Site Map

Code of Conduct

Guidelines on Conduct for Queen’s Intramural Sports

(Note: the guidelines below are edited to apply to the Queen’s intramural and summer programs, and are applicable to all students, staff and faculty participants. Complete copies of the Athletic and Recreation Division policy can be obtained from the office of the Chair, Athletics and Recreation, or from the office of the Director, School of Physical and Health Education).

Preamble:

The Athletic and Recreation Division of the School of Physical and Health Education of Queen’s University and the University Council on Athletics expect that representatives of the University in any athletic competition will act within the law, responsibly, and in a manner that helps to foster a positive image of the University and its athletic programs. This policy applies to all students, staff, faculty, coaches, program leaders and participants while involved in any aspect of the Queen’s Athletic and Recreation programs, whether on or off campus. Participation in recreational or competitive athletics is a privilege that carries with it an obligation for appropriate behaviour by all participants.

Policy:

Harassment and Discrimination: The Division of Athletics and Physical Education is committed to providing a safe, non-threatening environment which is supportive of productivity, as well as demonstrating a concern for the personal goals, dignity and self worth of all athletes, participants and staff of the unit. It is the goal of this division to treat every athlete, participant and staff member fairly in an environment free of harassment and discrimination.

Queen’s University recognizes that all members of the University community have the right to be free from harassment and discrimination on ;the prohibited grounds defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code.

This includes, but is not limited to: sexual harassment, harassment based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, creed, disability or sexual orientation. Such harassment and discrimination has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s or a group’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working, living or academic environment.

Within the Athletics and Recreation programs, all those with supervisory responsibilities including: team managers, game officials, program leaders and administrative supervisors, are expected to be aware of what constitutes harassment and discrimination. In addition, all such supervisors must not ignore inappropriate activities within their own areas of responsibility. Supervisors are also responsible for ensuring that any complaints or concerns brought to their attention are attended to immediately and effectively, while respecting the confidentiality of all parties involved.

Sexual Harassment: means engaging in conduct or comment of a sexual nature that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. It includes, but is not limited to: sexual advances or remarks, the inappropriate display of sexually suggestive material, and unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature.

Discrimination:is any action which has the effect of differentiating on the basis of prohibited grounds, resulting in inequality of opportunity and/or exclusion. Examples of this include: name calling or derogatory remarks, bias in administrative, employment and academic decisions, bias in the scheduling of activities, and discrimination in the provision of goods and services, access to premises, accommodation and other facilities. It can affect groups as well as individuals. Discrimination is considered a human rights issue when it involves one or more of the aforementioned prohibited grounds.

Abusive Behaviour: Everyone has the right to be treated in a respectful manner. There is a Zero Tolerance Policy in the manner of abuse of game officials, abuse of opponents or own team members. Such abuse includes, but is not limited to: any form of verbal abuse, threatening or intimidating comments, racist/homophobic/or ethnic slurs, or the throwing of equipment/playing implements. Any abuse not addressed by a game official should be brought to the attention of the Officials Coordinator, the Intramural Coordinator or the Intramural Assistant. This should be done as soon as possible after the incident.

If you believe you are the target of harassment, discrimination, or any other form of abusive treatment, DO NOT IGNORE IT. It is important to tell someone you trust in order to reduce possible feelings of isolation and to clarify your experience. Remember too, that either Student Health, Counseling, and Disability Services, or the Employee Assistance Program are available at to cost should you wish to speak to a professional counselor.

If you would like assistance in resolving your concerns, contact the Athletic and Recreation Division Coordinator supervising the summer leagues, the League convenor or Officials convenor or someone you trust who is in a position of authority. If you are more comfortable speaking to someone outside the Division of Athletics and Recreation or the School of PHE, do not hesitate to contact the Human Rights Office at 533-6886. Staff are available to provide support, advice and/or assistance in addressing any human rights issue.

Inappropriate Conduct: While representing Queen’s University in sanctioned athletic/recreation events, including attendance at tournaments, invitational events and other related functions, student representatives and staff shall conduct themselves in such a manner as to ensure the University is not brought into disrepute. More specifically, this code of conduct and behaviour assumes that student representatives and staff will comply with the following:

• Treat teammates, opponents, officials, spectators, and anyone else associated with the leagues with due respect.
• Follow all rules related to drugs and alcohol.
• Refrain from the consumption of alcohol while traveling to and from and at the site of events or practices.

These guidelines shall govern all Queen’s University sponsored programs and applies to all competitions, team practices and to players.

When individuals or teams have failed to conduct themselves in accordance with this code of conduct, or when individuals or teams have committed an act which is considered to be a breach of the code, the University has the right and obligation to take the necessary disciplinary measures as may be appropriate in the circumstances. It will be the responsibility of the Director, Athletics and Recreation to recommend the appropriate sanction or disciplinary action after receiving recommendations from the appropriate athletic coordinator or disciplinary committee.

If you are unsure about where to go, remember that you can always seek assistance from the Chair of Athletics and Recreation or the Director of the School of Physical and Health Education. The full policy will be subject to review every three years by committee.