Code of Conduct
PICKLEBALL CANADA POLICY – CODE OF CONDUCT
1. POLICY STATEMENT
Pickleball Canada members conduct themselves with respect for all individuals participating in
Pickleball Canada programs, activities and events.
2. CONTEXT/BACKGROUND
Pickleball Canada is committed to ensuring a safe and positive environment within Pickleball
Canada’s programs, activities, and events by advising individuals there is an expectation, at all
times, of appropriate behaviour and of potential consequences for violating the code of conduct.
3. APPLICATION
This Code of Conduct appliesto all individuals participating in Pickleball Canada programs,activities
and events.
The Code also applies to Pickleball Canada members outside of its programs, activities and events
when such conduct, including conduct on social media, is detrimental to the image andreputation
of Pickleball Canada or its members.
4. COMING INTO FORCE
April 9, 2019
5. ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Individuals
Individuals participating in Pickleball Canada programs activities and events have a responsibilityto:
a) Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of Pickleball Canada members and other
individuals by:
● demonstrating respect for every person regardless of physical characteristics, athletic
ability, age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, creed, disability, family,
economic or marital status, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation;
● focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athlettes,
coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees, or members;
● consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership, and ethical
conduct;
● acting, when appropriate, to correct or prevent practices that are unjustly
discriminatory;
● consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably; and
ensuring adherence to the rules of Pickleball and the spirit of those rules.
b) Refrain from:
● verbally or physically abusing opponents, officials, spectators or sponsors;
● any form of harassment, including sexual harassment;
● the use of profane, insulting, or otherwise offensive language;
● the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person
● consuming alcohol, tobacco products or recreational drugs while participating in
Pickleball Canada authorized sport activities and
● knowingly associating with any person for the purpose of coaching, training,
competition, instruction, administration, management, athletic development, or
supervision of the sport, who has incurred an anti-doping rule violation and is serving
a sanction involving a period of ineligibility imposed pursuant to the Canadian AntiDoping Program and/or the World Anti Doping Code and recognized by the Canadian
Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES);
c) Abstain from:
● wagering or attempting to wager anything of value in connecttion with an event which
one will be or is competing;
● offering, soliciting or accepting anything of value intended to influence the outcome of a
match;
● using or providing insider (non-public information) to any person where it might
reasonably be expected the information could be used for wagering purposes and
● knowingly helping with, covering up or otherwise being complicit in the activities listed
in the three bullets above.
● the non-medical use of illegal drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugsor
method;
d) Respect the property of others and not wilfully cause damage;
e) Promote the sport of Pickleball in the most constructive and positive manner possible;
f) Adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal and host country laws;
g) Comply, at all times, with Pickleball Canada’s bylaws, policies, procedures, and rules and
regulations, as adopted and amended from time to time; and
h) Conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the highest standard of behaviour arising within
the business, activities or events of Pickleball Canada.
5.2 Pickleball Canada Board of Directors and Committee Members.
In addition to the individualresponsibilities described in section 5.1 of this policy PickleballCanada’s
Board of Directors (the “Board”), and Committee Members will have additional responsibilities to:
a) Function primarily as a member of the Board and/or committee(s) of Pickleball Canada; not as
a member of any other particular member or constituency;
b) Act with honesty and integrity and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the nature
and responsibilities of Pickleball Canada’s business and the maintenance of individuals’
confidence;
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c) Ensure that Pickleball Canada’s financial affairs are conducted in a responsible and
transparent manner with due regard for all fiduciary responsibilities;
d) Conduct themselves openly, professionally, lawfully and in good faith in the best interests of
Pickleball Canada;
e) Self-report any ongoing criminal investigation, conviction or existing bail conditions, including
those for violence, child pornography or possession, use or sale of any illegal substance
f) Be independent and impartial and not be influenced by self-interest, outside pressure,
expectation of reward, or fear of criticism;
g) Behave with decorum appropriate to both circumstance and position and be fair, equitable,
considerate, and honest in all dealings with others;
h) Keep informed about Pickleball Canada’s activities, the provincial sport community, and
general trends in the sectors in which they operate;
i) Exercise the degree of care, diligence, and skill required in the performance of their duties
pursuant to the laws under which Pickleball Canada is incorporated;
j) Respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature;
k) Ensure that all Individuals are given sufficient opportunity to express opinions, and that all
opinions are given due consideration and weight;
l) Respect the decisions of the majority and resign if unable to do so;
m) Commit the time to attend meetings and be diligent in preparation for, and participation in,
discussions at such meetings;
n) Have knowledge and understanding of Pickleball Canada governance documents; and
o) Conform to the bylaws and policies approved by Pickleball Canada.
5.3 Coaches
In addition to individual responsibilities described in Section 5.1 of this policy, and in addition toany
responsibilities described by the National Coaching Certification Program, coaches will:
a) Ensure a safe environment by selecting activities and establishing controlsthat are suitable
for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of the involved athletes;
b) Prepare athletes systematically and progressively, using appropriate time frames and
monitoring physical and psychological adjustments while refraining from using training
methods or techniques that may harm athletes;
c) 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 treatments;
d) Support the coaching staff of a training camp, provincial team, or national team; should an
athlete qualify for participation with one of these programs;
e) Provide athletes (and the parents/guardians of minor athletes) with the information
necessary to be involved in the decisions that affect the athlete;
f) Act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person;
g) Respect other coaches, officials, administrators and volunteers;
h) Meet the highest standards of credentials, integrity and suitability,
i) Self-report any ongoing criminal investigation, conviction, or existing bail conditions,
including those for violence, child pornography, or possession, use, or sale of any illegal
substance;
j) Under no circumstances provide, promote, or condone the use of drugs (other than
properly prescribed medications) or performance-enhancing substances and, in the case
of minors, alcohol and/or tobacco;
k) Respect athletes playing with other teams and, in dealings with them, not encroach upon
topics or actions which are deemed to be within the realm of 'coaching', unless after first
receiving approval from the coaches who are responsible for the athletes;
l) Not engage in a sexual relationship with an athlete under 18 years old, or an intimate or
sexual relationship with an athlete over the age of 18 if the coach is in a position of power,
trust, or authority over the athlete;
m) Recognize the power inherent in the position of coach and respect and promote the rights
of all participants in sport. This is accomplished by establishing and following procedures
for confidentiality (right to privacy), informed participation, and fair and reasonable
treatment. Coaches have a special responsibility to respect and promote the rights of
participants who are in a vulnerable or dependent position and less able to protect their
own rights;
n) Dress professionally, neaty, and inoffensively;
o) Use inoffensive language, taking into account the audience being addressed; and
p) Avoid public criticism, including making derogatory or misleading statements of fellow
coaches, athletes, officials and volunteers especially when speaking to the media.
5.4 Officials
In addition to individual responsibilities described in section 5.1 of this policy, Pickleball Canada
officials have the following additional responsibilities to:
a) Maintain and update their knowledge of the rules and rules changes;
b) Work within the boundaries of their position’s description while supporting the work of other
officials;
c) Act as an ambassador of Pickleball Canada by agreeing to enforce and abide by national and
provincial rules and regulations;
d) Take ownership of actions and decisions made while officiating;
e) Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all Individuals;
f) Not publicly criticize other officials, any club or association or athlete;
g) Assist with the development of less-experienced referees and minor officials;
h) Conduct themselves openly, impartially, professionally, lawfully, and in good faith in the best
interests of Pickleball Canada, athletes, coaches, other officials, and parents;
i) Be fair, equitable, considerate, independent, honest, and impartial in all dealings with others;
j) Respect the confidentiality required by issues of a sensitive nature, which may include
ejections, defaults, forfeits, discipline processes, appeals, and specific information or data
about Individuals; and
k) Honour all assignments unless unable to do so by virtue of illness or personal emergency, and
in these cases inform the assignor or association at the earliest possible time.
6. IMPLEMENTATION
The Board of Pickleball Canada isresponsible for communicating this Code of Conductpolicy to those
who are governed by this policy.
Individuals participating in Pickleball Canada programs, activities and events are to familiarize
themselves with and abide by the Code of Conduct.
7. RESULTS
Individuals confirm they feel respected and safe while participating in Pickleball Canadaactivities,
programs and events.
All those participating in Pickleball Canada’s activities, programs and events are familiarwith and
abide by their responsibilities under this Code of Conduct.
Appropriate actions are taken to respond to infractions of the Code of Conduct as described in
Pickleball Canada’s Complaints and Dispute Resolution Policy.
Date: April 9, 2019