V-League Winnipeg Code of Ethics
(Adapted from Volleyball Canada)

PURPOSE

1. The purpose of this Code of Conduct and Ethics is to ensure a safe and positive environment within Vleague Winnipeg activities and events, by making all individuals aware that there is an expectation of appropriate behavior, consistent with the values of Volleyball Canada, at all times.
2. V-league Winnipeg is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Further, V-league Winnipeg supports equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices. All participants are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the values of the league that include fairness, integrity, open communication and mutual respect.
3. Conduct that violates this Code of Conduct and Ethics may be subject to V-league Winnipeg sanctions pursuant to this Policy, and may be further dealt with under Volleyball Canada & FIVB Discipline policies.

RESPONSIBILITY

All Individuals have a responsibility to:

1. Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of Individuals and other people by:
   1. 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;
   2. Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees and members;
   3. Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sports leadership and ethical conduct;
   4. Acting, when appropriate, to prevent or correct practices that are unjustly discriminatory;
   5. Consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably;
   6. Ensuring that the rules of the sport, and the spirit of such rules, are adhered to.
2. Refrain from any behavior 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 behavior that constitute harassment include, but are not limited to:
   1. Written or verbal abuse, threats or outbursts;
   2. The display of visual material which is offensive or which one ought to know is offensive;
   3. Unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendos or taunts;
   4. Leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures;
   5. Condescending or patronizing behavior which is intended to undermine self-esteem, diminish
      performance or adversely affect working conditions;
   6. Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety or negatively
      affect performance;
   7. Any form of hazing;
   8. Unwanted physical contact including touching, petting, pinching or kissing;
   9. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, requests or invitations;
   10. Physical or sexual assault;
   11. Behaviors such as those described above that are not directed towards individuals or groups but have the same effect of creating a negative or hostile environment; or xii. Retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports harassment.
3. Refrain from any behavior that constitutes sexual harassment, where sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or conduct of a sexual nature. Types of behavior that constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
   1. Sexist jokes;
   2. Display of sexually offensive material;
   3. Sexually degrading words used to describe a person;
   4. Inquiries or comments about a person’s sex life;
   5. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances or propositions;
   6. Persistent unwanted contact;
   7. Sexual assault.
4. Refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to engage in inappropriate activities.
5. Refrain from consuming alcohol or tobacco products while participating in V-league programs or events. In the case of adults, avoid consuming alcohol in situations where minors are present, and take reasonable steps to manage the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages in adult-oriented social situations associated with V-league events.
6. Respect the property of others and not willfully cause damage.
7. Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods.
8. Comply at all times with the Constitution, Bylaws, policies, rules and regulations of V-league Winnipeg, as adopted and amended from time to time.
9. Adhere to all Federal, Provincial, Municipal or host country laws.
10. Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods. Any infraction of such Program shall be considered an infraction of this Policy and shall be subject to disciplinary action, and possible sanction, pursuant to Volleyball Canada & FIVB Discipline Policy.
11. Refrain from associating with any person for the purpose of coaching, training, competition, instruction, administration, management, athletic development or supervision of the sport of volleyball, who has incurred an anti-doping rule violation and is serving a sanction involving a period of ineligibility.

Parents/Guardians and Spectators

In addition to paragraph 7 above, Parents/Guardians of Individuals and Spectators at events will:

1. Encourage athletes to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence;
2. Never ridicule a participant for making a mistake during a performance or practice;
3. Provide positive comments that motivate and encourage participants continued effort;
4. Respect the decisions and judgments of officials, and encourage athletes to do the same; and
5. Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, and to the coaches, officials and other volunteers who give their time to the sport.