NATIONAL CAPITAL AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS POLICY
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NATIONAL CAPITAL AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (NCAFA)
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
This policy has been prepared by NCAFA and this Policy is applicable to its Affiliate
Organizations. This document cannot be modified by any Affiliate Organizations without
consultation and approval from NCAFA.
Definitions
1.
The following terms have these meanings in this Code:
a)
“Affiliate Organization” – means any Club who is a member of NCAFA.
b)
“Case Manager” – means a Registrant who is responsible for establishing a three person
Discipline/Appeal Panel including appointing one member as Chairperson. The Case
Manager shall not sit on the Panel.
c)
“Code” – means this National Capital Amateur Football Association Code of Conduct and
Ethics
d)
“Complainant” – the Party alleging an infraction
e)
“Complaints Administrator(s)” – An individual or individuals appointed by NCAFA to be
the first point-of-contact for all Code of Conduct complaint matters reported to NCAFA
f)
“Days” – shall mean total days, irrespective of weekends or holidays, but not including
the date of the meeting, hearing or event in question, or the date by which a response if
any is required.
g)
“Discipline Committee” – shall mean a group consisting of three persons who are
appointed by NCAFA to judge a case in accordance with the Code.
h)
“Individuals” – means all categories defined in the NCAFA Bylaws , as well as all
individuals employed by, or engaged in activities with, NCAFA or their Affiliate
Organizations including, but not limited to, Administrators, Coach, Director, Employee,
Player, Registered Team, Registrar, Team Official, volunteers, spectators,
parents/guardians or Representatives.
i)
“Party” – The Complainant or Respondent of a complaint.
j)
“Respondent” – The alleged infracting Party.
k)
“Workplace” – means any place where business or work-related activities are conducted.
Workplaces include but are not limited to, NCAFA or Affiliate Organizations’ office, work-
related social functions, work assignments outside the office, work-related travel, and
work-related conferences or training sessions
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Purpose
2.
The purpose of this Code is to ensure a safe and positive environment within NCAFA and their
Affiliate Organizations’ programs, activities, and events by making Individuals aware that
there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour. NCAFA and their Affiliate
Organizations supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is
committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and
fairness.
Application of this Code
3.
This Code applies to Individuals’ conduct during NCAFA or their Affiliate Organization’s
workplace, business, activities, and events including, but not limited to, competitions,
tournaments, practices, tryouts, training camps, travel associated with NCAFA or Affiliate
Organization activities, NCAFA or Affiliate Organization Board of Director meetings and any
other NCAFA or Affiliate Organization meetings.
4.
This Code also applies to Individuals’ conduct outside of NCAFA or Affiliate Organization
business, activities, and events when such conduct adversely affects relationships within
NCAFA or its Affiliate Organization(s) (and its work and sport environment) or is detrimental
to the image and reputation of NCAFA. Such applicability will be determined by NCAFA , as
applicable, at its sole discretion.
5.
An Individual or Affiliate Organization who violates this Code may be subject to a formal
complaint, a discipline process and the imposition of sanctions, pursuant to this Code.
6.
This Code does not prevent immediate discipline or sanction from being applied as
reasonably required. Further discipline may be applied according to this Code. Any infractions
or complaints occurring within competition will be dealt with by the procedures specific to
the competition, if applicable.
7.
Sanctions set out within the Code do not apply to any NCAFA or Affiliate Organizations
employees or contractors as such matters are governed by individual policies that expressly
apply to employees, such as the applicable organization’s human resources policy or
employment/contractor agreements.
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Jurisdiction
8.
Jurisdiction of complaints within NCAFA will be determined based upon where and when
the conduct occurred, as determined by NCAFA .
Responsibilities
9.
Individuals have a responsibility to:
a)
Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of Individuals and other persons by:
i.
Demonstrating respect to individuals regardless of body type, physical
characteristics, athletic ability, race or perceived race, nationality, ancestry, place of
origin, color, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, gender expression, age, class, marital status, family status, religion, political
belief, physical or mental disability, economic status or source of income
ii.
Focusing comments, criticism or disciplinary actions appropriately
iii.
Demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership, and ethical conduct
iv.
Acting, when appropriate, to correct or prevent practices that are unjustly
discriminatory
v.
Treating individuals fairly and reasonably
vi.
Adhering to NCAFA rules and policies and the spirit of those rules and policies
b)
Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment, where harassment is defined as
comment or conduct directed towards an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive,
racist, sexist, degrading, or malicious. Types of behaviour that constitute harassment
include, but are not limited to:
i.
Written or verbal abuse, threats, or outbursts
ii.
The display of visual material which is offensive or which a reasonable person ought
to know is offensive in the circumstances
iii.
Unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo, or taunts
iv.
Leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures
v.
Condescending or patronizing behaviour which is intended to undermine self-
esteem, diminish performance or adversely affect working conditions
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vi.
Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s
safety, or negatively affect performance
vii.
Any form of hazing where hazing is defined as any potentially humiliating,
degrading, abusive, or dangerous activity
viii.
Retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports harassment to
NCAFA or a Affiliate Organization
ix.
Bullying
x.
Offensive or intimidating communications, including social media
xi.
Inappropriate use of social media
xii.
Displaying or circulating offensive pictures, photographs or materials in printed or
electronic form
xiii.
Psychological abuse
xiv.
Discrimination
xv.
Words or actions which are known or should reasonably be known to be offensive,
embarrassing, humiliating, demeaning or intimidating
xvi.
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
c)
Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes violence, where violence is defined as the
exercise of physical force, that causes or could cause physical injury; an attempt to
exercise physical force that could cause physical injury; or a statement or behaviour that
it is reasonable to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force. Types of behaviour that
are applicable to this section include, but are not limited to:
i.
Verbal threats to attack
ii.
Sending to or leaving threatening notes or emails
iii.
Making threatening physical gestures
iv.
Wielding a weapon
v.
Hitting, pinching or unwanted touching which is not accidental
vi.
Throwing an object
vii.
Blocking normal movement or physical interference, with or without the use of
equipment
viii.
Any attempt to engage in the type of conduct outlined above
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d)
Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment, where sexual harassment
is defined as unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances, requests for sexual
favours, or conduct of a sexual nature. Types of behaviour that constitute sexual
harassment include, but are not limited to:
i.
Sexist jokes
ii.
Sexual violence
iii.
Display of sexually offensive material
iv.
Sexually degrading words used to describe a person
v.
Inquiries or comments about a person’s sex life
vi.
Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, requests, invitations or propositions
vii.
Inappropriate sexual touching, advances, suggestions or requests
viii.
Unwanted physical contact including, but not limited to, touching, petting, pinching,
or kissing
ix.
Physical or sexual assault
e)
Abstain from the use of illegal drugs, or illegal or non-prescribed performance-enhancing
drugs or methods.
f)
Refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to
engage in inappropriate or unwanted activities
g)
While acting in the capacity as either a coach or volunteer responsible for supervising
activities and/or athletes, refrain from consuming recreational drugs, intoxicants or
alcohol.
h)
Respect the property of others and not willfully cause damage
i)
Adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal and host country laws
j)
Comply, at all times, with NCAFA bylaws, policies, procedures, and rules and regulations,
as adopted and amended from time to time
k)
Treat all other Individuals with respect
l)
Report to NCAFA any ongoing criminal investigation, conviction, or existing bail
conditions involving yourself, including, but not limited to, those for violence, child
pornography, or possession, use, or sale of any illegal substance
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Volunteers
10.
In addition to section 9 (above) volunteers have additional responsibilities. Volunteers are a
critical part of the organization and the organization’s success is directly related to volunteers
carrying out their assigned responsibilities. Volunteers will:
a)
Act with honesty and integrity while carrying out any assigned responsibilities
b)
Comply with both the letter and the spirit of any training or orientation provided by
NCAFA and its Affiliate Organizations
c)
Take responsibility for actions and decisions. Follow reporting lines to facilitate the
effective resolution of problems
d)
Prudently manage and allocate assets and resources, both financial and material
e)
Abide by applicable conflict of interest and confidentiality policies
f)
Use inoffensive language
g)
Dress professionally, neatly, and inoffensively
11.
Volunteers will not:
a)
Exceed the authority of assigned position
b)
Encourage athletes to consume illegal drugs, alcohol or performance-enhancing drugs
c)
Engage in a sexual relationship with a minor athlete
Coaches
12.
In addition to section 9 (above), coaches have many additional responsibilities. The coach-
athlete relationship is a privileged one and plays a critical role in the personal, sport, and
athletic development of the athlete. Coaches must understand and respect the inherent
power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse
it, consciously or unconsciously. Coaches will:
a)
Ensure a safe environment by selecting activities and establishing controls that are
suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of the involved athletes
b)
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 athletes
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c)
Avoid compromising the present and future health of athletes by communicating and
cooperating with medical professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of
athletes’ medical and psychological treatments
d)
Support the coaching staff of a provincial team, or national team, should an athlete
qualify for participation with one of these programs
e)
Provide athletes (and the parents/guardians of minor athletes) with the information
necessary to be involved in the decisions that affect the athlete
f)
Act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person
g)
Meet the coaching credentials, as required by NCAFA, Ontario Football and Football
Canada.
h)
Respect athletes playing with other teams and, in dealings with them, not encroach upon
topics or actions which are deemed to be within the realm of 'coaching', unless after first
receiving approval from the coaches who are responsible for the athletes
i)
Recognize the power inherent in the position of coach and respect and promote the
rights of all participants in sport. This is accomplished by establishing and following
procedures for confidentiality (right to privacy), informed participation, and fair and
reasonable treatment. Coaches have a special responsibility to respect and promote the
rights of participants who are in a vulnerable or dependent position and less able to
protect their own rights
j)
Dress professionally, neatly, and inoffensively
k)
Use inoffensive language
13.
Coaches will not:
a)
Exceed the authority of assigned position
b)
Provide athletes with, or promote, encourage or condone the use by athletes of illegal
drugs, alcohol, or performance enhancing substances or methods.
c)
Engage in a sexual relationship with a minor athlete
Athletes (with the assistance of their caregivers when necessary)
14.
In addition to section 9 (above), athletes will have additional responsibilities to:
a)
Report any medical problems in a timely fashion, when such problems may limit their
ability to travel, practice, or compete
b)
Participate and appear on-time and be prepared to participate to their best abilities in all
competitions, practices, training sessions, tryouts, tournaments, and events
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c)
Properly represent themselves and not attempt to participate in a competition for which
they are not eligible by reason of age, classification, or other reason
d)
Adhere to NCAFA rules and requirements regarding clothing and equipment
e)
Never ridicule a participant for a poor performance or practice
f)
Act in a sportsmanlike manner and not display appearances of violence, foul language, or
gestures to other players, officials, coaches, referees or spectators
g)
Dress in a manner representative of NCAFA and its Affiliate Organizations, focusing on
neatness, cleanliness, and discretion
h)
Act in accordance with NCAFA and Affiliate Organization policies and procedures and,
when applicable, additional rules as outlined by coaches or managers
League Executives, Club Executives, Committee Members, Directors and Staff
15.
In addition to (i) Section 9 above, (ii) The Conflict of Interest Policy, and (iii) the
Confidentiality Policy, the League/Club Executives, Committee Members, and Staff will have
additional responsibilities to:
a)
Ensure their loyalty prioritizes the interests of NCAFA, as applicable;
b)
Act with honesty and integrity and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the
nature and responsibilities of the business and the maintenance of Individuals’ confidence
c)
Ensure that financial affairs are conducted in a responsible and transparent manner with
due regard for all fiduciary responsibilities
d)
Conduct themselves openly, professionally, lawfully and in good faith
e)
Be independent and impartial and not be influenced by self-interest, outside pressure,
expectation of reward, or fear of criticism
f)
Behave with decorum appropriate to both circumstance and position
g)
Exercise the degree of care, diligence, and skill required in the performance of their duties
pursuant to applicable laws
h)
Respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature
i)
Respect the decisions of the majority and resign if unable to do so
j)
Commit the time to attend meetings and be diligent in preparation for, and participation
in, discussions at such meetings
k)
Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of all governance documents
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16.
League Executives, Club Executives, Committee Members, Directors and Staff will not:
a)
Exceed the authority of assigned position
b)
Encourage athletes to consume illegal drugs, alcohol or performance-enhancing drugs
c)
Engage in a sexual relationship with a minor athlete
Parents/Guardians and Spectators
17.
In addition to section 9 (above), parents/guardians and spectators at events will:
a)
Encourage athletes to compete within the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting
to hostility or violence
b)
Condemn the use of violence in any form
c)
Never ridicule a participant for making a mistake during a performance or practice
d)
Provide positive comments that motivate and encourage participants’ continued effort
e)
Respect the decisions and judgments of officials, and encourage athletes to do the same
f)
Never question an official’s or staff member’s judgment or honesty
g)
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse, coercion, intimidation, and
sarcasm
h)
Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, and to the coaches, officials and other
volunteers
i)
Not harass competitors, coaches, officials, parents/guardians, or other spectators
