Code of Conduct

Canadian Track and Field – Member conduct policy

a) Application of this Policy

  1. This Policy applies to all Members of the Canadian Track and Field League (CTFL), where Members are defined to include event group leaders, athletes, general managers, meet and race directors, volunteers, staff and contractors of the Canadian Track and Field League. This Policy applies to the conduct of Members at all Canadian Track and Field League activities, programs and events, including Members’ activities that are in any way related to CFTL and/or its Members.
  2. This policy was developed and approved by the CFTL on January 10, 2021. It will be reviewed from time to time and may be amended, deleted or replaced by the CTFL in its sole discretion.

b) Expected Standard of Ethical Conduct

All Members of the CFTL must:

  1. Not knowingly place themselves in a situation that could give rise to a conflict between personal interests and the interests of the CFTL;
  2. Comply at all times with the bylaws, policies, rules and regulations of the IAAF and Athletics Canada as adopted and amended from time to time
  3. Participate in a spirit of fair play and honesty;
  4. Abide by the laws of the jurisdiction of the province or country in which the event is taking place;
  5. Be courteous and respectful to other members of the athletic community;
  6. Refrain from the use of profane, insulting or offensive language;
  7. Refrain from public criticism of other members of the athletics community;
  8. Respect the dignity of others;
  9. Act in a manner that will bring credit to the athletics community and themselves;
  10. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes Abuse, Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Harassment
  11. Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs and the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods. More specifically, the CFTL adopts and adheres to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. Any infraction under this Program shall be considered an infraction of this Policy and may be subject to further disciplinary action. The CTFL will respect any penalty enacted pursuant to a breach of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, imposed any sport organization;
  12. Reasonably cooperate with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) or another anti-doping organization investigating anti-doping rule violations;
  13. 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 CCES;
  14. Athletes must compete in the total required number of meets in order to be eligible to be a CTFL athlete. These requirements can be found on the athlete information page at ctfl.ca, with infractions leading to disciplinary actions as outlined below;
  15. 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;
  16. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment, where sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature, when submitting to or rejecting this conduct influences decisions which affect the individual, such conduct has the purpose or effect of diminishing performance, or such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment;
  17. Wear, if provided, the CFTL League uniform whenever competing or carrying the duties of a team position;
  18. Refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to engage in inappropriate activities;
  19. In the case of minors, not consume alcohol while participating in CTFL programs, activities, competitions, or events;
  20. In the case of adults, not consume alcohol while participating as an athlete, coach, official, volunteer, or manager in the CTFL’s programs, activities, competitions, or events, and take reasonable steps to manage the responsible consumption of alcohol in social situations associated with CTFL’s events;
  21. Respect the property of others and not willfully cause damage.

 c) in addition, all Athletes must:

  1. Report any medical problems in a timely fashion, when such problems may limit their ability to travel, practice, or compete;
  2. Participate and appear on-time and prepared to participate to their best abilities in all competitions, practices, training sessions, tryouts, tournaments, and events;
  3. Properly represent themselves and not attempt to participate in a competition for which they are not eligible by reason of age, classification, standards or other reason;
  4. Act in a professional manner and not display appearances of violence, foul language, or gestures to other athletes, officials, coaches, or spectators;
  5. Dress to represent the sport and themselves well and with professionalism

 d) In addition, all Volunteers must:

  1. Work in a spirit of cooperation;
  2. Act in a manner that will bring credit to the Athletics Community and themselves,
  3. Be courteous, cooperative and discreet;
  4. Not encourage athletes to consume drug, alcohol or intoxicants and must not provide these products to under-aged athletes;
e) In addition, General Managers, must:
  1. Conduct themselves in a positive and supportive manner;
  2. Join the team, ready, able and willing to take on the responsibilities and duties relative to their position;
  3. Work cooperatively with all Members of the CFTL Team
  4. Understand their role, which can be revoked if determined that they are not following the above policies.

 

f) Disciplinary Sanctions

The following are examples of disciplinary sanctions that may be applied where it is found that an infraction has occurred:

  • verbal and/or written reprimand;
  • require a verbal and/or written apology;
  • removal of some or all privileges of membership or responsibilities;
  • suspension from certain events, which may include suspension from the current competition or from future teams or competitions;
  • suspension from certain CFTL activities such as competing, coaching or officiating for a designated period of time;
  • removal of CTFL funding;
  • suspension from all CFTL activities for a designated period of time;
  • expulsion from membership/competing with the CTFL.

It is understood that the above are representative penalties only, that they may be modified to fit the circumstances of the infraction, and that they are presented generally in order of severity.

g) Appeals

Appeals of decisions rendered under this policy will be dealt with by the CFTL