CCPSA is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Further, CCPSA supports equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices. Members of CCPSA and participants in CCPSA’s programs and activities are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the values of CCPSA.
Behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct may be subject to sanctions pursuant to CCPSA’s policies related to discipline.
All directors, officers, organizers, coaches, officials, athletes, managers, volunteers, personal care attendants, medical and paramedical personnel, classifiers, employees and other members of CCPSA have a responsibility to:
1. Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of members and participants of CCPSA by:
Demonstrating respect to individuals regardless of gender, ethnic or racial origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, political belief, ability/disability or economic status;
Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees and members;
Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sports leadership and ethical conduct and practices;
Ensuring that the rules of CCPSA recognized sports, and the spirit of such rules, are adhered to.
2. Adhere to CCPSA’s policies with respect to the use of alcohol while participating in CCPSA events.
3. Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods.
4. 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.
5. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment, where sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature, when submitting to or rejecting this conduct influences decisions which affect the individual, such conduct has the purpose or effect of diminishing performance, or such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment;
6. Comply at all times with the Constitution, Bylaws, policies, rules and regulations of the CCPSA, as adopted and amended from time to time, including complying with any contracts or athlete agreements executed with CCPSA;
In addition to the above, Coaches will have additional responsibilities. The athlete/coach relationship is a privileged one. Coaches play a critical role in the personal as well as athletic development of their athletes. Coaches must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it. Coaches will at all times:
7. Ensure a safe environment by selecting activities and establishing controls that are suitable for the age, experience, ability and fitness level of athletes, including educating athletes as to their responsibilities in contributing to a safe environment;
8. Avoid compromising the present and future health of athletes by communicating and cooperating with sport medicine professionals in the diagnosis, treatment and management of athletes’ medical and psychological problems;
9. Educate athletes about the dangers of drugs and performance-enhancing substances and under no circumstances promote or condone their use;
10. Accept and promote athletes’ personal goals and refer athletes to other coaches and sports specialists as appropriate and as opportunities arise;
11. Give athletes the opportunity to discuss, contribute to and agree with proposed training and performance standards. Provide athletes and the parents/guardians of athletes who are minors with the information necessary to be involved in the decisions that affect the athlete;
12. Consider the academic pressures placed on student-athletes and conduct training and events in a manner that supports academic success.
13. At no time engage in an intimate or sexual relationship with an athlete with whom the coach has a coach/athlete relationship.
Athletes who have been selected to a representative team of CCPSA will have additional responsibilities to:
14. Report any medical problems in a timely fashion, where such problems may limit the athlete’s ability to travel, train or compete;
15. Participate in all competitions, events, activities or projects to which the athlete has made a commitment;
16. Adhere to CCPSA’s requirements regarding clothing and equipment.
