Code of Conduct
Wards Island Tennis Club Abusive Behaviour and Harassment Policy
Purpose
Wards Island Tennis Club is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members, staff, and visitors. This policy aims to prevent and address any instances of abusive behaviour and harassment within the club.
Policy Statement
The club has a zero-tolerance policy towards abusive behaviour and harassment. Any behaviour that constitutes abusive behavior or harassment will not be tolerated.
Scope
This policy applies to all members, staff, coaches, volunteers, and visitors while on club premises or participating in club-related activities.
Definitions
Abusive Behaviour: Repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards a person or group that creates a risk to health and safety. It includes verbal, physical, social, or psychological abuse.
Harassment: Comment or conduct or treatment of an individual that is known or ought to be known to be unwelcome or objectionable and that is likely to cause offense or humiliation, including behaviour that is hostile, offensive, intimidating or obnoxious to an individual because of race, sex, age, disability, religion, or any other personal characteristic.
Abusive Behaviour and Harassment includes: Threats, gestures, innuendoes, unwelcome remarks, slurs, displaying or circulating offensive pictures or materials, offensive or intimidating comments or jokes, inappropriate staring, bullying or aggressive behaviour, physical or sexual assault, or taunting about a person's body, clothing, habits, customs or mannerisms
Examples include:
Club Leadership
Purpose
Wards Island Tennis Club is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members, staff, and visitors. This policy aims to prevent and address any instances of abusive behaviour and harassment within the club.
Policy Statement
The club has a zero-tolerance policy towards abusive behaviour and harassment. Any behaviour that constitutes abusive behavior or harassment will not be tolerated.
Scope
This policy applies to all members, staff, coaches, volunteers, and visitors while on club premises or participating in club-related activities.
Definitions
Abusive Behaviour: Repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards a person or group that creates a risk to health and safety. It includes verbal, physical, social, or psychological abuse.
Harassment: Comment or conduct or treatment of an individual that is known or ought to be known to be unwelcome or objectionable and that is likely to cause offense or humiliation, including behaviour that is hostile, offensive, intimidating or obnoxious to an individual because of race, sex, age, disability, religion, or any other personal characteristic.
Abusive Behaviour and Harassment includes: Threats, gestures, innuendoes, unwelcome remarks, slurs, displaying or circulating offensive pictures or materials, offensive or intimidating comments or jokes, inappropriate staring, bullying or aggressive behaviour, physical or sexual assault, or taunting about a person's body, clothing, habits, customs or mannerisms
Examples include:
- Spreading malicious rumors or gossip.
- Excluding or isolating someone.
- Repeatedly making unwelcome and/or offensive jokes or comments.
- Threatening or intimidating behaviour.
- Physical abuse or inappropriate touching.
- Members, staff, or visitors who experience or witness abusive behaviour or harassment are encouraged to inform the alleged harasser directly, either verbally or in writing of the concern, if comfortable doing so, prior to lodging a formal complaint; If the response is acceptable, there will be no further action taken;
- If the response is unacceptable, or the individual is not comfortable with approaching the alleged harasser directly, the complaint should be reported to the Club Chairs or any member of the Wards Island Association board, preferably as soon as possible, including all available details, of the act(s) or comment(s), dates, times, place, witnesses and circumstances that are available
- All reports of abusive behaviour and harassment will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis to investigate and resolve the issue.
- All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. The investigation process will include:
- Acknowledging the complaint.
- Gathering information from all parties and required witnesses involved.
- Taking appropriate action based on the findings.
- Where deemed appropriate by the WIA Board, a person other than a WIA Board member or Tennis Chair, with experience mediating and investigating complaints will manage the complaint in strict confidence, providing a summary report to the WIA Board.
- Individuals found to have engaged in abusive behaviour or harassment will face appropriate disciplinary action, which may include:
- Warnings or reprimands.
- A verbal and/or written apology.
- Suspension or termination of membership.
Club Leadership
- Ensure the policy is posted prominently at the WIA Tennis Courts, implemented and adhered to.
- Promote a safe and respectful environment.
- Uphold the values of respect and inclusion.
- Report any instances of abusive behaviour or harassment.