The Interlake Thunder Football Club and its members shall adhere to the principles as outlined in the Football Manitoba Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Football Manitoba Code of Conduct and Ethics
"Organization" refers to: Football Manitoba
Definitions
1. The following terms have these meanings in this Code:
a) "Individuals" – Individuals employed by, or engaged in activities with, the
Organization including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, convenors, referees,
officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, and Directors
and Officers of the Organization
b) "Workplace" - Any place where business or work-related activities are conducted.
Workplaces include but are not limited to, the Organization’s office, work-related
social functions, work assignments outside the Organization’s offices, work-related
travel, and work-related conferences or training sessions
Purpose
2. The purpose of this Code is to ensure a safe and positive environment (within the
Organization’s programs, activities, and events) by making Individuals aware that there is
an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with the Organization’s
core values. The Organization 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 Organization’s business, activities, and
events including, but not limited to, competitions, practices, tryouts, training camps, travel
associated with the Organization’s activities, the Organization’s office environment, and any
meetings.
4. An Individual who violates this Code may be subject to sanctions pursuant to the
Organization’s Discipline and Complaints Policy. In addition to facing possible sanction
pursuant to the Organization’s Discipline and Complaints Policy, an Individual who violates
this Code during a competition may be ejected from the competition or the playing area, the
official may delay the competition until the Individual complies with the ejection, and the
Individual may be subject to any additional discipline associated with the particular
competition.
5. An employee of the Organization found to have engaged in acts of violence or harassment
against any other employee, worker, contractor, member, customer, supplier, client or other
third party during business hours, or at any Organization event, will be subject to
appropriate disciplinary action subject to the terms of the Organization’s Human Resources
Policy as well as the employee’s Employment Agreement (if applicable).
6. This Code also applies to Individuals’ conduct outside of the Organization’s business,
activities, and events when such conduct adversely affects relationships within the
Organization (and its work and sport environment) and is detrimental to the image and
reputation of the Organization. Such applicability will be determined by the Organization at
its sole discretion.
Responsibilities
7. Individuals have a responsibility to:
a) Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of the Organization 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
athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees, or members
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, where harassment is
defined as comment or conduct directed towards an individual or group, which is
offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading, or malicious. Types of behaviour that
constitute harassment include, but are not limited to:
i. Written or verbal abuse, threats, or outbursts
ii. Persistent unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo, or taunts
iii. Leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures
iv. Condescending or patronizing behaviour which is intended to undermine self-
esteem, diminish performance or adversely affect working conditions
v. Practical jokes which endanger a person’s safety, or negatively affect
performance
vi. Any form of hazing where hazing is defined as "Any potentially humiliating,
degrading, abusive, or dangerous activity expected of a junior-ranking athlete
by a more senior teammate, which does not contribute to either athlete’s
positive development, but is required to be accepted as part of a team,
regardless of the junior-ranking athlete’s willingness to participate. This
includes, but is not limited to, any activity, no matter how traditional or
seemingly benign, that sets apart or alienates any teammate based on class,
number of years on the team, or athletic ability."
vii. Unwanted physical contact including, but not limited to, touching, petting,
pinching, or kissing
viii. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, requests, or invitations
ix. Physical or sexual assault
x. 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
xi. Retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports
harassment to the Organization
c) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes workplace harassment, where
workplace harassment is defined as vexatious comment or conduct against a worker
in a workplace – a comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be
known to be unwelcome. Workplace harassment 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 include, but
are not limited to:
i. Bullying
ii. Repeated offensive or intimidating phone calls or emails
iii. Inappropriate sexual touching, advances, suggestions or requests
iv. Displaying or circulating offensive pictures, photographs or materials in
printed or electronic form
v. Psychological abuse
vi. Personal harassment
vii. Discrimination
viii. Intimidating words or conduct (offensive jokes or innuendos)
ix. Words or actions which are known or should reasonably be known to be
offensive, embarrassing, humiliating, or demeaning
d) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes workplace violence, 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. Types of behaviour that constitute
workplace harassment include, but are not limited to:
i. Verbal threats to attack a worker
ii. Sending to or leaving threatening notes or emails for a worker
iii. Making threatening physical gestures to a worker
iv. Wielding a weapon in a workplace
v. Hitting, pinching or unwanted touching of a worker which is not accidental
vi. Throwing an object at a worker
vii. Blocking normal movement or physical interference of a worker, with or
without the use of equipment
viii. Sexual violence against a worker
ix. Any attempt to engage in the type of conduct outlined above
e) 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
f) Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing
drugs or methods. More specifically, the Organization adopts and adheres to the
Canadian Anti-Doping Program. Any infraction under this Program shall be
considered an infraction of this Code and may be subject to further disciplinary
action, and possible sanction, pursuant to the Organization’s Discipline and
Complaints Policy. the Organization will respect any penalty enacted pursuant to a
breach of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, whether imposed by the Organization
or any other sport organization
g) 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 AntiDoping
Program and/or the World Anti-Doping Code and recognized by the
Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES)
h) Refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to
engage in inappropriate activities
i) Refrain from consuming tobacco products, or recreational drugs while participating
in the Organization’s programs, activities, competitions, or events
j) In the case of adults, avoid consuming alcohol in competitions and situations where
minors are present and take reasonable steps to manage the responsible
consumption of alcohol in adult-oriented social situations associated with the
Organization’s events
k) Respect the property of others and not wilfully cause damage
l) Promote the sport in the most constructive and positive manner possible
m) When driving a vehicle with an Individual:
i. Not have his or her license suspended;
ii. Not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs or substances; and
iii. Have valid car insurance
n) Adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal and host country laws
o) 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
p) Comply, at all times, with the Organization’s bylaws, policies, procedures, and rules
and regulations, as adopted and amended from time to time
Directors, Committee Members, and Staff
8. In addition to section 7 (above), the Organization’s Directors, Committee Members, and
Staff will have additional responsibilities to:
a) Function primarily as a Director or Committee Member of the Organization; 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 Organization’s business and the maintenance
of Individuals’ confidence
c) Ensure that the Organization’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 the Organization
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 Organization’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 Organization 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 the Organization governance
documents
m) Conform to the bylaws and policies approved by the Organization
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) 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) Comply with the Organization’s Screening Policy, if applicable
h) Report to the Organization any ongoing criminal investigation, conviction, or existing
bail conditions, including those for violence, child pornography, or possession, use, or
sale of any illegal substance
i) 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
j) 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
k) 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
l) 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
m) Dress professionally, neatly, and inoffensively
n) Use inoffensive language, taking into account the audience being addressed
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 requirements under the Athlete Assistance Program
b) Participate and appear on-time 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 Organization’s rules and requirements regarding clothing and
equipment
e) Never ridicule a participant for a poor performance or practice
f) Act in a sportsmanlike manner and not display appearances of violence, foul
language, or gestures to other athletes, officials, coaches, or spectators
g) Dress to represent the sport and themselves well and with professionalism
h) Act in accordance with the Organization’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 Organization 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 association
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 the Organization, 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
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
l) When writing reports, set out the true facts and not attempt to justify any decisions
m) 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 compete within 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
f) Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse, coercion, intimidation, and
sarcasm
g) Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, and to the coaches, officials and
other volunteers
h) Not harass competitors, coaches, officials, parents/guardians, or other spectators
Effective June 2, 2017
Compliants and Discipline
The Interlake Thunder Football Club is in the process of developing a Complaints and Discipline policy, until such time as it is completed the Club shall defer to the Football Manitoba Complaints Policy process.
Effective March 23, 2018
