Section No. 3.00: MEMBERSHIP

Policy No. 3.04: Code of Ethical Conduct

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Approval Date: June 2020

Revised:

POLICY

The CZWKA Code of Conduct will govern behavior and relationships between instructors and students, officials and athletes, coaches and athletes and officials and coaches.

PROCEDURES

CZWKA is committed to providing a sport environment that reflects CZWKA values of community, personal development, sportsmanship, ethical conduct and technical excellence.

Ethical Conduct

All members are responsible for interacting in an ethical manner. CZWKA requires the highest possible ethical standards from its instructors. They will be required to agree to and sign a written Code of Ethical Conduct (See Appendix). The expectation is that Chief Instructors lead by example and demonstrate behaviors related to exemplary ethical conduct with club members, families and community partners.

Chief Instructors and other Instructors will sign the Code of Ethical Conduct (See Appendix) each year at the time of member Registration.

A club operated by a Chief Instructor who chooses not to sign the Code of Ethical Conduct will be considered as non-compliant with the ethical standards of CZWKA and will forfeit all rights and privileges of membership, unless the Code is signed by the Chief Instructor within three (3) months of receiving the membership package. Signing the Code of Ethical Conduct (See Appendix) indicates acceptance of the Society By-Laws, standard practices and policies and procedures of CZWKA.

The following Code of Ethical Conduct has been developed to govern the behaviour of instructors, officials and coaches to allow them to assist students, competitors and athletes in becoming well-rounded, self-confident and productive human beings who feel they derive a benefit from practicing karate.

I understand and respect the human rights of each person (students, families, fellow instructors, coaches, officials, governing sport representatives and community members) and will ensure that no rights are violated or denied.

I will treat everyone fairly within the context of their activity, regardless of gender, place of origin, colour, sexual orientation, religion, political belief or socio-economic status.

I will respect the individual dignity of students, competitors and athletes refraining from verbal or physical behaviour which constitutes harassment or abuse of any kind. I will refrain from using profane, insulting, harassing or otherwise offensive language.

I respect the privacy and confidentiality of each person.

I will maintain the confidentiality of students but follow confidentiality and disclosure policies when appropriate and I recognize the differences.

I will utilize technology for purposes of communication with students in accordance with policy and legal guidelines pertaining to confidentiality, security and etiquette.

I am aware of the profound social responsibility involved in karate instruction because I might deeply impact the lives of those I guide. I will not use my position or relationships for purposes that could violate any ethical, moral or legal standards.

I will abstain from the use of tobacco products while in the presence of students, competitors and athletes and discourage their use by other individuals.

I will abstain from the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages when working with students, competitors and athletes discourage the excessive use of alcohol in conjunction with social activities associated with karate. This includes ensuring under-age students, competitors and athletes are not provided with alcohol.

I will not advocate or condone the use of drugs or any other banned performance enhancing substances.

I will avoid intimacy or any form of sexual involvement with students, competitors and athletes.

I will take actions necessary to ensure the safety of students, competitors and athletes at all times.

I will ensure that training and activities are suitable for the age, experience, ability and fitness level of students, competitors and athletes and educate individuals about their responsibility in contributing to a safe practice or performance environment.

I will place the best interest of the athlete first in recognizing when to refer students, competitors and athletes to other instructors, officials or coaches.

I will act in the best interests of CZWKA with respect to all matters relating to any personal interest or the interests of any other organization of which I may be a member, officer or employee.

I will refrain from publicly representing CZWKA in presentations and print/media promotion without prior approval by the Board of Directors.

Definition of Harassment

Harassment is generally defined as inappropriate behaviour including comments and/or conduct that are considered insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to an individual, or group of individuals, or which creates an uncomfortable environment. Harassment may include but is not limited to:

  • Written or verbal abuse or threats
  • Sexually oriented or directed comments
  • Racial or ethnic slurs
  • Unwelcome remarks, jokes, innuendoes, or taunting about a person’s body, attire, age, marital status, ethnic or racial origin, religion
  • Displaying of sexually explicit, racist or other offensive or derogatory material
  • Sexual, racial, ethnic or religious graffiti; practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety, or negatively affect performance
  • Unwelcome sexual remarks, invitations or requests whether indirect or explicit, or intimidation
  • Leering (suggestive staring), or other obscene or offensive gestures
  • Condescension, paternalism or patronizing behaviour that undermines self-respect or adversely affects performance or working conditions
  • Physical contact such as touching, kissing, patting, pinching
  • Vandalism
  • Physical assault

All complaints of harassment will be investigated immediately and responded to in writing within two weeks of the complaint by a Harassment Committee formed by the Board of Directors.

Responsibility of: All Members

Monitored by: Board of Directors

References: CZWKA By-Laws

Policy: 3.01 Member Application

3.04 Code of Ethical Conduct

3.05 Harassment and Bullying

3.07 Dispute Resolution

Appendix: 3.04 Code of Ethical Conduct Agreement