Background and Purpose

This procedure covers anyone participating in activities with the DSC, including members, visiting swimmers and coaches. The purpose of this Code of Conduct document is to ensure a safe and positive environment during all DSC related activities and events, by making all individuals aware that there is an expectation at all times of appropriate behaviour consistent with the values of our club, as outlined in the next section of Our Values and Mission.

Our Values and Mission

DSC is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Our mission and values are:

1. To provide a positive and welcoming environment in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, straight friendly (LGBT) communities for swimming activities
2. To provide a balanced and welcoming swimming program, appealing equally to all genders, recreational, fitness and competitive swimmers, and providing both exercise and social activities
3. To Enhance the swimming experience of its members and thereby expand participation in masters swimming and to perpetuate life-long adult fitness through swimming by:
   • Promoting swimming as a means of healthful exercise
   • Providing opportunities for fellowship and camaraderie
   • Encouraging training for fitness and competition
   • Building educational resources
   • Communicating effectively
4. To enhance public awareness and support of masters swimming
5. To provide an environment fostering improved competitive skills for those interested in masters swim competition
6. To provide outreach to other masters swimming organizations and to other LGBT organizations, leagues, teams and groups that are involved in a recreational or competitive sport

Application of this Policy

This Policy applies to conduct that may arise during the course of DSC business, activities and events, including but, not limited to, practices, competitions, travel, and any meetings of, or on behalf of, DSC.

This Policy also applies to the conduct of Individuals that may occur outside of DSC’s business, activities, events and meetings when such conduct adversely affects relationships within DSC, its work and sport environment and is detrimental to the image and reputation of DSC.

General Guidelines

•          You must be a member in good standing and abide by all rules/regulations regarding maintaining a membership.
•          You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner that is compliant with the swimming facility guidelines of the pools that the team uses.
•          You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner of good conduct and respect with regard to:
• Yourself
• Members of DSC

Responsibilities

All Individuals of DSC have a responsibility to:

1.       Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of DSC Members and other Individuals by:

i.  demonstrating respect to individuals regardless of body type, physical characteristics, athletic ability, gender, ancestry, color, ethnic or racial origin, nationality, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, religious belief, political belief, disability or economic status;

ii.                   focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees and Members;

iii.                  consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sports leadership and ethical conduct;

iv.                 acting, when appropriate, to prevent or correct practices that are unjustly discriminatory;

v.                   consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably; and,

2.       Respect the property of others and not willfully cause damage.
3.       Comply at all times with the Bylaws, policies, procedures, rules and regulations of the DSC, as adopted and amended from time to time.

Prohibited actions specifically include:

•         Angry or vulgar language includes swearing, name calling or shouting.
•         Physical contact with another person in an angry, threatening, or bullying way.
•         Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any menacing behaviour.
•         Theft or behaviour that results in the destruction of property.
•         Use of cell phones for video/photography in the locker room.
•         Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening, or offensive nature.

Reporting Incidents

Reporting any incident or potential incident is the responsibility of all Team members. Incidents are to be reported verbally to any member of the board and via email to the DSC board at info@dsctoronto.ca

Consequences of lack of adherence to Code of Conduct

Behavioural violations at practice, or at meets where the member is representing or associating with DSC will be handled according to the following steps:

First Infraction

Verbal reprimand of the member by coach or member of the board of directors where the coach or member of board of directors witnessed the infraction.

Where the member of the Board has not witnessed the incident, the incident will be discussed with the member by the Board and a warning will be given.

Both scenarios will include a written memo via email to the swimmer.

Second Infraction

Meet with member(s) of the board of directors and suspension or expulsion from the team.

Any suspensions or terminations of membership or team privileges will be for cause and will not qualify for a refund of dues paid.