CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Policy Statement

Niagara-on-the-Lake Pickleball Club Inc. (NOTLPC) is guided by the principles of its mission, vision and values.

As members, we share the responsibility to safeguard the NOTLPC culture, assets and enjoyment of the game of pickleball.

NOTLPC is committed to providing an environment that supports diversity, inclusion and is free of discrimination, harassment and intimidation of its members and guests. The NOTLPC culture fosters friendship, integrity and respect of its members, guests and the game of pickleball.

NOTLPC has the expectation, at all times, that members are aware of appropriate behaviour and of potential consequences for violating the Code of Conduct.

2. Application

This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals participating in NOTLPC programs, activities and events.

This Code of Conduct also applies to NOTLPC members outside of its programs, activities and events when such conduct, including conduct on social media, is detrimental to the image and reputation of NOTLPC or its members.

3. Responsibilities

NOTLPC members have a responsibility to maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of NOTLPC members and other individuals by:

• demonstrating respect for every person regardless of physical characteristics, athletic ability, age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, creed, disability, family, economic or marital status, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation;

• avoiding public criticism of players, officials, organizers, volunteers or members;

• consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship and ethical conduct;

• consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably;

• supporting and encouraging the growth of all members; and

• ensuring adherence to the rules of Pickleball and the spirit of those rules.

Behaviour that will not be tolerated includes:

• verbally or physically abusing opponents;

• any form of harassment, including sexual harassment;

• the use of profane, insulting or otherwise offensive language;

• consuming or being under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs while participating in NOTLPC sport activities;

• engaging in any behaviour that would endanger the health, safety or wellbeing of others; and

• using NOTLPC records or materials, including its membership list, for personal gain or other gain, without prior approval from the Board of Directors of NOTLPC.

4. Breach of the Code of Conduct

The Board of Directors of NOTLPC is authorized to take necessary steps (including temporary resolutions) to ensure club policies/rules are observed. It is the responsibility of members to report violations of this policy to the Vice Chair of NOTLPC immediately.

Procedures

a) Informal Resolution

Procedures leading to punitive action shall not commence until the allegations against the member have been informally reviewed with the Vice Chair of NOTLPC. The purpose of this review is to seek resolution of the matter before initiating formal procedures. The “proposed resolution” will be approved by the Board of Directors of NOTLPC.

b) Disciplinary Committee

If the Vice Chair has not been able to informally resolve the matter or if it’s a matter that could result in suspension or expulsion, he/she will refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee, who will in turn:

• as soon as possible, notify the parties involved in the complaint advising them the complaint is potentially legitimate and will be responded to as a major infraction;

• ensure the individual alleged to have committed the infraction is provided with written detail of the alleged infraction; and

• ensure both parties of the complaint are provided with a copy of this policy.

Remedial actions may include a formal letter of warning, a temporary suspension of membership or permanent expulsion from club membership. The suspension/expulsion will take effect immediately after the member has been informed of the decision rendered by the Disciplinary Committee. The Disciplinary Committee will provide copies of its decision by email on the next business day.

Disciplinary Hearings

If the person alleged to have committed the infraction acknowledges the facts of the incident, he/she may consent to waive the need for a hearing. In these circumstances the Committee will determine the appropriate sanction with or without holding a hearing.

If a party to the complaint chooses not to participate in the hearing, the hearing will proceed without their participation.

The Disciplinary Committee will determine the format of the hearing, which may involve:

• an oral in-person hearing;

• an oral hearing by telephone;

• a hearing based on a review of documentary evidence submitted in advance of the hearing; or

• a combination of these methods.

The hearing is governed by the procedures that the Disciplinary Committee deems appropriate in the circumstances, provided that the Parties:

• are given a minimum of ten days written notice on the day, time and place of the hearing;

• agree to an exchange of any written documents they wish to have considered at the hearing and provided in advance of the hearing in a timeframe agreed to by the parties;

• are advised they may be accompanied by a representative, advisor or legal counsel at their own expense; and

• are informed the Disciplinary Committee may request that other individuals participate and give evidence at the hearing.

Decision from the Hearing

Within fourteen days of the conclusion of the hearing, the Disciplinary Committee will determine whether the alleged infraction occurred and if so the sanctions to be imposed. This decision along with its reasons is distributed in writing to all parties and to the Board of Directors of NOTLPC within seven days of the decision being made.

Sanctions for a major infraction include but are not limited to:

• a written reprimand; and

• expulsion from membership in NOTLPC.

Unless the Disciplinary Committee decides otherwise, disciplinary sanctions start immediately after the written decision has been distributed to the parties.