General Policies

All members, volunteers, members by proxy of AZRD, as well as our guests during practices, events and games are expected to contribute to a positive and safe atmosphere. Members may be placed on Probationary or Inactive Status by the Compliance Chair and/or Executive Officers if they display behavior contrary to this expectation.

These behaviors include but are not limited to:

• Disregard for the physical safety of League member(s)
• Harassment or verbal threats towards League member(s)
• Disregard for League policies and procedures
• Insubordination or disrespectful behavior towards other league member(s)
• Unprofessional or inappropriate comments regarding skater(s), officials, fans, etc., on any form of social media or external websites (see defined Social Media Policy above for additional information).

Professionalism

All members, including non-skating members, are representative of the League in its public dealings, and as such are expected to interact with Sponsors, Vendors, Venues, and Attendees of official AZRD functions as professional and appropriate to the circumstances of that business relationship.

WFTDA Bouting Rules and Regulations

AZRD adopts and plays by the WFTDA standardized rules as they evolve and incorporate into official rules. AZRD adopts and follows all operational rules for league membership as they evolve. All members, including non-competing members, are required to adhere to these guidelines as a condition of membership.

JRDA Bouting Rules and Regulations

AZRD Juniors and their parent/guardian adopts and plays by the JRDA standardized rules as they evolve and incorporate into official rules. AZRD adopts and follows all operational rules for league membership as they evolve. All members, including non-competing members, are required to adhere to these guidelines as a condition of membership.

Confidentiality

Per AZRD’s agreement with WFTDA, JRDA, USARS and League Best Practices, all AZRD, JRDA, WFTDA documents, training methods, emails and correspondence are to be considered confidential information. Blind copying, or deliberate sharing of documents, methods, and emails to outside parties is unacceptable by League Code of Conduct and may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the League.

Violations of Code of Conduct

All members, including non-competing members, who violate the Code of Conduct are subject to a change in status upon written notice by the Executive Officers or Compliance Chair. All league members must follow the League’s Code of Conduct as articulated in this document. Violations of the Code of Conduct will be handled on a case-by-case basis generally as prescribed below. All written warnings/notifications will include a specific list of grievances and remedies along with a timeline to address any specified issue(s).

JRDA Code of Conduct

The JRDA Code of Conduct will be enforced and operated under during all Junior games, practices, and events.

Purpose and Goal

1.1. JRDA exists to help everyone involved, from skaters, parents, and officials, to league volunteers and spectators, learn and grow in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. This Code of Conduct outlines expectations and requirements of everyone who attends a JRDA practice, game, tournament, or other event in any capacity, in order to facilitate that environment.

2. Where this Code of Conduct Applies

2.1. All JRDA games, whether sanctioned, regulation, or non-regulation games involving one or more JRDA leagues

2.2. Tournaments, clinics, conventions, or other events hosted by JRDA or any JRDA league

2.3. Practices held by any JRDA league

2.4. Other derby-related events put on, held by, or sponsored by JRDA leagues or member skaters

2.5. Public appearances by JRDA league members (like parades, festivals, charity, and other events) where those attendees represent a JRDA league

3. Universal Behavioral Expectations

3.1. The Good

3.1.1. JRDA Roller Derby is a welcoming, positive, drama-free learning environment for everyone, on- and off-skates. All participants will uphold this environment at all times.

3.1.2. Mutual respect and support is encouraged at all times.

3.1.3. Having fun and socializing - especially with other teams - is highly encouraged.

3.1.4. All participants will conduct themselves to develop empowerment, emphasize motivation and enthusiasm, and celebrate each individual's abilities and individuality.

3.1.5. All participants will be treated with respect regardless of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, military status, or abilities.

3.1.6. Conduct will be sporting, family-friendly, and professional at all times.

3.1.7. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. All participants will actively promote and model sporting conduct and safety on and off the track.

3.1.8. All participants on skates must have full protective gear on at all times, with the following exceptions:

● Skating Officials may forgo the use of mouth guards.

● Skaters not actively competing in a jam or engaging in contact drills may forego the use of mouth guards, though mouth guards are highly recommended anytime they are on skates.

3.2. The Bad

3.2.1. Participants will not engage in any behavior that will endanger the health, safety, or well-being of any attendees, on or off the track.

3.2.2. The use of undirected profanity or profanity or insults directed at anyone are forbidden.

3.2.3. The use of illegal drugs is prohibited.

3.2.4. The use of alcohol, tobacco, and other legal drugs by anyone (spectators, fans, or parents) is strongly discouraged, and forbidden except as allowed by applicable state and federal laws. Intoxication will not be an excuse for behavior that violates any other tenet of this Code of Conduct.

3.2.5. The use of alcohol or any other form of chemical impairment by anyone involved with the game, practice, or event (skaters, coaches, or officials) is forbidden while participating.

3.2.6. Clothing or equipment that contain material which is not blatantly or widely offensive, but which may be considered offensive or otherwise inconsistent with this Code of Conduct, shall be dealt with by the Head Official on an individual basis if a complaint is made. The Head Official's judgement is final.

4. Spectators

4.1. Spectators are not allowed onto the track area for any reason during gameplay.

4.2. In the event there is an injury, the Head Official may make an exception to allow a parent/guardian to enter the track.

5. Skaters

5.1. Skaters who do not pass gear check will not be able to participate until any identified issues are corrected.

5.2. If there is a dispute regarding a skater passing their gear check, only the Coach, Captain, or Designated Alternate may speak directly with the Head Official to discuss the matter. The Head Official’s determination is final.

5.3. Skaters will remove themselves from any situation or drill they are not comfortable performing safely.

5.4. Skaters will lead by example and demonstrate good sporting conduct with fellow skaters, coaches, officials, parents, and other attendees at every game, practice, and other events subject to the Code of Conduct

5.5. Skaters will listen and learn from coaches and other league members.

5.6. Skaters will treat coaches, other league members, officials and fans with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or abilities, and will expect to be treated accordingly.

5.7. Skaters will not engage in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety, or well being of themselves, coaches, parents, other league members, officials, or any other attendees.

5.8. Skaters will not engage in the use of profanity or any verbal, physical or other abuse aimed at any skaters, coaches, parents, league members, officials, spectators or any other attendees.

5.9. Uniforms and equipment may not contain sexually explicit or blatantly offensive language or images. Such language or images must be removed or covered if so directed by any official.

6. Parents (defined as Mother, Father, or Legal Guardian)

6.1. Parents will use positive tones when encouraging their children, and refrain from negativity towards or about their child or other participants.

6.2. Parents will promote the emotional and physical well-being of all skaters on any team ahead of any personal desire for an individual skater or team to win.

6.3. Parents will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches or officials on the track. Issues and concerns will be brought to the team coach, and the coach will then address concerns with the officials in an appropriate manner.

6.4. Parents will refrain from coaching their child/ren or other players, unless serving as JRDA league coach and coaching the whole team.

6.5. Parents must sign a waiver authorizing medical treatment in the case of an injury, and specify who exactly can obtain and/or administer medical treatment or over-the-counter drugs. Such waiver must be present at each game, in the team bench area or other designated area.

7. Coaches

7.1. Coaches are responsible for parent and skater behavior at all times. If any dispute or issue arises, it is the responsibility of the coach to notify the appropriate people, which may include the Head Official, Tournament Director, or League JRDA Representative.

7.2. Coaches will encourage appropriate behavior among skaters, and will lead by example at all times.

7.3. Any inappropriate behavior from coaches will result in a warning/expulsion and may affect the ability to attend other JRDA events.

7.4. Coaches will not force or pressure any league member to participate in any skating activity that they are uncomfortable performing.

7.5. Coaches will coach in a spirit of developing empowerment, emphasize motivation and enthusiasm, and celebrate each league member’s abilities and individuality, placing individual skater growth and development over winning.

7.6. Coaches will encourage social influence and support from teammates with healthy attitudes towards factors that are often targets of separation – for example, sexual orientation, race, body size/shape - and in support of anyone who needs support for any reason.

8. Officials

8.1. Safety: Keeping all participants and spectators safe from harm is the primary responsibility of all officials

8.1.1. Officials will check each skater for signs of injury or impairment during gear check and continuously while on the track. Officials will not hesitate to stop play to remove an impaired or injured skater from game play.

8.1.2. Officials will not force or pressure any skater to participate in any activity that they are uncomfortable performing. Officials will not permit anyone else to force a skater to perform such activities.

8.1.3. Officials will immediately inform the Head Official of any physical condition, disability, injury, illness, or any other circumstance or condition that may affect the safety and/or welfare of themselves or any participant, or that may impact the ability of the official to fulfill his/her duties and responsibilities

8.2. Knowledge: Officials will stay informed and execute all procedures and penalty calls to the best of their ability based on the most current rule set. Officials will use best practices as set forth by the JRDA at all times when available, and their own best judgment when not.

8.3. Impartiality: Officials will remain objective and impartial at all times while wearing the official’s uniform. Officials will conscientiously avoid even the perception of bias towards any team or league while in uniform.

8.3.1. Officials will fully disclose any and all team or league affiliations, memberships, and memberships/affiliations of immediate family members to the Head Official/Tournament Head and place faith in their judgment to staff games as they see fit and/or as objectively as possible.

8.3.2. Officials will execute all calls and procedures objectively and fairly.

8.3.3. Officials will not actively cheer, coach, or communicate with coaches or skaters regarding gameplay beyond teaching and enforcing the rules.

8.3.4. To ensure effective authority in all capacities, officials who are working at any game in a multi-game event will remain professional and unbiased during any game that they are not actively officiating.

8.4. Respect: Officials will respect those they interact with in the role of an official, and will require others to respect that role.

8.5. Dress Code: During gameplay, all Officials must be in compliance with the JRDA Officials Dress Code. If an Official is not currently officiating a game and wishes to cheer/coach, the Officiating uniform (SO stripes / NSO shirt) must be removed

8.6. Officials will check the fit and physical state of each skater's safety equipment before each game as described in the JRDA Protective Gear Check Protocol. Coaches of skaters wearing unconventional safety equipment are responsible for notifying the Head Official of the proper gear check procedure for this equipment at the Captain's Meeting.

9. Gameplay

9.1. All individuals participating in a game in any capacity (including spectators) are subject to the JRDA Rules, and the authorities set forth therein.

9.2. The Head Official has the right to unilaterally remove a player or team from gameplay, or to call the game off, for safety reasons.

9.3. If any participant’s safety is compromised at any point during gameplay, the officials will stop gameplay.

9.4. Parents or legal guardians, coaches, or medical staff may remove a skater from any situation for safety reasons. Consensus agreement is not required for removal. A parent/legal guardian may only remove their own ward.

10. Tournament Play/Rankings/Sanctioned Games

10.1. JRDA reserves the right to deny game sanctioning based on rules violations, improper sanctioning processes, or for any other reason at the discretion of the Games Department and JRDA Board of Directors.

10.2. Any disputes or disagreements regarding schedules, brackets, or seeding must be discussed with the JRDA representative prior to that event. League representative can contact the JRDA Games Department and the HR Director at any time.

10.3. Tournament game schedules, bracketing, and seeding are final at the beginning of the first day of the event, and only subject to change after this point by the Tournament/Event Director or the JRDA Board of Directors

11. Grievance Process with JRDA

11.1. Grievances may be submitted by JRDA league representatives using the grievance process found on the JRDA Website. Parents and spectators are encouraged to speak with the coaching staff and JRDA league representative with any issues or complaints.

11.2. JRDA will not review calls from a game; all rulings on the track are final once the official final score is posted.

11.3. JRDA will not handle disputes between leagues unless there is concrete evidence of violation of this Code of Conduct.

12. Consequences

12.1. Penalties

12.1.1. Violations of this Code of Conduct during gameplay may be penalized as Unsporting Conduct/Misconduct as per the JRDA Addenda to The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby.

12.1.2. Penalties assessed to non-skating participants will be served by the team captain as set forth in the rules.

12.1.3. Violations of this Code of Conduct which occur outside of an officiated game will be investigated by JRDA with outcomes ranging from deference to league representatives, to formal warnings, suspensions, revocation of sanctioning, or other measures.

12.2. Expulsion / Suspension

12.2.1. For extreme or repeated violations, the offending participant(s) may be asked to leave the venue. Only JRDA Directors, Tournament Directors, and Head Officials may make the decision to have a participant ejected from the facility.

12.2.2. If the offending person does not leave voluntarily, venue security or the local police may be asked to remove them. Gameplay will not continue until the offending participant has left the premises. Extended delay due to refusal to leave (20 minutes or more) will result in the game ending prematurely..

12.2.3. Expulsions will be reported to and reviewed by the JRDA Board of Directors. If appropriate, the Board may suspend the expelled person, prohibiting that person from attending future JRDA events until a specified date.

12.3. Officials

12.3.1. Violations of this Code of Conduct by any official, skating or non-skating, will be reported to the JRDA Officials Review Board, and may be penalized by suspension from working any JRDA game for a period of time (up to and including a lifetime ban) at the sole discretion of the Review Board.

Gender Policy

We are committed to inclusive and anti-discrimination practices in relation to all transgender, intersex, and gender expansive participants, and aim to ensure that all skaters’, volunteers’, and employees’ rights are respected and protected.

An individual who identifies as transgender, intersex, and/or gender expansive in other manners may skate with AZRD if women’s flat track roller derby is the version and composition of roller derby with which they most closely identify.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Arizona Roller Derby is committed to providing a community that is free from sexual harassment. All members of the Arizona derby community deserve to feel safe and welcome. League leadership will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of all skaters, coaches, volunteers, and fans. Arizona Roller Derby Executive Officers reserve the right to deny membership or visitation to anyone who has been accused of harassment, misconduct, or abuse if the claim is substantiated in the opinion of the Executive Officers.

AZRD defines sexual harassment as unwelcome actions, regardless of intent, including but not limited to the following:

• Sexual advances
• Requests for sexual favors
• Sexual pranks, videos, images, or repeated sexual teasing, jokes, or innuendo, in person or via email, phone calls, voicemail, or social media
• Verbal abuse of a sexual nature
• Touching or grabbing of a sexual nature
• Leering, or staring with lewd interest
• Standing too close in an imposing manner or intentionally brushing up against a person
• Repeatedly asking a person to socialize during non-skating or non-league activity hours when the person has said no or has indicated that they are not interested
• Making sexually suggestive gestures at or about an individual or group
• Sexually abusive/derogatory media (including social media posts, event materials, art, etc.) sent or published while acting as a current representative of AZRD (i.e. having a league logo/headshot as a profile picture, listing the League as an affiliation)

The above list is not a comprehensive list of actions deemed sexual harassment/assault. The key word is “unwelcome”. The impact to the victim is more important than the harasser’s intent. Actions become harassment when someone involved feels unsafe or uncomfortable, regardless of the intentions of the other parties. Additional expectations may apply for Juniors which will be described in the Juniors Handbook. A victim of sexual harassment or harasser can be of any gender. The victim can be of the same sex and/or gender as the harasser. The harasser could be any member of the derby community.

Email Policy

Emails sent from the domain name @arizonarollerderby.com are the property of Arizona Roller Derby and is intended for the named person's use only. The statements and any attachments or information disclosed in these emails may be confidential, proprietary or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not directly or indirectly disclose, copy, distribute, print or otherwise use the contents of the information included in this email. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any transmission errors. If you have received this email in error, please immediately notify Arizona Roller Derby and destroy all electronic and hard copies of the communication, including any attachments.

Social Media Policy

Social media offers the opportunity for people to gather in online communities of shared interest and create, share, or access content. Regardless of whether or not you have chosen to be an active user of social media, there is no denying that the use of social media is now mainstream and that the world is becoming a much smaller place as a result.

Arizona Roller Derby (AZRD) uses social media platforms for a variety of purposes, including event marketing, skater and spectator outreach, photo sharing, and other various forms of marketing.

Individuals within our sport, including skaters, volunteers, coaches, officials, photographers, spectators or others, are using social media for personal use which overlaps to include their beloved sport. Sometimes these individuals will use social media to communicate information related to or express their opinions related to their experiences with roller derby and/or AZRD.

This policy has been developed to inform our community about using social media so people feel enabled to participate while being mindful of their responsibilities to the people of AZRD. In particular, this policy provides practical guidance allowing all parties to benefit from the use of social media while minimizing potential risks and protecting those involved. This policy is written to establish a culture of openness, trust, and integrity in all online activities related to AZRD.

In circumstances where guidance about social media issues has not been given in this policy, we suggest you use common sense or seek out advice from the Grievance committee (grievance@arizonarollerderby.com), Communications Pillar (compliance@arizonarollerderby,com), or an Executive Officer (executiveofficers@arizonarollerderby.com).

Guidelines

League Representatives - The boundaries between when you are representing yourself and when you are representing AZRD can often be blurred when using social media. Therefore, it is important that you are aware that you are representing both yourself and AZRD appropriately online at all times. Keep in mind that skaters, other leagues, spectators and others in the derby community may be looking at your posts and profile(s) to learn more about AZRD, especially if you are posting as AZRD, responding to messages/comments, and/or are posting as a coach/captain.

All AZRD Members – regardless of your position(s) within AZRD, you are helping create and hold our culture. This means your words, actions, posts, etc. can affect others in a multitude of ways. Be aware of how your posts can make others feel and the open, accepting culture that AZRD strives to maintain.

Common Sense

Whenever you are unsure whether or not the content you wish to share is appropriate or acceptable by all affected parties, seek advice from them before posting or refrain from posting.

Remember that content shared privately to friends can easily be shared outside of that circle. Therefore, think carefully about posting content that you would not want others to see, even if you feel confident that a particular person or group will not see it.

Even if the content you wish to share is not aimed directly at one person, be aware that some memes, posts or opinions could be perceived as offensive or chilling to others.

Protecting Privacy

Be smart about protecting yourself and your league mates. Posting and sharing photos is a favorite pastime of many, but not all. Be aware of your photos and who is in them before posting; ensure you have permission from the group to post to social media sites. Be cognizant of those who do not wish to have a social media appearance.

In addition, keep yourself safe by checking your privacy setting regularly. Be cautious of personal details and location information that you share online, especially if you are tagging others in your post.

Honesty and Disclaimers

If you are unsure about a fact or source, check into it before posting or sharing with others. If you are sharing an opinion-based article or statement, be sure it is clearly your opinion and not that of AZRD. This is most important for those posting as league representatives.

Confidentiality and Sensitivity

When using social media, you must maintain the privacy of AZRD and those involved with the league as well as information shared within the league. This includes information that is not publicly accessible, widely known, or not expected to be shared outside of AZRD. This may include AZRD specifics such as finances, grievances, upcoming announcements, etc. and also personal details about members of AZRD.

Be considerate of others and do not post or share information when you have been asked not to, or where consent has not been sought and given. If you are asked to remove information about a person, the league, or any other relevant entity, you must reword your post as requested or refrain from sharing said post/image/meme/etc.

Permission should always be sought if the use or publication of information is directly related to an individual. This is particularly relevant when involving minors as parental/guardian consent to share is mandatory.

Photo Sharing

You must obtain express permission from an individual to use a direct, clearly identifiable image of that person. When using a photo posted by a professional photographer, credit to that photographer is necessary. Be cognizant of others when tagging, sharing or commenting on photos.

Sexual Harassment

The Sexual Harassment policy applies both online and off. In short, unwelcome actions regardless of the intent are not acceptable in person or via social media. If you see this type of behavior occurring and feel safe to do so, say something and support the victim to safety. AZRD encourages anyone to report sexual harassment incidents to the grievance committee or anyone in leadership; see the sexual harassment section for more information on handling this type of incident.

Handling Mistakes

Mistakes happen, if something is posted with incorrect or inaccurate information, correct the mistake as soon as possible and make it clear that the mistake has been corrected.

Reporting a Social Media Policy Breach

If you are tagged in a post, photo, meme or other social media post that identifies you without your permission, contact the poster and let them know that you’d like your name removed. If they are unwilling to comply, report the post to the grievance committee as you see fit. If the post contains a photo or otherwise identifies you in a way you’re uncomfortable with, report the post to the social media site for removal and/or remove yourself as a tagged person.

Any person who is affected by a social media breach or sees this type of activity occurring is encouraged to report the activity to one of the groups/people below; include screenshots where necessary.

● Executive Officers

● Anyone within AZRD leadership you feel comfortable talking to

Social Media Policy Breech Repercussions

AZRD is a league with clear inclusiveness, we aim to support our members in any way they need to be successful in their derby life and to feel empowered in their everyday lives. As such, we will take this opportunity to help a member learn and grow. We encourage anyone struggling with responsibility on social media to do their own research or seek out advice from a friend, colleague or other professional.

Social Media Policy breeches will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and can encompass any post on social media or through any social media messaging. Repercussions for breeching this policy include, but are not limited to:

● A first violation of this policy will result in a discussion with a board, be it Executive Officers or the Grievance committee, and a note in your member file regarding the incident and discussion(s).

● Further violations will be handled on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the AZRD Code of Conduct, Sexual Harassment, and any other relevant AZRD policies. The Grievance committee and/or Executive Officers will discuss and do a majority vote on the repercussions; the members involved in the incident will be involved in these discussions.

● Be aware that those in a management or leadership role within the league who have one or more social media violations are in immediate jeopardy of losing their league job/position. This will be a majority EO vote.

Video Recording Policy

No unauthorized video recordings are permitted during practices or events. Exceptions have been provided to captains and coaches of teams of Arizona Roller Derby

Exceptions for captains/coaches such as these are permitted as long as the videos are kept private, whether that be in AZRD email, AZRD Google Drive, Private YouTube Channel, or on your private TEAM facebook groups.

Permission for recording should always be sought by emailing media@arizonarollerderby.com. Please refer to our social media policy regarding sharing videos/clips.

Pet Policy

Arizona Roller Derby (AZRD) is responsible for assuring the health and safety of all members and visitors while in our facility. In keeping with this objective, AZRD does not permit animals of any kind inside the facility. Animals may pose a threat of infection, allergic reactions, and biting/aggression towards other animals or people. Additionally, animals also run the risk of getting hurt while at our facility.

A member or visitor who requires the help of a service animal (defined by 28 CFR 36.104 as "any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability") will be permitted to bring a service animal to the office, provided that the animal’s presence does not create a danger to others and does not impose an undue hardship upon the company. Please note, you may be required to produce the pet's paperwork.

All service animals must be leashed at all times. All service animals must be in the continuous full control of their owners. They should be in the physical presence of the owner. Owners are expected to clean up, completely and immediately, after their service animals.

A member or visitor who brings an service animal to the office is completely and solely liable for any injuries or any damage to personal property caused by the service animal. Any repair or cleaning/maintenance costs incurred by a service animal will be charged in full to the owner.

AZRD may, at its discretion, require the service animal owner to maintain a liability insurance policy covering damage or injuries caused by the service animal while at the practice facility. The company may specify minimum coverage amounts under such a policy, and may require the owner to pay for such coverage. AZRD shall not be liable for loss of, or injury to, any animal brought to the practice facility.

Weapons/Drugs Policy

Arizona Roller Derby (AZRD) is responsible for assuring the health and safety of all members and visitors while in our facility. In keeping with this objective, AZRD does not permit weapons, federally illegal drugs, and/or drug paraphernalia inside the practice facility or our game venue, Ability360. We also encourage that prescription drugs are kept at home or in a secure location with the exception of those needed in case of emergency during practices/game play (ex. insulin, epi-pen, inhaler)