POLICY SUMMARY – Code of Conduct and Ethics

Note: This document is not the Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy. It is a summary of that policy. The definitive authority for matters related to this policy is the code of Conduct and Ethics policy itself.

CBSA’s Code of conduct and Ethics outlines behaviours which are consistent with the organization’s core values, policies, and the Universal Code of conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS).

It applies to individuals both inside and outside of the business, activities, and events of the Organization and its Members. This means it applies to competitions, practices, evaluations, treatment or consultations such as massage therapy, training camps, travel, the office environment, and any meetings.

It also applies outside of the business and events of the Organization where maltreatment has a serious and detrimental impact on another Participant.

It applies both to participants who are active in the sport, as well as those who have retired.

Any individual who violates the code may be subject to the discipline and complaints Policy and / or be removed from the area of competition such as a tournament or training camp

While it is possible for a breech of the code to fall under a number of categories of maltreatment, it is only necessary to prove that it falls under one of these categories. Similarly, a breech of the code is not restricted to the physical location where any incident of maltreatment may have taken place.

Some of the behaviors that all participants should follow include:

Conducting themselves in a manner consistent with the True Sport Principles. Refraining from any behaviour that constitutes Maltreatment, Discrimination, Harassment, Workplace Harassment, or Workplace Violence; and,

Maintaining and enhancing the dignity and self-esteem of members and other individuals within the sports system.

In addition to those responsibilities of all participants, the organization’s Directors, committee Members and staff have their own obligations to:

Function primarily as a Director or Committee Member or Staff Member of the Organization or a Participating Member (as applicable) while functioning in that role; and,

Ensuring that their loyalty prioritizes the interests of the CBSA or one of its participating Members.

This code outlines that the coach-athlete relationship is a privileged one and plays a critical role in the personal, sport, and athletic development of the athlete. As a result, coaches must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it, either consciously or unconsciously. The Code requires coaches and instructors to:

Ensure a safe environment by selecting activities and establishing controls that are suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of athletes

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 them; and,

Act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person.

Athletes themselves have their own responsibility to abide by the code while:

• Adhering to their Athlete Agreement;
• Reporting any medical problems in a timely fashion, when such problems may limit their ability to travel, practice, or compete;
• Appearing on-time and being prepared to participate to the best of their abilities in all competitions, practices, training sessions, and evaluations; and,
• Adhering to any rules and requirements regarding clothing and equipment.

The code then goes on to describe additional responsibilities for officials, parents, guardians, spectators, and provincial and territorial sports organizations and clubs. As a result, officials must :

• Maintain and update their knowledge of the rules and rule changes;
• Not publicly criticize other officials;
• Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all Participants; and,
• Act openly, impartially, professionally, lawfully, and in good faith.
• Parents, guardians and spectators must:
• Encourage Athletes to compete within the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence;
• Condemn the use of violence in any form; and,
• Respect the decisions and judgments of officials, and encourage Athletes to do the same.
• Finally, provincial and territorial sports organizations must:
• Adhere to all of the Organization’s governing documents and, where necessary, amend their own rules to comply or align with those of the Organization
• Recognize that their websites, blogs and social media accounts may be seen as extensions of the Organization and must reflect the Organization’s mission, vision and values
• Ensure that all Athletes and coaches Participating in sanctioned competitions and events of the Organization are registered and in good standing.