GLBC Code of Conduct and Ethics

Definitions
1. The following terms have these meanings in this Code:
a) "Individuals" - Individuals employed by, or engaged in activities with, the GLBC including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, convenors, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, and directors and officers of the GLBC.
b) "Workplace" - Any place where business or work-related activities are conducted. Workplaces include but are not limited to, the GLBC 's office, work-related social functions, work assignments outside the GLBC'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 GLBC's programs, activities, and events) by making Individuals aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with the GLBC's core values. The GLBC supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.

Application of this Code
3. This Code applies to Individuals' conduct during the GLBC's business, activities, and events including, but not limited to, competitions, practices, tryouts, training camps, travel associated with the GLBC's activities, the GLBC's office environment, and any meetings.

4. An Individual who violates this Code may be subject to sanctions pursuant to the GLBC'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 GLBC 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 OLBA event, will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. They could also be subject to the terms of the OLBA'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 GLBC's business, activities, and events when such conduct adversely affects relationships within the GLBC (and its work and sport environment) and is detrimental to the image and reputation of the GLBC. Such applicability will be determined by the GLBC at its sole discretion.

Responsibilities
7. Individuals have a responsibility to:
a) Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of the GLBC 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 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 discriminate
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. The display of visual material which is offensive or which a reasonable person 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. Retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports harassment
ix. Bullying
x. Offensive or intimidating phone calls or emails
xi. Displaying or circulating offensive pictures, photographs or materials in printed or electronic form
xii. Psychological abuse
xiii. Discrimination
xiv. Words or actions which are known or should reasonably be known to be offensive, embarrassing, humiliating, demeaning or intimidating
xv. 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

c) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes violence, where violence is defined as the exercise of physical force, that causes or could cause physical injury; an attempt to exercise physical force that could cause physical injury; or a statement or behaviour that it is reasonable to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force. Types of behaviour that are applicable to this section include, but are not limited to:
i. Verbal threats to attack
ii. Sending to or leaving threatening notes or emails
iii. Making threatening physical gestures
iv. Wielding a weapon
v. Hitting, pinching or unwanted touching which is not accidental
vi. Throwing an object
vii. Blocking normal movement or physical interference, with or without the use of equipment
viii. 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. Sexual violence
iii. Display of sexually offensive material
iv. Sexually degrading words used to describe a person
v. Inquiries or comments about a person's sex life
vi. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions
vii. Inappropriate sexual touching, advances, suggestions or requests
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

e} Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods. More specifically, the GLBC 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 GLBC's Discipline and Complaints Policy. the GLBC will respect any penalty enacted pursuant to a breach of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, whether imposed by the or any other sport.
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 the GLBC programs, activities, competitions, or events
I) 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 GLBC's events
j) Respect the property of others and not willfully cause damage
k) Promote the sport in the most constructive and positive manner possible I) Adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal and host country laws
l) Comply, at all times, with the GLBC's bylaws, policies, procedures, and rules and regulations, as adopted and amended from time to time


Board and Committee Members
8. In addition to section 7 (above), the GLBC's Directors and Committee Members will have additional responsibilities to:
a) Function primarily as a member of the board and/or committee(s) of the; 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 GLBC's business and the maintenance of Individuals' confidence
c) Ensure that the GLBC'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 GLBC
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 and be fair, equitable, considerate, and honest in all dealings with others
g) Keep informed about the GLBC'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 GLBC is incorporated
i) Respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature
j) Ensure that all Individuals 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
I) 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 the GLBC governance documents
n) Conform to the bylaws and policies approved by the GLBC, in particular this Code of Conduct and Ethics as well as the OLBA’s Conflict of Interest Policy and Confidentiality Policy


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) Respect other coaches
h) Meet the highest standards of credentials, integrity and suitability, including but not limited to such considerations established by the OLBA's Screening Policy
i) 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
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
I) 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
m) 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
n) Dress professionally, neatly, and inoffensively
o) 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, 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 GLBC'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 in a manner representative of the GLBC; focusing on neatness, cleanliness, and discretion
h) Act in accordance with the GLBC’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 GLBC 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 GLBC, athletes, coaches and other officials.
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
I) When writing reports, set out the true facts and not attempt to justify any decisions
m) Dress in proper attire for officiating




Signed in Ottawa  February, 2025.


GLBC Vice President



GLBC Treasurer