B1 GRUPPO CYCLING TEAM
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Definitions
1. The following terms have these meanings in this Code:
a) “Member” – All categories of membership defined in Article 2.1 of the B1 Bylaws as well as all individuals engaged in activities with the B1 including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, commissaires, volunteers, event organizers, administrators, committee members, directors and officers of the B1, and spectators at events.
Purpose
2. The purpose of this Code is to ensure a safe and positive environment (within B1 programs, activities, and events) by making Members aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with the vision and values of the B1. Further, the B1 supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.
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Application of this Code
3. This Code applies to Members’ conduct during B1 business and activities, including, but not limited to, races, events, clinics, travel associated with B1 activities, and any meetings.
4. This Code applies to Members’ conduct during all cycling sports: track, Gravel, BMX, road, cyclo-cross, and mountain.
5. A Member who violates this Code may be subject to sanctions under the B1’s Discipline and Complaints Policy. In addition to facing possible sanctions under the B1’s Discipline and Complaints Policy, a Member who violates this Code during an event may be disqualified from the event as per the ‘Discipline and Procedures’ section of the B1 Companion Guide.
6. This Code also applies to Members’ conduct outside of the B1’s business, activities, and events when such conduct adversely affects relationships within the B1 (and its work and sport environment) and is detrimental to the image and reputation of the B1. Such applicability will be determined by the B1 at its sole discretion.
Responsibilities
7. Members have a responsibility to:
a) Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of B1 members and other individuals by:
i. Demonstrating respect to individuals regardless of gender expression, gender identity, body type, physical characteristics, athletic ability, gender, ancestry, colour, ethnic or racial origin, nationality, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, religious belief, political belief, disability, or economic status
ii. Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, commissaires, 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 unjustly discriminatory practices
v. Consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably
vi. Ensuring adherence to the rules of cycling 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. The display of visual material which is offensive or which one ought to know is offensive in the circumstances
iii. Unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo, or taunts
iv. Leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures
v. Condescending or patronizing behaviour which is intended to
undermine self-esteem, diminish performance or adversely affect working conditions
vi. Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety, or negatively affect performance
vii. Any form of hazing
viii. Unwanted physical contact including, but not limited to, touching, petting, pinching, or kissing
ix. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, requests, or invitations
x. Physical or sexual assault
xi. 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
xii. Retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports harassment to the B1
c) 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
d) Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods. More specifically, the B1 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, under the B1’s Discipline and Complaints Policy. The B1 will respect any penalty enacted under a breach of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, whether imposed by the B1 or any other sport organization
e) Refrain from coaching, training, competing with, managing, assisting, or supervising any person who has incurred an anti-doping rule violation and is serving a sanction involving a period of ineligibility imposed under the Canadian Anti-Doping Program and/or the World Anti-Doping Code and recognized by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES)
f) Refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to engage in inappropriate activities
g) 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 B1 events
h) Respect the property of others and not willfully cause damage
i) Promote cycling most constructively and positively
j) Adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal and host country laws
k) Comply, at all times, with the B1’s bylaws, policies, procedures, and rules and regulations, as adopted and amended from time to time
Board/Committee Members and Staff
8. In addition to section 7 (above), the B1’s Board Members, Committee Members, and Staff will have additional responsibilities to:
a) Function primarily as a member of the board and/or committee(s) of the B1; 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 B1 business and the maintenance of Member confidence
c) Ensure that the B1’s financial affairs are conducted responsibly and transparently with due regard for all fiduciary responsibilities
d) Conduct themselves openly, professionally, lawfully and in good faith in the best interests of the B1
e) Be independent and impartial and not be influenced by self-interest, outside pressure, the expectation of reward, or fear of criticism
f) Behave with decorum appropriate to both circumstance and position and be fair, equitable, considerate, and honest in all dealings with others
g) Keep informed about B1 activities, the provincial cycling 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 under the laws under which B1 is incorporated
i) Respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature
j) Ensure that all Members are given sufficient opportunity to express opinions and that all opinions are given due consideration and weight
k) Respect the decisions of the majority and resign if unable to do so
l) Commit the time to attend meetings and be diligent in preparation for, and
participation in, discussions at such meetings
m) Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of all B1 governance documents
n) Conform to the bylaws and policies approved by the B1, in particular, this Code of Conduct and Ethics
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) 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
c) Support the coaching staff of a training camp, provincial team, or national team; should an athlete qualify for participation with one of these programs
d) Provide athletes (and the parents/guardians of minor athletes) with the information necessary to be involved in the decisions that affect the athlete
e) Act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person
f) Respect other coaches
g) Meet high standards of integrity and suitability
h) 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
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 other athletes 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, train, or compete
b) Participate and appear on-time, well-nourished, and prepared to participate to their best abilities in all events, races, training sessions, and clinics
c) Properly represent themselves and not attempt to participate in an event for which they are not eligible because of age, classification, or other reason
d) Adhere to the B1’s rules and requirements regarding clothing and equipment
e) Never ridicule a participant for a poor performance or race
f) Act in a sportsmanlike manner and not display appearances of violence, foul language, or gestures to other players, commissaires, coaches, or spectators
g) Dress in a manner representative of the B1; focusing on neatness, cleanliness, and discretion
h) Act in accordance with the B1’s policies and procedures and, when applicable, additional rules as outlined by coaches or event organizers commissaires
11. In addition to section 7 (above), commissaires 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 commissaires
c) Act as an ambassador of the B1 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 commissaires or any cycling club or association
g) Assist with the development of less-experienced commissaires
h) Conduct themselves openly, impartially, professionally, lawfully, and in good faith in the best interests of the B1, athletes, coaches, other commissaires, 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 disqualifications, discipline processes, appeals, and specific
information or data about Members
k) When writing reports, set out the facts and not attempt to justify any decisions
l) Dress in proper attire for officiating Spectators
12. In addition to section 7 (above), spectators at events will have additional responsibilities to:
a) Encourage athletes to play by the rules and resolve conflicts without
resorting to hostility or violence
b) Never ridicule an athlete for a poor performance or race
c) Provide positive comments that motivate and encourage athletes’ continued effort
d) Respect the decisions and judgments of commissaires and encourage athletes to do the same
e) Not question the judgment or honesty of a commissaire or a B1 member
f) Respect and show appreciation to all competitors and to the coaches, event organizers, commissaires, and other volunteers who give their
time to the sport
g) Keep off the competition area and not interfere with events or races
h) Comply with any disqualification from a race or event as ordered by the commissaire