Player Code of Conduct (printable)    Parent Code of Conduct (printable)   Coaches Code of Conduct (printable)

PLAY TIME AND FEES POLICY

All fees charged by the Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club are required to operate the programs and are in no way related to a player’s playing time. Registrants are not entitled to a refund based on playing time considerations. Playing time can be reduced if fees are not in good standing. Any outstanding fees from previous seasons will lead to a suspension with the Ontario Football Alliance (OFA) and Football Canada. 

REFUND POLICY  

• In the first 4 weeks the Sarina Sturgeon Football Club will refund 75% of the registration fee. 
• After the first 4 weeks the Sarnia Sturgeon Football Club will refund 50% of the registration fee. 
• When scheduled games start the Sarnia Sturgeon Football Club will refund 0% of the registration fee. 
• If a player is cut from the Sarnia Sturgeon Football Club, we will refund 100% of the registration fee. 
• If a player can no longer play for the remainder of the season due to injury during practice or a game a refund will be reviewed case by case at the board level. 
• To qualify for a refund, all equipment owned by the Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club must be returned in the same condition as it was given to you. 

**** PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY REFUND REQUEST RECEIVED WILL NOT BE PROCESSED UNTIL ALL EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING JERSEY AND PANTS HAVE BEEN RETURNED****

Please contact registration@sarniasturgeons.com to arrange for equipment to be returned. Equipment MUST be returned to a member of the Sarnia Sturgeon Football Club, a coach or manager, before a refund will be issued. You must contact Football Ontario to collect the membership fee. This is not managed by the Sarnia Sturgeon Football Club. 

TRAVEL CODE OF CONDUCT AND POLICY

Because we travel to our away games via buses, the following is a breakdown of responsibilities and accountability for players, managers, parents and coaches. 

Each team’s coaches and staff will determine specific rules for conduct on the bus and will handle any discipline issues with their team that may develop. The following list of actions undertaken by any member of the Sarnia Sturgeons players while a passenger on the bus, or at an opponent’s facility, shall be deemed as a major incident and as such may be subject to the player(s) not being allowed to continue to ride the bus for future games and will carry a suspension: 

• Uttering foul and offensive language will not be tolerated. 
• Disrespecting any players, managers, coaches, parents or bus driver, whether verbally or physically will not be tolerated. 
• Refusing to follow all rules and policies as explained by the coaches and the bus driver. 
• Use of Drugs, cannabis, alcohol and /or tobacco and e-cigarettes

Departure Rules for Game Days: 

Parents and players are responsible for notifying the designated team manager if they cannot make the trip or if alternate travel arrangements are being made. This must be communicated in writing to the team manager PRIOR to game day. 

Parents and/or players are required to be at the departure point no later than 30 minutes before departure time. This allows for loading the bus and verifying that all players are present and accounted for. Making 30 to 50 or more people wait is not an option! 

Players are expected to board buses at the designated pick-up locations. 

Equipment Expectation: 

Players are responsible for having all their equipment in a bag to be stored in the appropriate storage space on the bus. 

Any personal travel money and personal property is the responsibility of the player. We will not tolerate any disrespect of personal property. 

Dress code and travel conduct will be set and communicated by the organization, and all players are bound by its rules. Failure to comply can, and will, result in disciplinary action by the organization. Remember that we are representing our city and communities and must be respectful and considerate of those we are visiting. 

EQUIPMENT POLICY 

• All players must have regard for the equipment borrowed from the Club. 
• Equipment care is essential in maintaining good quality equipment for you and others to use while participating with the Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club.
• The average cost of outfitting you with essential and proper fitting safety gear is around $1200.00 per athlete. If a player loses any piece of equipment, then they are responsible for the cost of replacing it new!
• “Equipment” means any Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club equipment or uniform issued to a player. 
• All Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club property must be returned at the date and time scheduled by the Equipment Managers. 
• If you are planning on using your own equipment, you will need prior approval and sign-off from the Equipment Manager. 
• Players need to report any faulty equipment to their respective coach and to the Equipment Manager. 

HAZING AND HARASSING POLICY 

• There will be zero tolerance for hazing and harassing within the Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club. The Club promises to treat all complaints seriously, whether they are made informally or formally. We undertake to act on all complaints to ensure that they are resolved quickly, confidentially, and fairly. 
• Harassment is defined as comment or conduct (through any medium) directed towards an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading or malicious. Hazing refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. 

LOCKER ROOM POLICY 

• Locker rooms are reserved for Players, Coaches and Staff ONLY. 
• Locker room floors will be free of trash and equipment that does not belong there. Locker room that are provided for away games will be treated with respect and left in the same or better condition than when our players arrived. 
• The use of cell phones or any other type of recording device to take pictures and/or videos within the locker rooms is strictly forbidden and will result in disciplinary action. If anything (picture, comment, video) shows up anywhere on my space, your space, their space, anybody’s space, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, SnapChat, Facebook or similar sites, you will be subject to being dismissed from the team. 

DRUG, ALCOHOL, CANNABIS AND TOBACCO POLICY 

• Our home games and practices are held at Norm Perry Park, Municipal facilities and/or School Board properties. By law, the use of recreational drugs, cannabis, alcohol and smoking are not permitted at Norm Perry, Municipal facilities or on School Board properties. 
• School property includes vehicles that are on grounds and all lands to the edge of the street. 
• Alternative tobacco products (e-cigarettes) may not be used on school or Norm Perry Park property. 
• Providing any of the above-mentioned products to anyone under the age of 19 is illegal. 
• The Sarnia Sturgeons will enforce a zero tolerance policy with respect to players and usage of any of the above-mentioned. 

PARENT COMMUNICATION PROCESS AND CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY 

Parent Communication Process 

• Coaches have the authority over who becomes a participant of the team, when the participant plays, or is removed from the team. The coaching staff determines coaching strategy. 
• Acceptance of a position on the team includes acceptance of this policy. Therefore, these issues are not appropriate topics for parent involvement and parent discussions with coaches are discouraged. 
• It is NEVER acceptable for a parent to attempt to discuss playing time with a coach during a game or practice. It is also NEVER acceptable for a parent to attempt to discuss the performance or playing time of another player. 
• Any concerns should be directed to a Board of Director member or Team Manager and meetings can be scheduled to address your concerns. Contact should not be made to assistant coaches as they are relieved from meeting with parents and will simply point you toward contacting the Team Manager. 

Team Manager 

The vast majority of player/parent concerns will be worked out at this level. If the player or parent is not satisfied with what transpired at this level, the next step will be to involve the President and /or Executive Board.

Parents Attending Practice 

• All practices are open to parents unless otherwise notified. 
• We request that parents to stay off the field and not communicate with any players or coaches during practices. The time allocated for practice is short and all attention needs to be on practice. 
• Due to the intense focus and nature of teaching using film, only players and coaches will be allowed to attend film sessions and team meetings. 
• When the teams are doing drills in the gym parents are welcomed to sit in and observe. 

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY 

The Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club members reflect a diverse set of customers, values, and points of view. As representatives of the Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club, we require our membership to exercise good judgment in its use of Social Media websites and conduct themselves in a responsible and respectful manner. For the purposes of this policy, social media means any facility for online publication and commentary, including, without limitations, blogs, websites, and social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Snapchat, Flickr, Instagram, and YouTube. To assist in posting content and managing these sites, the Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club has developed policies and guidelines for official and personal use of social media. Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club board members, volunteers, players and members are free to comment via social media in accordance with this policy. 

General Guidelines 

• When using an officially recognized social media channel, assume at all times that you are representing the club. Please refrain from reporting, speculating, discussing, or giving any opinions on Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club topics or personalities that could be considered sensitive, confidential, or disparaging. 
• Confidential or proprietary club information or similar information of third parties, who have shared such information with you on behalf of the Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club should not be shared publicly on these social media channels. 
• As in all communications, the board members and volunteers should be consistent in their message; this message shall be in accord with Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club’s mission and vision. 
• Player members are not permitted to post information, photos, or other representations of inappropriate behaviour, or items that could be interpreted as demeaning or inflammatory. 
• All communications will be respectful of others. This includes no ethnic slurs, offensive comments, defamatory comments, personal insults, and obscenity as well as being considerate of privacy, objectionable topics, such as politics and religion. 
• Members are permitted to tag the accounts of players, coaches, and members in posts or photos with the approval of the account owner. Images and updates shall not disclose personal information. 
• Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club social media assets are to be used for positive interaction. Please refrain from any negative comments or criticism of anyone or anything, including other players, team officials, teams, clubs, or referees. 
• Be mindful that all posted content is subject to review in accordance with Privacy Policy. 
• Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club logo’s and/or visual identity cannot be used for personal social media without the permission of the Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club executive board. 
• Policy violations may be subject to disciplinary actions. It is not the intent of the Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club to police its social media accounts, however, actions will be taken if necessary. 

CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT 

The Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club Code of Conduct is a set of behaviours for people within the organization; it reflects the ideals and values of the Sarnia Sturgeons, as well as its commitment to uphold those values as part of what makes the Sarnia Sturgeons what it is. The Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club membership (whether players, coaches or volunteers) and regardless of their duties and responsibilities, are called upon to conduct themselves with integrity, be fair and honest in our dealings with others, and treat others with respect and dignity. The following is the Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club’s Code of Conduct: 

• Sarnia Sturgeons Football members and employees are responsible for their actions and accountable for the consequences of their actions or inaction. 
• At all times, Sarnia Sturgeons Football members and employees will act in a manner that encourages and maintains confidence among athletes, member organizations and the public, in the integrity of the Sarnia Sturgeons Football and its people. 
• The Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club will conduct its relations with, and discharge its duties to, other organizations, clients, the public and media with ethics and fairness. 
• All business dealings must be conducted in a fair and honest manner, both within the spirit and the letter of agreements, policies and legal requirements. 
• All persons should be treated with respect, tact and courtesy in all dealings with the Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club. 
• All communications with members, clients, whether oral or written, must be conducted in a professional manner, and should be delivered in a timely, accurate and clear manner. 
• Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club members and employees must not be in a conflict of interest or permit any influence that could conflict with the best interest of the Sarnia Sturgeons or prejudice the Sarnia Sturgeons reputation. 
• Disclosure in writing is required for any Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club member or employee associated with, employed by, performing services for or with a financial interest in any other corporation, body or enterprise doing business with or seeking to do business with the Sarnia Sturgeons. 
• Confidentiality of personal and sensitive information must be respected. 
• The Sarnia Sturgeons will develop, implement, maintain and enforce reasonable policies and procedures to ensure confidentiality and safeguard confidential information. 
• All methods of seeking and obtaining financial support for Sarnia Sturgeons activities must be carried out in a manner consistent with maintaining membership and public confidence in, and respect for, the Sarnia Sturgeons authority on matters of ethics in sport and its independence from vested interests. 
• The Sarnia Sturgeons must use its resources (including human and material resources, funds, equipment and information) responsibly and in the best interests of all its members. 
• Any complaint received concerning the Sarnia Sturgeons Football Club must be handled professionally, promptly and courteously, with a written reply if requested, and a written record maintained. 

Athlete-Centered Conduct 

With respect to its relations with athletes, the Sarnia Sturgeons will: 

• Show respect and regard for the interests and goals of athletes; 
• Act on the belief that the athlete as a person is more important than the sport; 
• Demonstrate responsiveness to individual needs and situations; 
• Engage in practices that maintain and enhance the ethic of care for self and others; 
• Carry out its activities in a manner, which demonstrates concern for the health, well-being, protection and enhancement of all athletes. 
• Encourage and respect individual responsibility in developing ethical ideals through moral reflection, moral dialogue and moral practices in sport. 
• Administrators should supervise their programs and personnel in order to maintain the principles, integrity, and dignity of the organization/institution which they represent.
• Administrators should not exert pressure on members of their organization or coaches to give players consideration they do not deserve.
• Administrators, in conjunction with their coaches, should set and follow the procedure which relate to the players, rules, officials, public relations, recruiting, game day, and other applicable responsibilities. 
• Administrators are ultimately responsible for all facets of their programs and the personnel operating within their sphere of influence. 
• Violations for any of the above will be dealt with by the Sarnia Sturgeons Executive Board following the constitution and by-laws of the Club on further penalties at their sole discretion. 
• Any abuse of electronic communications, including but not limited to social media networks, phone, emails, etc. and using them to spread rumours or false information, discredits any Sarnia Sturgeons members, or undermines any member of the Sarnia Sturgeons including the Sarnia Sturgeons executive, or Sarnia Sturgeons Club, will not be tolerated in the Sarnia Sturgeons. 
• All members are to follow the proper protocols established with in the Sarnia Sturgeons for communication or displeasure. Any violations may be dealt with by the Sarnia Sturgeons Executive Board with suspension and/or expulsion from the Club. 
• The Points of Emphasis which appear in the Amateur Football Rule Book shall be considered an integral part of this Code of Ethics and should be carefully read and observed.

Players Athlete Code of Conduct

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship. We believe the highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Every athlete / player of Sarnia Sturgeon Football Club will therefore agree: 

• To demonstrate positive sportsmanship and positively represent Sarnia Sturgeon Football Club and the competition on and off the field at home and away.   
• To exercise positive self-control, graciously accepting the outcome games and treating all members of the football community, team volunteers (managers, equipment managers), and fans with courtesy and respect. 
• To respect the coaches and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront a coach at the game field, but will take time for further conversation at an agreed upon time and place. 
• Exhibit respect for officials, in part by accepting their decisions. Insulting comments, arguing, gestures and profanity directed at officials will not be tolerated. 
• To practice and work on skill development as is appropriate for my age and competitive level of play for the team. 
• All equipment is treated with respect. Under no circumstances are players approved to alter or change equipment without prior consent. I will not throw or sit on my helmet. 
• Understand the rules of the game as appropriate for age and competitive level of the team. 
• Players are responsible for timely notification of absences from games, practices and training to the coach or manager of the team as determined by the team. 
• Zero tolerance for violence, abuse or hazing of any nature. 
• Players are prohibited from the use of alcohol, unprescribed drugs, tobacco and vaping products while a member of Sarnia Sturgeon Football Club. 
• I will never ridicule or yell at a teammate or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition. 
• I will respect and abide by the instructions from and the decisions of the team’s trainers with respect to:
  • Concussion protocols, including removal from play, referral to other professionals (i.e. Sports Medicine Physicians), and all requirements of the return to play stages including documentation from other professionals and rest periods. 
  • Injury decisions including removal from play reduced or modified participation, whether supportive taping is indicated, and referral to other professionals (i.e. physicians). 
  • Safety instructions including implementation of thunder/lightning protocol, hydration and equipment recommendations and any other safety related situations. 

Parent Code of Conduct

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship. We believe the highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Every member of Sarnia Sturgeon Football Club will therefore agree:  

• I will not force my player/player to participate in sports.
• I will inform the coach of any disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my player or the safety of others and will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and wellbeing of the athletes. 
• I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league. 
• I will remember that players participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults. 
• I and my guests will be a positive role model for my player and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators on or off the field, in every game, practice or other team related forum or event, including but not limited to methods of mass communication such as emails, online activities or in print. 
• I and my guests will not engage in any kind of booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures. 
• I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place. 
• I will demand that my player treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability. 
• I will teach my player that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my player will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my player over winning. 
• I will never ridicule or yell at my player or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• I will command a sports environment for my player that is free from drugs, tobacco, vaping and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events. 
• I will refrain from coaching my player or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team. 
• I will respect and abide by the instructions from and the decisions of the team’s trainer with respect to: 
  • Concussion protocols, including removal from play, referral to other professionals (i.e. Sports Medicine Physicians), and all requirements of the return to play stages including documentation from other professionals and rest periods. 
  • Injury decisions including removal from play reduced or modified participation, whether supportive taping is indicated, and referral to other professionals (i.e. physicians). 
  • Safety instructions including implementation of thunder/lightning protocol, hydration and equipment recommendations and any other safety related situations. 

Coaching Code of Conduct

With the understanding that youth sports is for the education, fun and enjoyment of the athletes, and that I, along with other coaches, am responsible for the safety and well-being of the players on the team, I hereby agree to the following:

• I am a volunteer for Sarnia Sturgeon Football Club as a whole. I understand that this is not “MY” team and that decisions by the appointed Board of Directors will be sanctioned without challenge. 
• I will abide by and follow the policy with regards to field usage, team dedicated fields only and cancelled bookings. 
• I will place the physical and mental well-being of the players ahead of my personal desire to win. 
• I will treat each player as an individual, keeping in mind the large range of emotional and physical developments for youth in the same age group. 
• I will ensure and enforce a positive and safe playing environment. 
• I will NOT use foul, derogatory or abusive language when coach or attending any other club’s games or events. 
• I will provide a sports environment for the program that is free of drugs, tobacco, vaping and alcohol including games and practices. 
• I will be knowledgeable in, abide by the rules of youth football, and teach those rules in the league in which we play. 
• I will use coaching techniques appropriate for all skills levels. 
• I will always remember that I am a youth sports coach and that this for the players and not the fans or adults. 
• I will show respect for and abide by the decisions, calls and judgements of the officials at any game, including as a spectator. 
• I will respect and abide by the instructions from and the decisions of the team’s trainers with respect to; 
  • Concussion protocols, including removal from play, referral to other professionals (i.e. Sports Medicine Physicians), and all requirements of the return to play stages including documentation from other professionals and rest periods. 
  • Injury decisions including removal from play reduced or modified participation, whether supportive taping is indicated, and referral to other professionals (i.e. physicians). 
  • Safety instructions including implementation of thunder/lightning protocol, hydration and equipment recommendations and any other safety related situations. 
• I will not criticize a fellow coach, board member, child or family member in front of players or other coaches and I will only discuss any disagreements, conflicts or opinions with the person or persons with which I have the disagreement, at an appropriate time and place.