Code of Conduct and Ethics 

Purpose 

The purpose of this Code of Conduct and Ethics is to ensure a safe and positive environment within the programs, activities, and events of Westman Volleyball Club by making Individuals aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with the Club’s core values. Westman Volleyball Club supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is committed to providing an environment in which all Individuals are treated with respect and fairness. 

Application 

This Code applies to Individuals’ conduct during the business, activities, and events of Westman Volleyball Club, including but not limited to competitions, practices, tryouts, training camps, travel, the office environment, and meetings. 

Conduct outside of sanctioned activities may also fall under this Code if it adversely affects Westman Volleyball Club’s relationships, reputation, or environment. Westman Volleyball Club reserves the right to determine such applicability at its sole discretion. 

Individuals who violate this Code of Conduct and Ethics may be subject to removal from the organization (“Westman Volleyball Club”). An Individual who violates this Code of Conduct and Ethics during a competition or activity may be ejected from the competition, venue or practice area, the referee may delay competition until the Individual complies with the ejection, and the Individual may be subject to sanctions pursuant to that competition’s policies. 

Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) 

Westman Volleyball Club aligns with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS); a core document that sets harmonized rules to be adopted by sport organizations that receive funding from the Government of Canada to advance a respectful sport culture that delivers quality, inclusive, accessible, welcoming, and safe, sport experiences. 

Volleyball Canada formally adopted the UCCMS as a policy of Volleyball Canada in June 2022. Definitions and standards from the UCCMS apply to this Code. 


Responsibilities – All Individuals 

All Individuals involved with Westman Volleyball Club must: 

  • ● Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of others by: 
  • ○ Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, referees, organizers, volunteers, employees, or members; demonstrating the spirit of fair play, sport leadership, and ethical conduct; 
  • ○ Acting, when appropriate, to correct or prevent practices that are unjustly discriminatory; 
  • ○ Treating persons fairly and reasonably; and 
  • ○ Adhering to the rules of the sport and the spirit of those rules. 
  • ● Refrain from Prohibited Behaviour, including Maltreatment, Discrimination, and Boundary 

Transgressions, as well as any form of Violence 

  • ● Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all Individuals 
  • ● Abstain from non-medical use of drugs and performance-enhancing substances. More specifically, Westman Volleyball Club adopts and adheres to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. Any infraction under this program will be considered an infraction of this code and may be subject to further disciplinary action, including removal from the Club. Westman Volleyball Club will respect any penalty enacted pursuant to a breach of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, whether imposed by Volleyball Canada, Volleyball MB, or any other recognized sport organization 
  • ● Refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to engage in inappropriate activities 
  • ● Consume alcohol responsibly (if of legal age) and refrain from illicit drug use during Club activities 
  • ● Respect the property of others and not wilfully cause damage 
  • ● Promote sport in a constructive and positive manner 
  • ● Adhere to all federal, provincial/territorial, municipal and host country laws 
  • ● Refrain from engaging in 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 

  • ● Declare any ongoing criminal investigation, conviction, or existing bail conditions 

concerning that Individual to Westman Volleyball Club. 


Responsibilities – Coaches 

In addition to the section “Responsibilities - Individuals”, coaches at Westman Volleyball Club are Persons in Authority and must: 

  • ● Follow the Coach Code of Conduct 
  • ● Ensure safe, age-appropriate environments 
  • ● Collaborate with medical professionals for athlete care 
  • ● Provide transparent communication with athletes and guardians 
  • ● Prioritize holistic athlete development 
  • ● Never provide or condone use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco (especially with minors) 
  • ● Avoid sexual or intimate relationships with athletes 
  • ● Maintain professional appearance and conduct 

Responsibilities – Athletes 

In addition to the section “Responsibilities - Individuals”, athletes representing Westamn Volleyball Club must: 

  • ● Follow the Athlete Code of Conduct 
  • ● Report medical issues promptly 
  • ● Be punctual, prepared, and committed to all Club activities 
  • ● Follow uniform and equipment guidelines 
  • ● Demonstrate sportsmanship and respectful behaviour 
  • ● Comply with Club policies and coach instructions 
  • ● Adhere to the Anti-Doping Policy 

Responsibilities – Parents/Guardians and Spectators 

In addition to the section “Responsibilities - Individuals”, Parents, guardians, and spectators at 

Apex Volleyball Club events must: 

  • ● Follow the Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct 
  • ● Encourage fair play and peaceful conflict resolution 
  • ● Condemn violence and abuse 
  • ● Respect referees and promote respectful behaviour 
  • ● Avoid abusive, coercive, or sarcastic conduct 
  • ● Show appreciation to all participants and volunteers 

Review and Amendment 

Amendments may occur at the Club’s discretion