Saskatoon Wrestling Club

Saskatoon Wrestling Club

Code of Conduct

Definitions

1. The following terms have these meanings in this Code:
   1. “Club” – Saskatoon Wrestling Club
   2. “Individuals” – All categories of membership defined in the Club’s Bylaws, as well as all individuals engaged in activities with the Club including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, referees, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, and directors and officers of the Club
   3. “Harassment” – Behaviour that constitutes harassment is defined in Section 7(b)
   4. “Workplace Harassment or Workplace Violence” – Behaviour that constitutes workplace harassment and workplace violence is defined in Section 7(c)
   5. “Sexual harassment” – Behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment and workplace violence is defined in Section 7(d)
   6. “Controls” - controls are processes that aim to prevent injury, harassment, and violence. 

Purpose

2. The purpose of this Code is to ensure a safe and positive environment by making Individuals aware that there is an expectation of appropriate behaviour consistent with this Code. The Club supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and fairness.

Application of this Code

3. This Code applies to Individuals’ conduct during the Club’s business, activities, and events including, but not limited to, competitions, practices, tryouts, training camps, travel associated with the Club’s activities, the Club’s office environment, and any meetings.
4. This Code also applies to Individuals’ conduct outside of the Club’s business,  activities, and events when such conduct adversely affects relationships within the Club and/or its Members (and its work and sport environment) and is detrimental to the image and reputation of the Club. Such jurisdiction will be determined by the Club at its sole discretion.
5. An Individual who violates this Code may be subject to sanctions pursuant to the Club’s Discipline and Complaints Policy.
6. An employee of the Club found to have breached this Code will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action subject to the terms of the Club’s Human Resources Policy, as well as the employee’s Employment Agreement, as applicable. Violations could result in a warning, reprimand, access restrictions, suspension and other disciplinary actions up to and including termination of employment/contract.

Responsibilities

7. Individuals have a responsibility to:
   1. Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of the Club members and other individuals by:
      1. 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
      2. Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of Individual or the Club
      3. Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership, and ethical conduct
      4. Acting, when appropriate, to correct or prevent practices that are unjustly discriminatory 
      5. Consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably
      6. Ensuring adherence to the rules of the sport and the spirit of those rules
   2. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment. Types of behaviour that constitute harassment include, but are not limited to:
      1. Written or verbal abuse, threats, or outbursts
      2. The display of visual material which is offensive or which one ought to know is offensive
      3. Unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo, or taunts
      4. Leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures
      5. Condescending or patronizing behaviour which is intended to undermine self-esteem, diminish performance or adversely affect working conditions
      6. Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety, or negatively affect performance
      7. Any form of hazing
      8. Unwanted physical contact including, but not limited to, touching, petting, pinching, or kissing
      9. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, requests, or invitations
      10. Physical or sexual assault
      11. 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
      12. Retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports harassment
   3. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes Workplace Harassment or Workplace Violence, where workplace harassment is 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 violence include, but are not limited to:
      1. Workplace Harassment
         1. Bullying
         2. Repeated offensive or intimidating phone calls or emails
         3. Inappropriate touching, advances, suggestions or requests
         4. Displaying or circulating offensive pictures, photographs or materials
         5. Psychological abuse
         6. Discrimination
         7. Intimidating words or conduct (offensive jokes or innuendos)
         8. Words or actions which are known or should reasonably be known to be offensive, embarrassing, humiliating, or demeaning
      2. Workplace Violence
         1. Verbal threats to attack a worker
         2. Sending to or leaving threatening notes or emails
         3. Making threatening physical gestures
         4. Wielding a weapon
         5. Hitting, pinching or unwanted touching which is not accidental
         6. Blocking normal movement or physical interference, with or without the use of equipment
         7. Sexual violence
         8. Any attempt to engage in the type of conduct outlined above
   4. 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:
      1. Sexist jokes
      2. Display of sexually offensive material
      3. Sexually degrading words used to describe a person
      4. Inquiries or comments about a person’s sex life
      5. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions
      6. Persistent unwanted contact
   5. Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods. More specifically, the Club adopts and adheres to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. The Club will respect any penalty enacted pursuant to a breach of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, whether imposed by the Club or any other sport Club
   6. 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)
   7. Refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to engage in inappropriate activities
   8. Refrain from consuming alcohol, tobacco products, or recreational drugs while participating in Club programs, activities, competitions, or events. 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 the Club’s events
   9. Respect the property of others and not wilfully cause damage
   10. Adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal and host country laws
   11. Comply, at all times, with the Club’s bylaws, policies, procedures, and rules and regulations, as adopted and amended from time to time
   12. When driving a vehicle with an Individual:
       1. Not have his or her license suspended
       2. Not be under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or substances
       3. Have valid car insurance
   13. Refrain from engaging in deliberate cheating which is intended to manipulate the outcome of a competition and/or not offer or receive any bribe which is intended to manipulate the outcome of a competition.

Board/Committee Members

8. In addition to section 7 (above), Club’s Directors and Committee Members will have additional responsibilities to:
   1. Function primarily as a member of the board and/or committee(s) of Club; not as a member of any other particular member or constituency
   2. Act with honesty and integrity and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the nature and responsibilities of the Club’s business and the maintenance of Individuals’ confidence
   3. Ensure that the Club’s financial affairs are conducted in a responsible and transparent manner with due regard for all fiduciary responsibilities
   4. Conduct themselves openly, professionally, lawfully and in good faith in the best interests of Club
   5. Be independent and impartial and not be influenced by self-interest, outside pressure, expectation of reward, or fear of criticism
   6. Behave with decorum appropriate to both circumstance and position
   7. Keep informed about the Club’s activities, the provincial sport community, and general trends in the sectors in which they operate 
   8. Exercise the degree of care, diligence, and skill required in the performance of their duties pursuant to the laws under which the Club is incorporated
   9. Respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature
   10. Respect the decisions of the majority and resign if unable to do so
   11. Commit the time to attend meetings and be diligent in preparation for, and participation in, discussions at such meetings
   12. Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of all Club governance documents
   13. Conform to the bylaws and policies approved by Club

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:
   1. 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.
   2. 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.
   3. 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.
   4. Support a safe environment for training staff, support staff, and medical staff.
   5. Accept and promote athletes’ personal goals and refer athletes to other coaches and sports specialists as appropriate.
   6. Support the coaching staff of a training camp, provincial team, or national team; should an athlete qualify for participation with one of these programs.
   7. Provide athletes (and the parents/guardians of minor athletes) with the information necessary to be involved in the decisions that affect the athlete.
   8. Act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person.
   9. Comply with the Club’s Screening Policy, if applicable.
   10. Report to the Club any ongoing criminal investigation, conviction, or existing bail conditions, including those for violence, child pornography, or possession, use, or sale of any illegal substance.
   11. 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.
   12. 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.
   13. Dress professionally, neatly, and inoffensively.
   14. Use inoffensive language, taking into account the audience being addressed.
   15. 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.
   16. 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.
   17. Refrain from using their power or authority to coerce another person to engage in or tolerate sexual or harmful activities.
   18. Refrain from conduct that causes physical or emotional harm to Individuals.
   19. Prevent the use of power or authority in an attempt, successful or not, to coerce another person to engage in or tolerate sexual activity.

Athletes

10. In addition to section 7 (above), athletes will have additional responsibilities to:
    1. 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 their carded athlete requirements.
    2. 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
    3. 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
    4. Adhere to the Club’s rules and requirements regarding clothing and equipment
    5. Act in a sportsmanlike manner and not display appearances of violence, foul language, or gestures to other athletes, officials, coaches, or spectators
    6. Dress in a manner representative of the Club; focusing on neatness, cleanliness, and discretion
    7. Act in accordance with the Club’s policies and procedures and, when applicable, additional rules as outlined by coaches and/or managers
    8. Participate only in the program they have registered for and understand permission must be granted mutually by each program’s head coach to attend other programs. Furthermore, athletes must adhere to the authority, decisions, and training plan of the head coach of each program.
    9. Respect and adhere to the authority and decisions of coaches with respect to disciplinary matters.
    10. The head coach of the practice facility for the athlete has final say concerning disciplinary matters.
    11. Respect and adhere to the community outreach and club fundraising expectations as defined by the head coach for each program.
    12. Respect and adhere to the decisions of the board with respect to disciplinary matters.

Parents/Guardians and Spectators

11. In addition to paragraph 7 above, Parents/Guardians and Spectators at events will:
    1. Encourage athletes to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence
    2. Condemn the use of violence in any form
    3. Never ridicule a participant for making a mistake during a performance or practice
    4. Provide positive comments that motivate and encourage participants continued effort
    5. 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 athletes coach
    6. Recognize that officials, executives and staff act in good faith, and in the best interests of the athletes and sport as a whole.
    7. Respect the decisions and judgments of officials, and encourage athletes to do the same
    8. Never question an officials’ or staffs’ judgement or honesty
    9. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse, coercion, intimidation and sarcasm
    10. Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, and to the coaches, officials and other volunteers
    11. Refrain from the use of bad language, nor harass competitors, coaches, officials, parents/guardians or other spectators

Binding Arbitration

12. If any dispute arises between the Parties relating to the application, interpretation, implementation or validity of this agreement, the Parties agree to resolve the dispute by arbitration using the Canadian Arbitration Association Expedited Arbitration Rules. The parties agree that the Canadian Arbitration Association Expedited Arbitration Rules give the parties a fair opportunity to present their case and respond to the case of the other side. The arbitration shall be held in Saskatoon, SK, Canada and shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of the Saskatchewan Arbitration Act. Judgement upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT 

It is the intention of this code of conduct agreement to promote responsible behavior and respect for all participants within Saskatoon Wrestling programs. A parent or guardian must upload a dated and signed acknowledgment of this agreement stating that they will observe the principles of the Conduct Agreement before their child can participate in Saskatoon Wrestling Club activities. It is also assumed that a signed parent/guardian agreement will cover any person acting as the player’s guardian during activities. 

PARENTAL/GUARDIAN CONDUCT: I will: 

1. Remember that my child participates for his or her enjoyment, not mine; 

2. Support my child with positive encouragement; 

3. Respect and adhere to the ideals, policies, and rules determined by the Saskatoon Wrestling Club and my child’s team; 

4. Maintain self-control at all times; 

5. Notify the coach/manager ahead of time of absences; 

6. Respect the facilities, either home or away, in which my child is privileged to play; 

7. Show respect for the decisions, judgment and authority of the officials and volunteers; 

8. Show respect for the feelings and accept the capabilities of my child, my child’s teammates and players on the other team; 

9. Exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship, teamwork and positive attitude always, when representing my child and the Saskatoon Wrestling Club; 

10. Avoid confusing my child by coaching from the stands; 

11. Refrain from expressing my opinion of the coaches or players in front of my own child; 

12. Refrain from using foul language towards other parents, coaches, officials or opponents; 

13. Refrain from yelling at/or threatening referees, opposing players or coaches before, during, or after games or practices; 

14. Refrain from demonstrating frustration or anger after a loss or poor performance; 

15. Not physically abuse any other person; 

16. Refrain from approaching the bench during a game situation unless summoned by a coach, assistant coach, team manager or trainer; 

17. I will value the contribution of the coach in developing the player’s talents, even though I may not always agree with their methods. 

18. Respect and show appreciation for the volunteers who give their time to sport for my child. This includes all team officials and Saskatoon Wrestling Club staff. If I have any concerns I will speak directly to team officials or the Saskatoon Wrestling Club in good faith and in a respectful manner; 

In signing this document, I agree to abide by the principles of the CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT as set by the Saskatoon Wrestling Club. I realize that any breach in the above-mentioned agreement, bylaws and policy may result in disciplinary action as follows: 

a. Level 1 - A verbal reprimand 

b. Level 2 - A written reprimand 

c. Level 3 - A suspension from participation in or at specific and defined Saskatoon Wrestling Club activities, or a complete suspension from participation in or attendance at all Saskatoon Wrestling Club activities 

d. Level 4 - Expulsion or a combination of any or all
e. Level 5 - Depending on the severity of the incident, the Executive may choose to bypass any or all levels 

Saskatoon Wrestling Club

Media Release Form

Dear Athlete / Parent / Guardian: 

The organizers of the Saskatoon Wrestling Club Programs may be videotaping or taking photographs of you/your child/youth participating in the Saskatoon Wrestling Club program. This documentation may be used in future brochures, our website, or posters, or shown to sponsors of the programs. 

To ensure your privacy we would like your permission to include you/your child in these photographs. Please complete this form and return it to us at your earliest convenience. 

Sincerely, 

Saskatoon Wrestling Club 

I, the participant/parent/guardian agree to give permission for photographs of myself/my child to be used in future promotional, social media or informational packages put together by Saskatoon Wrestling Club.

I N F O R M E D   C O N S E N T 

VALID THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 TO AUGUST 31, 2024

This form must be signed and returned prior to the start of you or your child’s program or presented to the coach/manager on the first day upon arrival. 

As a condition of registration, the registrant, and/or the parent/guardian agrees that the Saskatoon Wrestling Club (SWC) will not be held responsible for any accidents or losses, however caused, and agrees to release the same from all claims or damages which may arise as a result of such accident or loss. I hearby acknowledge that certain risks of inkury are inherent in participation in any physical activity program/course and assumption of those risks and results that may be associated with my participation or that of my child are understood.

The participant and parent/guardian knows to the best of their knowledge that the participant is physically and mentally able to participate and to disclose any necessary medical information that you feel the Saskatoon Wrestling Club staff should be aware of. The registrant and or parent/guardian agree to grant permission for any medical services to be rendered in the event that such is needed. 

The Saskatoon Wrestling Club reserves the right to assign the participant to a group most appropriate for his/her age and ability; to require any participant to withdraw from the program/team if the participant is not acting in an appropriate and responsible manner, and to cancel any program/team. 

By enrolling in programs/teams at the Saskatoon Wrestling Club, participants/parents/guardians, consent to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information in accordance with the Saskatchewan Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPOP)