HoPR - Code of Conduct

2024 HOPR Code of Conduct

Purpose of the Code

This code of conduct policy (the “Code”) is intended to protect the safety and well-being of individuals who associate with USRowing, and to ensure that all USRowing Persons (as defined below) and race attendees conduct themselves with integrity, and maintain a high standard of ethical conduct.

The Head of the Passaic Regatta (HOPR) is committed to creating and supporting a safe and welcoming environment for all persons involved or associated with HOPR-sponsored events and activities. The HOPR is equally dedicated to expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the northern New Jersey rowing community and beyond. In accordance, the HOPR stands against speech, behaviors, and actions that are judged to be unsportsmanlike conduct. The HOPR will take appropriate action against any such occurrences of such unsportsmanlike behavior at HOPR-conducted events.

All regatta participants, including, but not limited to: athletes, coaches, volunteers, parents and attendees are expected to:

Behave in a respectful and friendly manner to all people attending the regatta.
Treat all regatta attendees fairly, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, faith or expression.
Refrain from any racist or offensive speech or actions which are derogatory, insulting, harassing, or otherwise deemed abusive.
Be aware of the health and safety of all athletes at all times when engaged in rowing and prioritize the health and safety over results of athletes. If the conditions are unsafe, follow best practices and not allow the health and safety of the athletes to be compromised.
Recognize the signs of injury, physical, and psychological stress in athletes, take these indicators seriously, and refer or seek out appropriate and qualified support.

Any regatta participant who experiences or is the target of racist or offensive speech or actions at any stage of a race is encouraged, at the finish of the race, to immediately notify the regatta referee(s) of the unsportsmanlike conduct.

Individuals, programs, and clubs that are found to be party to any actions that violate these outlined expectations may be subject to disciplinary action by the HOPR Leadership Organizing Committee. This Committee will determine a course of action which may include, but is not limited to, any of the following depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense: written report to the participant’s program or club administrators (coach, captain, school athletic director, club officers, and other relevant parties), forfeiture of trophies or medals*, and suspension of permission to compete, vend, staff or volunteer in subsequent HOPR-conducted events.