care, diligence, and skill required in the performance of their duties pursuant to the laws under which Athletics Ontario is incorporated
h) Respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature
i) Respect the decisions of the majority and resign if unable to do so
j) Commit the time to attend meetings and be diligent in preparation for, and participation in, discussions at such meetings
k) Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of all Athletics Ontario’s governing documents.
Additional Responsibilities - Coaches
9. In addition to section 7 (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) Select activities and establish 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) Communicate and cooperate with sport medicine professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of athletes’ medical and psychological treatments so as to avoid compromising the present and future health of athletes
d) Support the coaching staff of a training camp, provincial team, or national team should an athlete they are coaching qualify for participation with one of these programs
e) Accept and promote athletes’ personal goals and refer athletes to other coaches and sports specialists as appropriate
f) Provide athletes (and the parents/guardians of minor athletes) with the information necessary to be involved in the decisions that affect the athletes
g) Act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person
h) Under no circumstances provide, promote, or condone the use of drugs (other than properly prescribed 9 medications) or performance-enhancing substances and, in the case of minors, alcohol, and/or tobacco
i) Respect athletes playing with other teams or clubs and, in dealings with them, not encroach upon topics or actions that are deemed to be within the realm of 'coaching', unless after first receiving approval from the coaches who are responsible for the athletes
j) Not solicit, either overtly or covertly, athletes coached by others to join their team or club
k) Not engage in an intimate or sexual relationship with any athlete under the age of 18
l) Disclose to Athletics Ontario any intimate or sexual relationship with an athlete they are coaching who is 18 or older and immediately discontinue any coaching involvement with that athlete, unless that intimate relationship began before the coaching relationship
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.
Additional Responsibilities - Athletes
10. In addition to section 7 (above), athletes 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 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 Athletics Ontario’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 to represent the sport and themselves well and with professionalism
g) Act in accordance with Athletics Ontario’s policies and procedures and, when applicable, additional rules as outlined by coaches or managers.
Additional Responsibilities - Officials
11. In addition to section 7 (above), officials have additional responsibilities to:
a) Maintain and update their knowledge of the rules and rule changes
b) Work within the boundaries of their position’s description while supporting the work of other officials
c) Act as an ambassador of Athletics Ontario 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 Participants
f) Assist with the development of less-experienced officials
g) Act openly, impartially, professionally, lawfully, and in good faith
h) Be fair, equitable, considerate, independent, honest, and impartial in all dealings with others
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 Participants
j) Honour all assignments unless unable to do so by virtue of illness or personal emergency, and in these cases inform the assignor or Athletics Ontario at the earliest possible time
k) When writing reports, set out all relevant facts to the best of their knowledge and recollection l) Dress in proper attire for officiating.
Additional Responsibilities - Parents/Guardians and Spectators
12. Spectators, including parents and guardians, are an integral part of the sport of athletics. Athletics Ontario and its member clubs work diligently to ensure the best possible experience at our events for all Participants, including spectators. While a goal is to maximize the spectator experience, the integrity of the competition must be preserved at all times. The following spectator guidelines have been developed to address everyone’s safety and to preserve the authenticity and integrity of our events. In any case, spectators should not take any action that is detrimental to the athlete environment and/or experience.
13. Anyone watching a particular athletic activity or event is considered a spectator. A spectator may be a parent or guardian, a relative, or friend not directly involved in the event. Spectators are an important part of any athletic activity; however, they are not essential. Spectators should never do anything that could potentially influence the outcome of an event, including distracting athletes, other spectators or officials.
14. In addition to section 7 (above), parents/guardians and other spectators at events have additional responsibilities to:
a) Encourage athletes to compete within 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
f) Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse, coercion, intimidation, and sarcasm
g) Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, and to the coaches, officials and other volunteers
h) Not harass competitors, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents/guardians, or other spectators. Social Media
15. Athletics Ontario is aware that Individual interaction and communication occurs frequently on social media. Athletics Ontario cautions Participants that any social media conduct falling short of the standard of behaviour required by this Code may be subject to a complaint and disciplinary action under Athletics Ontario's Complaints, Dispute Resolution and Discipline Policy.
16. Without limiting the applicability of this Code, Athletics Ontario cautions Participants that the following social media conduct may be considered an infraction of this Code and may be subject to a complaint and disciplinary action under Athletics Ontario’s Complaints, Dispute Resolution and Discipline Policy:
a) Posting a disrespectful, hateful, harmful, disparaging, insulting, or otherwise offensive comment on a social medium that is directed at a Participant, at Athletics Ontario, or at other persons connected with Athletics Ontario
b) Posting a picture, altered picture, or video on a social medium that is disrespectful, hateful, harmful, disparaging, insulting, or otherwise offensive, and that is directed at a Participant, at Athletics Ontario, or at other persons connected with Athletics Ontario
c) Creating or contributing to a Facebook group, webpage, blog, or online forum devoted solely or in part to promoting criticism that is not constructive or disparaging remarks or commentary about Athletics Ontario or its Participants
d) Inappropriate personal or sexual relationships over a social medium between Participants who have a power imbalance in their interactions, such as between athletes and coaches, Directors and staff, officials and athletes, etc.
e) Any instance of cyber-bullying or cyber-harassment between one Participant and another Participant (including a teammate, coach, opponent, volunteer, or official), where incidents of cyber-bullying and cyber-harassment can include but are not limited to the following conduct on any social medium, via text-message, or via email: regular insults, negative comments, vexatious behaviour, pranks or jokes, threats, posing as another person, spreading rumours or lies, or other harmful behaviour.
17. Participants acknowledge that their social media activity may be viewed by anyone, including but not limited to Athletics Ontario, Participants and sponsors.
18. If Athletics Ontario unofficially engages with a Participant in social media (such as by retweeting a tweet or sharing a photo on Facebook) the Participant may, at any time, ask Athletics Ontario to cease this engagement.
19. When using social media, a Participant must model appropriate behaviour befitting the Participant’s role and status in connection with Athletics Ontario.
20. Removing content from social media after it has been posted (either publicly or privately) does not excuse the Participant from being subject to Athletics Ontario’s Complaints, Dispute Resolution and Discipline Policy.
21. A person who believes that a Participant’s social media activity is inappropriate or may violate Athletics Ontario’s policies and procedures should report the matter to Athletics Ontario in the manner outlined in Athletics Ontario’s Complaints, Dispute Resolution and Discipline Policy