Code of Conduct

8.01 Members

Open to any person who expresses a desire to further the aims of Rugby Union Code and the spirit of the constitution of this corporation and upon the payment of an annual due to the club Rugby Ontario and Rugby Canada that places them in good standing with all three corporations.

Notwithstanding the above, membership may be denied to any persons, who in the act contrary to the good of the Corporation, the Union or the sport of Rugby by means of the following process:

1) With the exception of life members who will need to apply only once; annually, each returning member or prospective member will complete an application form, that will include a commitment to follow the club code of conduct and a confirmation that they are in good standing with the Corporation and all other rugby clubs.

2) Applications will be reviewed by the registrar and club executive to determine eligibility for membership and will be subject to the process outlined below

3) If the Registrar and or the Club Executive have reason to believe that a perspective new or returning member’s behaviour or actions have been contrary to the club code of conduct or contrary to the good of the Corporation, the Union or the Sport of Rugby, the application of the returning or prospective new member will be subject to further review by the Executive.

4)If upon further review the Executive has sufficient reason to believe that a prospective new or returning member’s behaviour or actions have been contrary to the club code of conduct or contrary to the good of the Corporation, the Union or the Sport of Rugby the prospective new or returning member will be asked to attend a meeting of the Membership Committee to support their application for membership. The Membership Committee with be comprised of the Executive and an adult member representing each of the club teams.

5) The meeting will offer the opportunity for the Membership Committee to discuss its concerns with the prospective new or returning member who will be given the opportunity to support application for membership.

6) At the conclusion of the meeting, the Membership Committee will conduct a vote to determine if membership of the prospective new or returning member will be rejected.  A two thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Membership Committee will be required to reject the membership application.  This vote may be taken as a secret/written ballot if 2/3 vote in favour. Only at this time if an application is rejected by the corporation will their dues paid be refunded.

8.02 Membership

A membership in the Corporation is not transferable and automatically terminates if the Member resigns or such membership is otherwise terminated in accordance with the Act.

8.03 Disciplinary Act or Termination of Membership for Cause

1. Upon 15 days’ written notice to a Member, the Board may pass a resolution authorizing disciplinary action against any member of the Corporation for actions contrary to the club Code of Conduct and or the laws and spirit of Rugby Union Football, or which are considered detrimental to the Corporation and the Union code.
2. The notice shall set out the reasons for the disciplinary action The Member receiving the notice shall be entitled to give the Board a written submission appealing the disciplinary action not less than 5 days before the end of the 15-day period. The Board shall consider the written submission of the Member before making a decision regarding disciplinary action. Disciplinary action will be progressive in nature, up to and including the termination of membership and expulsion from the Club.  The process will be detailed in the Club Discipline policy and Rugby Ontario’s Discipline[TP2]  policy will be used as a guide/reference.

The Club

• Ensure all players are coached in a safe environment with adequate first aid readily at hand.
• Not use profane language around players or harass referees, coaches or players.
• The executive and officers of Lindsay Rugby football club, have a zero tolerance policy towards any illegal substance abuse, including consumption by minors. This applies to social and athletic illegal substances.

Parents, Coaches and Spectators

• Recognize the importance of fun and enjoyment for players.
• Understand that most learning is done through doing.
• Appreciate the needs of players before the needs of the sport.
• Keep winning and losing in perspective – encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.  This sport is for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Respect all referees and the decisions they make, even if they appear to make a mistake, and ensure that the players recognize that theymust do the same.
• Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner.
• Understand that verbal and non verbal abuse of players, coaches or officials is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Complaints should be catalogued with a date,  time, infraction, names of abusers, name of complainer, and reported to the President at president@lindsayrugby.com.

Social Media Conduct Guide

Social Media Conduct Guide from Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario