register

Season Code of Conduct

Contact Us

Purpose

The purpose of this Code of Conduct (“Code”) is to ensure a safe, positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone involved in the Pelham Panthers Basketball Association (“PPBA”). This Code establishes the standards of behaviour expected of all participants during PPBA programs, activities, and events.

PPBA is committed to providing an environment where every individual is treated with dignity and respect. We support equal opportunity, value diversity, and prohibit discrimination, harassment, bullying, and abuse in any form.

Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action by PPBA and, where applicable, Ontario Basketball Association or Canada Basketball.

Application

This Code applies to all individuals participating in or representing PPBA, including:

  • Athletes
  • Coaches
  • Assistant Coaches
  • Team Managers
  • Board Members
  • Committee Members
  • Officials
  • Volunteers
  • Parents and Guardians
  • Spectators
  • Staff
  • Contractors

This Code applies during:

  • Practices
  • Games and tournaments
  • Tryouts
  • Training camps
  • Meetings
  • Team travel
  • Fundraising events
  • Social functions
  • Online communications and social media when those activities affect PPBA or its members.

General Responsibilities

All members of PPBA are expected to:

  • Treat every person with dignity, respect, fairness, and courtesy.
  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship, honesty, integrity, and ethical behaviour.
  • Respect differences regardless of race, ethnicity, ancestry, nationality, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, family status, or socioeconomic background.
  • Follow the rules of basketball and promote fair play.
  • Respect coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, volunteers, and spectators.
  • Protect the safety and wellbeing of all participants.
  • Respect facilities, equipment, and the property of others.
  • Follow all PPBA policies and procedures, 
  • Ontario Basketball Association policies, and Canada Basketball policies.
  • Comply with all applicable municipal, provincial, and federal laws.

Harassment, Bullying, and Abuse

PPBA maintains zero tolerance for harassment, bullying, discrimination, abuse, hazing, retaliation, or intimidation.

Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Verbal abuse
  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Threats
  • Racist or discriminatory comments
  • Sexist remarks
  • Offensive jokes
  • Public humiliation
  • Cyberbullying
  • Hazing
  • Unwanted physical contact
  • Retaliation against anyone reporting misconduct

Any behaviour that creates an unsafe or hostile environment may result in disciplinary action.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is strictly prohibited.

Examples include:

  • Sexual jokes
  • Sexual comments
  • Unwanted flirting
  • Requests for sexual favours
  • Sexually offensive images or messages
  • Persistent unwanted contact
  • Any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature

Substance Use

PPBA supports clean sport and adopts the Canadian Anti-Doping Program.

Members shall:

  • Not use prohibited performance-enhancing substances.
  • Not encourage or facilitate doping.
  • Not provide alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, vaping products, or illegal drugs to minors.
  • Consume alcohol responsibly at adult-only PPBA functions where permitted by law.

Coaches

Coaches occupy positions of leadership and trust and are expected to meet the highest standards of conduct.

Coaches will:

  • Place athlete safety and development above winning.
  • Provide equal opportunity for participation and development.
  • Treat every athlete fairly and respectfully.
  • Never ridicule, embarrass, or humiliate athletes.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Never engage in any romantic or sexual relationship with an athlete under 18 years of age or with any athlete where a power imbalance exists.
  • Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.
  • Keep informed of current coaching techniques and continue professional development.
  • Ensure practices and games are safe and age appropriate.
  • Follow medical advice regarding injured athletes.
  • Promote sportsmanship and respect for officials and opponents.
  • Report any criminal investigation, conviction, or bail conditions that could affect participant safety.

Athletes

Athletes are expected to:

  • Attend practices and games prepared and on time.
  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship.
  • Respect teammates, coaches, officials, volunteers, opponents, and spectators.
  • Play by the rules and in the spirit of the game.
  • Control their temper and avoid fighting or abusive language.
  • Report injuries or medical conditions that could affect participation.
  • Wear required equipment and appropriate attire.
  • Represent PPBA positively both on and off the court.
  • Support teammates and celebrate effort as well as success.
  • Accept officials’ decisions respectfully.

Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians play an essential role in creating a positive basketball experience.

Parents and guardians are expected to:

  • Encourage effort, learning, and enjoyment over winning.
  • Respect coaches, officials, volunteers, athletes, and other spectators.
  • Never yell at, ridicule, or embarrass any athlete.
  • Support fair play and good sportsmanship.
  • Allow coaches to coach and officials to officiate.
  • Resolve concerns respectfully through appropriate communication channels.
  • Never enter the playing area unless authorized.
  • Model respectful behaviour for all athletes.
  • Condemn violence, bullying, discrimination, and abusive behaviour.

Spectators

Spectators will:

  • Cheer positively.
  • Respect all participants.
  • Avoid offensive language or abusive behaviour.
  • Refrain from interfering with games or officials.
  • Follow facility rules and event policies.

Board Members, Committee Members, and Staff

Board Members, Committee Members, and Staff shall:

  • Act honestly and with integrity.
  • Put the interests of PPBA ahead of personal interests.
  • Exercise sound financial stewardship.
  • Respect confidentiality.
  • Participate actively in meetings.
  • Support decisions made through proper governance processes.
  • Conduct themselves professionally and ethically.
  • Comply with all PPBA governance documents.

Team Responsibilities

Each PPBA team shall:

  • Operate in accordance with PPBA policies.
  • Use only approved coaches and registered athletes.
  • Promote fair play.
  • Provide safe equipment and facilities.
  • Encourage equal opportunity and inclusion.
  • Keep winning in proper perspective while emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and enjoyment.

Social Media

Members representing PPBA online are expected to:

  • Communicate respectfully.
  • Avoid harassment, bullying, or discriminatory comments.
  • Protect the privacy of athletes and families.
  • Not post content that damages the reputation of PPBA or its members.

Reporting Concerns

Members are encouraged to report any behaviour that violates this Code to a coach, Team Manager, Board Member, or the PPBA President.

All reports will be handled fairly, confidentially where possible, and in accordance with PPBA policies.

Retaliation against anyone making a report in good faith is prohibited.

Discipline

Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action including:

  • Verbal warning
  • Written warning
  • Removal from practices or games
  • Suspension
  • Removal from coaching or volunteer duties
  • Expulsion from PPBA
  • Referral to Ontario Basketball Association or Canada Basketball where appropriate

Disciplinary measures will be determined based on the nature and severity of the misconduct.

Acknowledgement

By participating in Pelham Panthers Basketball Association programs, all members agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and understand that failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

This Code applies equally to athletes, coaches, parents, volunteers, officials, Board Members, staff, and spectators.

 

Brian Bleich

President

Pelham Panthers Basketball Association