Policies
Pickleball Saskatchewan Inc.
Code of Conduct
Definitions
1. The following terms have these meanings in this Code:
a) “Association” – Pickleball Saskatchewan Inc.
b) “Individuals” – All categories of membership defined in the Association’s Bylaws, as well as all
individuals engaged in activities with the Association including, but not limited to, athletes,
coaches, referees, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, and
directors and officers of the Association
c) “Harassment” – Behaviour that constitutes harassment is defined in Section 7(b)
d) “Workplace Harassment or Workplace Violence” – Behaviour that constitutes workplace
harassment and workplace violence is defined in Section 7(c)
e) “Sexual harassment” – Behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment and workplace violence is
defined in Section 7(d)
Purpose
2. The purpose of this Code is to ensure a safe and positive environment by making Individuals aware
that there is an expectation of appropriate behaviour consistent with this Code. The Association
supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is committed to providing an
environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and fairness.
Application of this Code
3. This Code applies to Individuals’ conduct during the Association’s business, activities, and events
including, but not limited to, competitions, practices, tryouts, training camps, travel associated with the
Association’s activities, the Association’s office environment, and any meetings.
4. This Code also applies to Individuals’ conduct outside of the Association’s business, activities, and
events when such conduct adversely affects relationships within the Association and/or its Members
(and its work and sport environment) and is detrimental to the image and reputation of the
Association. Such jurisdiction will be determined by the Association at its sole discretion.
5. An Individual who violates this Code may be subject to sanctions pursuant to the Association’s
Discipline and Complaints Policy.
6. An employee of the Association found to have breached this Code will be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action subject to the terms of the Association’s Human Resources Policy, as well as the
employee’s Employment Agreement, as applicable. Violations could result in a warning, reprimand,
access restrictions, suspension and other disciplinary actions up to and including termination of
employment/contract.
Responsibilities
7. Individuals have a responsibility to:
a) Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of the Association members and other
individuals by:
i. Demonstrating respect to individuals regardless of body type, physical characteristics, athletic
ability, age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability,
family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, sex, and sexual orientation
ii. Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of Individual or the
Association
iii. Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership, and ethical conduct
iv. Acting, when appropriate, to correct or prevent practices that are unjustly discriminatory
v. Consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably
vi. Ensuring adherence to the rules of the sport and the spirit of those rules
b) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment. Types of behaviour that constitute
harassment include, but are not limited to:
a. Written or verbal abuse, threats, or outbursts
b. The display of visual material which is offensive or which one ought to know is offensive
c. Unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo, or taunts
d. Leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures
e. Condescending or patronizing behaviour which is intended to undermine self-esteem,
diminish performance or adversely affect working conditions
f. Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety, or
negatively affect performance
g. Any form of hazing
h. Unwanted physical contact including, but not limited to, touching, petting, pinching, or kissing
i. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, requests, or invitations
j. Physical or sexual assault
k. Behaviours such as those described above that are not directed towards a specific individual
or group but have the same effect of creating a negative or hostile environment
l. Retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports harassment
c) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes Workplace Harassment or Workplace Violence,
where workplace harassment is defined as conduct against a worker in a workplace that is known
or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome; and where workplace violence is defined as
the exercise of physical force by a person against a worker, in a workplace, that causes or could
cause physical injury to the worker; an attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a
workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker; or a statement or behaviour that it is
reasonable for a worker to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against the worker, in a
workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker. Workplace matters should not be
confused with legitimate, reasonable management actions that are part of the normal work
function, including measures to correct performance deficiencies, such as placing someone on a
performance improvement plan, or imposing discipline for workplace infractions. Types of
behaviour that constitute workplace harassment or workplace violent include, but are not limited
to:
Workplace Harassment
i. Bullying
ii. Repeated offensive or intimidating phone calls or emails
iii. Inappropriate touching, advances, suggestions or requests
iv. Displaying or circulating offensive pictures, photographs or materials
v. Psychological abuse
vi. Discrimination
vii. Intimidating words or conduct (offensive jokes or innuendos)
viii. Words or actions which are known or should reasonably be known to be offensive,
embarrassing, humiliating, or demeaning
Workplace Violence
ix. Verbal threats to attack a worker
x. Sending to or leaving threatening notes or emails
xi. Making threatening physical gestures
xii. Wielding a weapon
xiii. Hitting, pinching or unwanted touching which is not accidental
xiv. Blocking normal movement or physical interference, with or without the use of equipment
xv. Sexual violence
xvi. Any attempt to engage in the type of conduct outlined above
d) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes Sexual Harassment, where sexual harassment is
defined as unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or
conduct of a sexual nature. Types of behaviour that constitute sexual harassment include, but are
not limited to:
i. Sexist jokes
ii. Display of sexually offensive material
iii. Sexually degrading words used to describe a person
iv. Inquiries or comments about a person’s sex life
v. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions
vi. Persistent unwanted contact
e) Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or
methods. More specifically, the Association adopts and adheres to the Canadian Anti-Doping
Program. The Association will respect any penalty enacted pursuant to a breach of the Canadian
Anti-Doping Program, whether imposed by the Association or any other sport Association
f) Refrain from 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 Anti-Doping Program and/or the World Anti-Doping
Code and recognized by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES)
g) Refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to engage in
inappropriate activities
h) Refrain from consuming alcohol, tobacco products, or recreational drugs while participating in
Association programs, activities, competitions, 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 alcohol in adult-oriented social situations associated with the
Association’s events
i) Respect the property of others and not wilfully cause damage
j) Adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal and host country laws
k) Comply, at all times, with the Association’s bylaws, policies, procedures, and rules and regulations,
as adopted and amended from time to time
l) When driving a vehicle with an Individual:
i. Not have his or her license suspended
ii. Not be under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or substances
iii. Have valid car insurance
m) Refrain from engaging in deliberate cheating which is intended to manipulate the outcome of a
competition and/or not offer or receive any bribe which is intended to manipulate the outcome of a
competition.
Board/Committee Members
8. In addition to section 7 (above), Association’s Directors and Committee Members will have additional
responsibilities to:
a) Function primarily as a member of the board and/or committee(s) of Association; 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 the Association’s business and the maintenance of Individuals’ confidence
c) Ensure that the Association’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
Association
e) Be independent and impartial and not be influenced by self-interest, outside pressure,
expectation of reward, or fear of criticism
f) Behave with decorum appropriate to both circumstance and position
g) Keep informed about the Association’s activities, the provincial sport community, and general
trends in the sectors in which they operate
h) Exercise the degree of care, diligence, and skill required in the performance of their duties
pursuant to the laws under which the Association is incorporated
i) Respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature
j) Respect the decisions of the majority and resign if unable to do so
k) Commit the time to attend meetings and be diligent in preparation for, and participation in,
discussions at such meetings
l) Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of all Association governance documents
m) Conform to the bylaws and policies approved by Association
Coaches
9. In addition to section 7 (above), coaches have many additional responsibilities. The coach-athlete
relationship is a privileged one and plays a critical role in the personal, sport, and athletic development
of the athlete. Coaches must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this
relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it, consciously or unconsciously. Coaches will:
a) Ensure a safe environment by selecting activities and establishing controls that 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) Accept and promote athletes’ personal goals and refer athletes to other coaches and sports
specialists as appropriate
e) Support the coaching staff of a training camp, provincial team, or national team; should an athlete
qualify for participation with one of these programs
f) Provide athletes (and the parents/guardians of minor athletes) with the information necessary to
be involved in the decisions that affect the athlete
g) Act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person
h) Comply with the Association’s Screening Policy, if applicable.
i) Report to the Association 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) Dress professionally, neatly, and inoffensively
m) Use inoffensive language, taking into account the audience being addressed
n) 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
o) 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
p) Refrain from using their power or authority to coerce another person to engage in or tolerate
sexual or harmful activities.
q) Refrain from conduct that causes physical or emotional harm to Individuals
r) Prevent the use of power or authority in an attempt, successful or not, to coerce another person
to engage in or tolerate sexual activity.
Athletes
10. In addition to section 7 (above), athletes will have additional responsibilities to:
a) Report any medical problems in a timely fashion, when such problems may limit their ability to
travel, practice, or compete; or in the case of carded athletes, interfere with the athlete’s ability to
fulfill their carded athlete requirements
b) Participate and appear on-time, well-nourished, and prepared to participate to their best abilities
in all competitions, practices, training sessions, tryouts, tournaments, and events
c) Properly represent themselves and not attempt to participate in a competition for which they are
not eligible by reason of age, classification, or other reason
d) Adhere to the Association’s rules and requirements regarding clothing and equipment
e) Act in a sportsmanlike manner and not display appearances of violence, foul language, or
gestures to other athletes, officials, coaches, or spectators
f) Dress in a manner representative of the Association; focusing on neatness, cleanliness, and
discretion
g) Act in accordance with the Association’s policies and procedures and, when applicable, additional
rules as outlined by coaches or managers
Officials
11. In addition to section 7 (above), officials will have 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 the Association 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 or any club or the Association
g) Act openly, impartially, professionally, lawfully, and in good faith
h) Be fair, equitable, considerate, independent, honest, and impartial in all dealings
i) 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
j) Honour all assignments unless unable to do so by virtue of illness or personal emergency, and in
these cases inform the assignor or the Association at the earliest possible time
k) When writing reports, set out the true facts
l) Dress in proper attire for officiating
Parents/Guardians and Spectators
12. In addition to paragraph 7 above, Parents/Guardians and Spectators at events will:
a) Encourage athletes to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or
violence
b) Condemn the use of violence in any form
c) Never ridicule a participant for making a mistake during a performance or practice
d) Provide positive comments that motivate and encourage participants continued effort
e) Respect the decisions and judgments of officials, and encourage athletes to do the same.
Feedback on competition performances is provided by officials only to the coaching staff, so
parents are encouraged to discuss any questions with your athletes coach
f) Recognize that officials, executives and staff act in good faith, and in the best interests of the
athletes and sport as a whole.
g) Respect the decisions and judgments of officials, and encourage athletes to do the same
h) Never question an officials’ or staffs’ judgment or honesty
i) Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse, coercion, intimidation and sarcasm
j) Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, and to the coaches, officials and other
volunteers
k) Refrain from the use of bad language, nor harass competitors, coaches, officials,
parents/guardians or other spectators