As a player in the Oakville Girls Softball Association (OGSA), I understand that I am expected to abide by the Players’ Code of Conduct guidelines described below:

• I will respect the game, my team-mates, my coaches and the umpires. I will never argue an umpire’s call. I will not make comments to an umpire from the field or bench. I will never argue a coach’s decision.
• I will settle disagreements with coaches and other players in a confidential / private manner after games and practices and away from other players.
• I will never fault other players when mistakes occur.
• I will always listen to and look at a coach while they are talking.
• I will always be in control of my temper.
• I understand that swearing, throwing equipment (bats and helmets) or any other actions that detract from the game will result in immediate removal from the game and possible suspension.
• I will work hard for myself and my team.
• I will take pride in myself and everything I do on the ball field.
• I will make every effort to maximize my playing ability.
• I will lead by being an example for my team mates.
• I will ALWAYS play by the rules.
• I will always show up on time for games and practices.
• I will never put down another player, coach, parent or member of the OGSA with the intent of humiliation, defamation, slander, ill will or intent to harm emotionally, socially, physically, verbally or conspire to hurt, isolate or target individuals, or impede a respectful and positive environment.
• I understand that the goals of playing in the OGSA are to have fun, develop my baseball skills and create team spirit.

As a manager or coach of an Oakville Girls Softball Association (OGSA) team, I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for each child participating in OGSA by following this Code of Conduct:

• I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all children, managers and coaches (including those of an opposing team). This applies to every game, practice, or any other OGSA event.
• I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all umpires, league officials and parents at every game or event.
• I will place the emotional and physical well being of all children on all teams ahead of any personal desire to win.
• I will ask my players to treat all other players, coaches, umpires, league officials, and parents with respect.
• I promise to help my players enjoy playing in the OGSA by being respectful to all players, coaches, umpires league officials, and parents.
• I will insist that my players are in a safe and healthy environment.
• I will demand a drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free sports environment for my players and agree to assist by refraining from their use at all OGSA games, practices and events.
• I will remember that OGSA softball is for children and not for adults.
• I will do all I can to make the game fun and safe for all the children involved in the OGSA.
• I will never put down another player, coach, parent or member of the OGSA with the intent of humiliation, defamation, slander, ill will or intent to harm emotionally, socially, physically, verbally or conspire to hurt, isolate or target individuals or impede a respectful and positive environment.
• I understand that the OGSA is a volunteer organization that requires all parents to participate in activities, such as field preparation and scorekeeping. I therefore agree to enlist the support of all the parents of my players in this effort.
• I agree to be trained in the responsibilities of being an OGSA Manager or Coach, including attending all manager meetings and training clinics.

As a parent of a child playing in the Oakville Girls Softball Association (OGSA), I agree to and will comply with the Parent’s Code of Conduct outlined below:

• I will remember that my child plays for her enjoyment, not for mine.
• I will always encourage my child to play by the rules.
• I will always encourage my child to respect the coaches, their team-mates and the umpires.
• I will never criticize umpire’s judgment or direct negative comments towards them.
• I will not be a “Grand Stand” Manager during games or practices.
• I will always address any questions or concerns to the Coaching staff at the appropriate time, defined as after games or practices and away from the players.
• I will do my best to be a supportive, involved parent without interfering with the operation of the team.
• I realize that I have enrolled my child to have fun, develop their softball skills and have a positive team experience and will do my best to support these objectives.
• I understand that the game of softball is very difficult to learn and play.
• I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud the good plays by both my child’s team and their opponents.
• I will teach my child that trying their hardest despite the score or situation is extremely important.
• I understand that the goals of playing OGSA are to have fun, develop my child’s softball skills and create team spirit.
• I will never put down another player, coach, parent or member of the OGSA with the intent of humiliation, defamation, slander, ill will or intent to harm emotionally, socially, physically, verbally or conspire to hurt, isolate or target individuals or impede a respectful and positive environment.
• I understand that by not abiding by the guidelines of this Parents Code of Conduct or by displaying any other inappropriate conduct, will result in my being asked to leave the ball park and may possibly result in my child not playing.

DEFINITIONS
“OGSA” refers to the Oakville Girls Softball Association, and the brand “Oakville Angels”.

1. The following terms have these meanings in this Policy:

a) “Social media” – The catch‐all term that is applied broadly to computer‐mediated communication media such as blogs, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Forum and Twitter, etc.
b) “Member” ‐ All categories of membership, players, coaches, umpires & parents defined in
the Bylaws, as well as all individuals employed by or engaged in activities with OGSA, including but not limited to, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, directors, officers, team managers, team captains, medical and paramedical personnel, administrators, parents, spectators and umpires.
c) “Discipline Chair” – The person or organization appointed by OGSA to oversee management and administration of complaints.

PREAMBLE

2. OGSA is aware that Member interaction and communication occurs frequently on Social Media. OGSA cautions Members that any conduct falling short of the standard of behaviour required by OGSA Policy Relating to Member Conduct will be subject to the disciplinary sanctions identified within the OGSA Policy Relating to Member Conduct.

APPLICATION

3. This Policy applies to all Members as defined in the Definitions.

CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR

4. Per the OGSA policy relating to Member Code of Conduct, the following Social Media conduct may be considered minor or major infractions at the discretion of the Discipline Chair:

a) Posting a disrespectful, hateful, insulting, or otherwise negative comment on any social media, including but not limited to a personal blog, in a Facebook post or note, or as a Tweet on Twitter, that is directed at Members or at other persons connected with OGSA and related events.
b) Posting a disparaging or harmful comment on any social media, including but not limited to personal blog, in a Facebook post or note, or as a Tweet on Twitter, that is directed at OGSA and related events.
c) Creating or contributing to social media, including but not limited to a Facebook group, webpage, blog, or online forum devoted solely or in part to promoting negative or disparaging remarks or commentary about OGSA and related events.
d) Posting a picture, altered picture, or video on any social media, including but not limited to Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, YouTube, or other social medium that is harmful, disrespectful, insulting, or otherwise offensive, and that is directed at Members or at other persons connected with OGSA and related events.
e) Any instance of cyber‐bullying or cyber‐harassment between one Member and another Member (including a teammate, coach, opponent, volunteer, or official), where incidents of cyber‐bullying and cyber‐harassment can include but are not limited to the following conduct on any social medium, via text‐message, or via email: regular insults, negative comments, vexatious behaviour, pranks or jokes, threats, posing as another person, spreading rumours or lies, or other harmful behaviour.
f) Any instance of bringing the game of softball into disrepute.
g) Any illegal behaviour captured in written or photographic form that is prohibited by Municipal, Provincial or Federal Laws.

5. All conduct and behaviour occurring on Social Media may be subject to the OGSA Policy Relating to Member Code of Conduct at the discretion of the Discipline Chair.

MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Members must be aware that their Social Media use may be monitored by OGSA or its Member Associations or local softball associations.

When using Social Media, a Member must model appropriate behaviour benefitting the Member’s status as a member of OGSA.

Removing content from Social Media after it has been posted (either publicly or privately) does not excuse the Member from being subject to the OGSA Policy Relating to Member Code of Conduct.

A member who believes that the Social Media use by another member is inappropriate or may violate OGSA policies and procedures should report the matter to OGSA in the manner outlined by the OGSA Policy Relating to Member Code of Conduct.

When a young person is harassed or abused by an adult occupying a position of trust, the impact can be devastating. A major hurdle to healing the wounds that inevitable result is non-disclosure: in order to recover, victims must be heard and believed.

Harassment is understood as encompassing a very broad range of prohibited behaviour, including discriminatory conduct, physical and sexual harassment, emotional, mental, physical and sexual abuse.

The Oakville Girls Softball Association believes that any softball player, umpire, coach or manager should have the ability to discuss any concerns that might be classified as harassment. The Oakville Girls Softball Association also believes that false allegations can be devastating to a person’s career and personal life.

In view of the incidents of harassment that have affected the sport of softball, we believe that there is a need for a concerned player, to be able to talk in private and confidentially with our organization.

We do not encourage concerns which may result from frustration or anger to be reported or acted upon, however, we are available to talk to your request.

When a young person is harassed or abused by an adult occupying a position of trust, the impact can be devastating. A major hurdle to healing the wounds that inevitable result is non-disclosure: in order to recover, victims must be heard and believed.

Harassment is understood as encompassing a very broad range of prohibited behaviour, including discriminatory conduct, physical and sexual harassment, emotional, mental, physical and sexual abuse.

The Oakville Girls Softball Association believes that any softball player, umpire, coach or manager should have the ability to discuss any concerns that might be classified as harassment. The Oakville Girls Softball Association also believes that false allegations can be devastating to a person’s career and personal life.

In view of the incidents of harassment that have affected the sport of softball, we believe that there is a need for a concerned player, to be able to talk in private and confidentially with our organization.

We do not encourage concerns which may result from frustration or anger to be reported or acted upon, however, we are available to talk to your request.

Any issue, grievance, or complaint that affects or involves any member of the OGSA must first be filed with the OGSA Officials before any other outside Affiliation. Any grievance filed with another Affiliation before a formal filing to the appropriate OGSA Official first could result in further disciplinary actions and reversal of other outside Affiliation decisions.

In the event an issue is reported, the OGSA shall deal with all disciplinary matters, including suspensions and expulsions in accordance with the rules and policies of the OGSA. All complaints/issues will have reviews completed within 15 days of being reported to a Division Convenor, or VP House League, or VP Rep, or VP Select or President.

When a young person is harassed or abused by an adult occupying a position of trust, the impact can be devastating. A major hurdle to healing the wounds that inevitable result is non-disclosure: in order to recover, victims must be heard and believed.

Harassment is understood as encompassing a very broad range of prohibited behaviour, including discriminatory conduct, physical and sexual harassment, emotional, mental, physical and sexual abuse.

The Oakville Girls Softball Association believes that any softball player, umpire, coach or manager should have the ability to discuss any concerns that might be classified as harassment. The Oakville Girls Softball Association also believes that false allegations can be devastating to a person’s career and personal life.

In view of the incidents of harassment that have affected the sport of softball, we believe that there is a need for a concerned player, to be able to talk in private and confidentially with our organization.

We do not encourage concerns which may result from frustration or anger to be reported or acted upon, however, we are available to talk to your request.

When a disciplinary matter needs to be addressed, the President shall appoint a special Disciplinary Board to deal with the matter and shall designate a person to chair the Disciplinary Board.

The Disciplinary Board will consist of three adult volunteers of the OGSA. The VP House League, or VP Rep, or VP Select will be a member of any Disciplinary Board.

A Disciplinary Board shall conduct itself with fairness and impartiality and shall provide a full opportunity for all parties to be heard.

Decisions of the Disciplinary Board will be communicated to those involved by the VP House League, or VP Rep, or VP Select.

When a young person is harassed or abused by an adult occupying a position of trust, the impact can be devastating. A major hurdle to healing the wounds that inevitable result is non-disclosure: in order to recover, victims must be heard and believed.

Harassment is understood as encompassing a very broad range of prohibited behaviour, including discriminatory conduct, physical and sexual harassment, emotional, mental, physical and sexual abuse.

The Oakville Girls Softball Association believes that any softball player, umpire, coach or manager should have the ability to discuss any concerns that might be classified as harassment. The Oakville Girls Softball Association also believes that false allegations can be devastating to a person’s career and personal life.

In view of the incidents of harassment that have affected the sport of softball, we believe that there is a need for a concerned player, to be able to talk in private and confidentially with our organization.

We do not encourage concerns which may result from frustration or anger to be reported or acted upon, however, we are available to talk to your request.

When a disciplinary matter needs to be addressed, the President shall appoint a special Disciplinary Board to deal with the matter and shall designate a person to chair the Disciplinary Board.

The Disciplinary Board will consist of three adult volunteers of the OGSA. The VP House League, or VP Rep, or VP Select will be a member of any Disciplinary Board.

A Disciplinary Board shall conduct itself with fairness and impartiality and shall provide a full opportunity for all parties to be heard.

Decisions of the Disciplinary Board will be communicated to those involved by the VP House League, or VP Rep, or VP Select.

The Appeal Tribunal shall consist of three Members of the Executive Committee appointed by the President on an ad hoc basis for the purpose of hearing an appeal. The OGSA President will be a member and chair the Appeal Tribunal.

Members of the Appeal Tribunal shall have no direct association with any of the parties involved. Upon appointment to the Appeal Tribunal, members shall not discuss the merits of the case with anyone prior to hearing the appeal.

In the event the OGSA President is involved in the issue being appealed, either the VP House League, or VP Rep, or VP Select will chair the Appeal Tribunal.

The Appeal Tribunal shall conduct itself with fairness and impartiality and shall provide a full opportunity for all parties to be heard.

The appeal shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the OGSA.

Decisions of the Appeal Tribunal are final and will be communicated to those involved by the OGSA President or designate.

The OGSA Board may hold a special meeting to consider whether any member should be expelled for cause.

At least 15 days notice of such meeting shall be provided to such member and to the Members of the OGSA Board, together with the reasons for the proposed expulsion. Such member shall be given her/his opportunity to be present and to be heard.

Decisions and Outcomes of OGSA Disciplinary, Expulsion, Dispute and Hearing Committee’s are binding above any and all other Affiliations decisions and take precedence. Any grievance filed with another Affiliation before a formal filing to the appropriate OGSA Official first could result in further disciplinary actions and reversal of other outside Affiliation decisions.

The Appeal Tribunal shall consist of three Members of the Executive Committee appointed by the President on an ad hoc basis for the purpose of hearing an appeal. The OGSA President will be a member and chair the Appeal Tribunal.

Members of the Appeal Tribunal shall have no direct association with any of the parties involved. Upon appointment to the Appeal Tribunal, members shall not discuss the merits of the case with anyone prior to hearing the appeal.

In the event the OGSA President is involved in the issue being appealed, either the VP House League, or VP Rep, or VP Select will chair the Appeal Tribunal.

The Appeal Tribunal shall conduct itself with fairness and impartiality and shall provide a full opportunity for all parties to be heard.

The appeal shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the OGSA.

Decisions of the Appeal Tribunal are final and will be communicated to those involved by the OGSA President or designate.