DPC Code of Conduct and Conflict Resolution Policies & Procedures
Dryden Pickleball Club Code of Conduct and Conflict Resolution Policies and Procedures
Code of Conduct
Clarity of Members' Rights: Upon registration with the DPC, a member's registration may be revoked at any time at the discretion of the Club Executive Committee. Revocation may occur with cause, subject to review and discussion where appropriate.
All members of the Dryden Pickleball Club agree to play the game with the utmost respect and consideration for other players and the environment. Specifically, all members of the Dryden Pickleball Club agree to the following:
1. I will always exhibit good sportsmanship and encourage others to do the same.
2. I will always conduct myself in a manner that promotes the health, safety, and well-being of others.
3. I will always use language and actions that are positive, encouraging, and supportive. I will not be disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist, or make sexist comments or behaviour.
4. I will exhibit fairness and honesty in all dealings with others.
5. I will be a positive role model for others learning the game.
6. I will take an active role as an ambassador for the Dryden Pickleball Club in promoting the game as a fun activity for all ages.
7. I will not jeopardize the Club’s reputation through words, actions or written communications.
8. I will respect and abide by the rules of the Club and comply with Pickleball Ontario and Pickleball Canada bylaws, policies and procedures as adopted and amended from time to time. Conduct in contravention of the values of the Club bylaws, this Code of Conduct Policy and other policies will be subject to sanctions and discipline pursuant to DPC Complaint and Conflict Resolution Procedure Policy or Pickleball Ontario’s/Canada’s Complaints and Discipline policy.
Complaint and Conflict Resolution Procedure
Scope:
The Dryden Pickleball Club (DPC) will maintain a transparent and fair complaint and conflict resolution process for DPC members.
Purpose:
The procedure is intended to maintain a positive club atmosphere in which members can resolve conflicts and complaints. The intent is to apply a process that is: transparent, ensures communication and understanding between all involved, the responsibilities of the Board and the parties involved, and attempts to resolve a complaint or conflict quickly, fairly and without reprisal.
Clarification:
1. The procedure covers only infractions of Club policies and other Club based issues. Complaints relating to conduct in contravention of Pickleball Ontario or Pickleball Canada bylaws, policies and procedures will be subject to sanctions and discipline pursuant to Pickleball Ontario or Pickleball Canada’s Complaints and Discipline policies. Serious incidents involving civil or criminal law will be referred to the police or legal counsel as appropriate.
2. For club based issues there will be two levels of complaint resolution: an informal process in which a volunteer coordinator (named by the Board) guides the process, OR a formal process governed by the Board. Generally, a resolution should be initially attempted through the informal process.
3. The person or persons initiating a complaint or submitting a written formal complaint will be referred to as the complainant and the person against whom the complaint is made will be referred to as the respondent.
4. Anyone acting in retaliation against or harassment of a person who makes a complaint may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board.
5. Anyone making false or unsubstantiated accusations may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board.
6. All requests for conflict resolution and complaints shall be investigated and a decision made and communicated as outlined below.
Procedure:
Informal Conflict Resolution and Complaint Process:
1. A person or persons who experience a club-related conflict or who has/have a complaint that cannot be resolved with the other party or parties, should discuss the circumstances with a Board member or Board designated volunteer who will attempt to mediate.
2. If, in the mind of the complainant or respondent there is not a satisfactory resolution, either may initiate the formal process.
Formal Conflict Resolution and Complaint Process:
1. The Board will assess and investigate the merits of the conflict resolution request or complaint. The Board will seek input from the respondent and other relevant individuals, as needed, before deciding on a resolution.
2. Within 10 days of receiving the written conflict resolution request or complaint, the Board will advise the complainant and respondent of the investigative plan and proposed timeline. The Board will then conduct and complete the investigation and prepare a written resolution statement or decision. A minimum of two members of the Board must be present for the presentation of the resolution statement or decision to both the complainant and the respondent. Following the presentation, the Board will forward two copies of the written decision to the complainant and the respondent.
3. The parties are asked to sign and date one copy and return it to the secretary, to confirm they received the decision.
4. The Board’s decision is binding and final. There shall be no right of appeal or judicial review.
5. A Board’s decision that identifies wrongdoings of anyone involved in a complaint or conflict may specify a range of sanctions to those individual(s).
•A verbal Warning
•A written reprimand
•Club suspension (club fee returned)
•Membership termination (club fee returned)