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CODE OF CONDUCT

All players, officials and volunteers of Dodgeball Newfoundland and Labrador are expected to conduct themselves accordingly and act as positive examples at all times. 

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An inability to do so will be taken seriously. 

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DEFINITIONS
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DNL – Dodgeball Newfoundland and Labrador, the federally recognized governing body of dodgeball activities in Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Board – The collective name for the President and Vice-Presidents who direct the day-to-day operations of DNL 

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Member – An individual in good standing within DNL whereas “good standing” refers to their membership fees being paid in full

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Player – An individual who participates in dodgeball activities organized and regulated by DNL

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Official – An individual who is recognized by DNL as being in a position of authority during a dodgeball match and responsible for ensuring players act accordingly with the rules and regulations defined by DNL

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Volunteer – An individual who may assist an official during a dodgeball match, but is otherwise not recognized as having any level of authority 

DODGEBALL CANADA CODE OF CONDUCT
HARASSMENT 
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Under the DNL Code of Conduct, harassment can be defined as, but not limited to, the following: 

 

“Comments or conduct directed towards an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading, or malicious.” 

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This can, but not limited to, be considered as:

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  • Written or verbal abuse, threats or outbursts.

  • The display of visual material which is offensive or which one ought to know is offensive in the circumstances.

  • Unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo or taunts.

  • Leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures.

  • Condescending or patronizing behaviour which is intended to undermine self-esteem, diminish performance or adversely affect working conditions.

  • Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety, or negatively affect performance.

  • Any form of hazing where hazing is defined as “Any potentially humiliating, degrading, abusive, or dangerous activity expected of a junior-ranking athlete by a senior-ranking teammate, which does not contribute to either athlete’s positive development, but is required to be accepted as part of a team, regardless of the junior-ranking athlete’s willingness to participate”. This includes, but is not limited to, any activity, no matter how traditional or seemingly benign, that sets apart or alienates any team-mate based on class, number of years on the team, or athletic ability.

  • Unwanted physical contact including, but not limited to, touching, petting, pinching, or kissing.

  • Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, requests, or invitations.

  • Physical or sexual assault.

  • 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.

  • Retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports harassment to DNL.

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SEXUAL HARASSMENT 

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Under the DNL Code of Conduct, sexual harassment can be defined as, but not limited to, the following: 

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”Unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or conduct of a sexual nature.”

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This can, but not limited to, be considered as:

  • Sexist jokes.

  • Display of sexually offensive material.

  • Sexually degrading words used to describe a person.

  • Inquiries or comments about a person’s sex life.

  • Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances or propositions.

  • Persistent unwanted contact.

ABUSIVE LANGUAGE OR BEHAVIOUR
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Under the DNL Code of Conduct, abusive language or behaviour can be defined as, but not limited to, the following: 

 

  • Demonstrating a lack of respect towards individuals based on body type, physical characteristics, athletic ability, gender, ancestry, colour, ethnic or racial origin, nationality, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, religious belief, political belief, disability, gender identification, or economic status

  • Engaging in public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, and members.

  • Showcasing a lack of sportsmanship, sport leadership and ethical conduct.

  • Consistently treating individuals unfairly and/or unreasonably.

OFFICIALS/VOLUNTEERS
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In addition to the articles above, all officials and volunteers of DNL will be expected to: 

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  • Be fair and objective.

  • Avoid situations in which a conflict of interest may arise.

  • Be as impartial, unobtrusive and inconspicuous as possible.

  • Conduct all events according to the rules of the DNL.

  • Make judgments that should not be influenced by outside forces such as coaches or spectators.

  • An inability to conduct accordingly could result in dismissal and suspension of the individual from their duties.

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Officials and/or volunteers have the same rights as players as defined in DNL’s By-laws in regard to conduct resolution. 

RESOLUTION
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The severity of an infraction along with the resolution to the matter will be deemed appropriate by the Board following a full investigation into the individual and/or the situation in question.

 

As defined in Section 5.4 of the Dodgeball Newfoundland and Labrador By-laws, “The Board may, reliant on a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote by board members, suspend or rescind membership of any member with just cause.” 

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Further, just cause can be defined as: 

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  • Violation of the DC Code of Conduct

  • Harassment or bullying of Players

  • Breach of confidentiality

  • Criminal activity as defined by federal, provincial, and/or municipal law

  • Discriminatory or abusive language or behaviour

  • Showing disregard to the authority of DNL officials and/or rules and regulations

  • Intoxication where deemed to be a threat to the safety and well-being of oneself or others 

  • Disrespect or damage to the property of others

  • Inability to comply with the bylaws, policies, procedures, rules and regulations of DNL

  • Other behaviour or communication deemed damaging to DNL, the League, or Players.

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Members facing conduct resolution shall be given the opportunity to be heard by the Board prior to any final decision or vote. 

 

All members of DNL are encouraged to report infractions to the DNL Code of Conduct to any member of the Board. Anonymity of the individual will be respected and guaranteed.

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