DODGEBALL PEI POLICY RELATING TO MEMBER CONDUCT  

(CODE OF CONDUCT) 

PURPOSE  

The purpose of this Code of Conduct and Ethics is to ensure a safe and positive environment  within Dodgeball PEI programs, activities and events, by making all individuals aware that there  is an expectation of appropriate behavior, consistent with the values of Dodgeball PEI, at all  times.  

Dodgeball PEI is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated  with respect. Further, Dodgeball PEI supports equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory  practices. Members of Dodgeball PEI are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a  manner consistent with the values of Dodgeball PEI that include fairness, integrity, open  communication and mutual respect.  

Conduct that violates this Code of Conduct and Ethics may be subject to sanctions pursuant  to this Policy. All violations will be discussed with the Dodgeball PEI Board of Directors. 

1. Application of this Policy  

a) This Policy applies to all Members of Dodgeball PEI, where Members are defined to  include coaches, event group leaders, referees, athletes, team managers and team staff,  program and tournament directors, spectators, administrators, volunteers, staff and  contractors of the Board. This Policy applies to the conduct of members at any Dodgeball  PEI events, programs and activities. This policy will also apply to but not limited to their  conduct through online avenues and social media platforms. 

 b) This policy was approved by Dodgeball PEI Board of Directors on June 25th, 2022. It  will be reviewed on an annual basis and may be amended, deleted or replaced by a resolution  of the Board.  

2. Expected Standard of Ethical Conduct for All  Members  

a) All Members of Dodgeball PEI are expected to:  

• Demonstrate through words and actions the spirit of sportsmanship, sports leadership  and ethical conduct; 
• Players are expected to abide by the honour system. The honour system expects all players  to abide by the highest level of honesty and sporting conduct at all times during competitive  play; 
• Treat others with respect and refrain from negative or disparaging remarks or  conduct;  
• Not knowingly place themselves in a situation that could give rise to a conflict  between personal interests and the interests of Dodgeball PEI;  
• Refrain from consuming any alcoholic/cannabis products during any kind of Dodgeball PEI event unless otherwise stated (Beach Tournament/Community BBQs/Trivia Events)
• 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.  
• 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;

• Refrain from any involvement in criminal activity
• Ensure matters that are private and confidential do not become public knowledge without  the full consent of the Board;  
• Comply at all times with the bylaws, policies, rules and regulations of Dodgeball PEI, as  adopted and amended from time to time, including complying with any contracts or  agreements executed with or by Dodgeball PEI;  

3. Types of Infractions  

a) Failure by a Member to achieve the expected standard set out above may result in  an infraction and the imposition of discipline. Infractions are divided into two types,  minor infractions and major infractions, which are dealt with using different procedures.  

b) Minor infractions are single incidents of breaching the code of conduct that generally do not result in harm to others. Examples of minor infractions include, but are not limited to:

• Any conduct DBPEI considers offensive
• single instances of unsportsmanlike behaviour
• single instances of non-compliance with the policies and rules of Dodgeball PEI.
• Activities or behaviours such as pranks, jokes, or any behaviour that would typically be considered as bullying

c) All disciplinary situations involving minor infractions will be dealt with by a Disciplinary Committee 

d)Major infractions are instances of misconduct that result, or have the potential to result, in harm to other persons, to Dodgeball PEI or to the sport of athletics. Examples of major infractions include, but are not limited to:

• repeated minor infractions
• activities or behaviors such as pranks, jokes or other activities that clearly endanger the safety of others. 
• complete disregard for the policies and rules of Dodgeball PEI
•  misappropriation of funds from Dodgeball PEI
•  conduct that intentionally damages the image, credibility or reputation of Dodgeball PEI
•  behaviour that Dodgeball PEI would consider as harassment, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct 
• Abusive use/consumption of alcohol at a Dodgeball PEI event, consumption of illicit drugs and narcotics (cannabis) at a Dodgeball PEI event. 
• use of banned performance enhancing drugs or methods.

e) Major infractions will be reviewed by a Disciplinary Committee 

f) Major infractions that occur within competition may be dealt with immediately by the  Board (those who are present at the time). In such situations, disciplinary sanctions will be  for the duration of the competition only. Further sanctions may be applied but only after  review of the matter using the disciplinary procedures set out in this policy.  

4. Reporting an Infraction  

a) Any individual may report to a Dodgeball PEI board member with a complaint of an infraction. Such complaint must be in writing/email/messenger and must be sent within 5 days of the alleged infraction 

• Individuals can also write/email/message Dodgeball PEI directly 

b)The record of this infraction is then send to Dodgeball PEI directly via email

c) Dodgeball PEI may determine that an alleged infraction is of such seriousness as to warrant  suspension of the Member pending investigation and a disciplinary committee meeting. 

d) Upon receiving a complaint of a major infraction, The Disciplinary Committee will review the complaint and  may:  

• Dismiss the complaint if they consider it to be minor or trivial;  
• Determine that the complaint does not fall within the jurisdiction of this policy, and refer it  the appropriate body having jurisdiction;  
• Direct that the infraction be dealt with informally as a minor infraction;  
• Pass a sanction against the individual or group

5. Disciplinary Sanctions  

a) The following are examples of disciplinary sanctions that may be applied where it is  found that a major infraction or multiple minor infractions have occurred:  

• require a verbal or written apology. Not complying will result in removal of certain privileges or membership
• Written warning 
• service or other voluntary contribution to Dodgeball PEI
• removal of certain privileges of membership
• suspension from certain events, which may include suspension from the current
• competition or from future teams or competitions
•  suspension from certain Dodgeball PEI activities such as competing, coaching or
• officiating for a designated period of time
•  removal of Dodgeball PEI funding and/or support
•  suspension from all Dodgeball PEI activities for a designated period of time
•  expulsion from membership

b) It is understood that the above are representative penalties only, that they may be modified  to fit the circumstances of the infraction, and that they are presented generally in order of  severity. 

6. Appeals  

Every member has the right to appeal any disciplinary sanction imposed on them as a result of  infractions. A formal written appeal letter must be submitted to the Dodgeball PEI Board of  Directors, clearly explaining the appeal reason.