ATHLETE-CENTRED CONDUCT

With respect to its relations with athletes, The BCAFFL 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 a 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.

BCAFFL should consistently demonstrate an ethic of care, where we are watchful for and sensitive to the needs of athletes as people and not just as performers of sport. Our conduct should therefore ensure that athletes have the best possible experience when dealing with the “Association”, as measured by their satisfaction and expressed confidence in the integrity of the BCAFFL and its members.

(Addapted from: FOOTBALL CANADA CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT)

BCAFFL's Code of Professional Conduct is more than simply a set of behaviours for people within the organization; it reflects the ideals and values of the organization, as well as its commitment to uphold those values as part of what makes the organization what it is. It is therefore part of the BCAFFL's Code of Conduct, that can be applied to any particular situation, by asking the questions: “what is the right thing to do, and how do we avoid doing the wrong thing?”

As part of our “Association’s” philosophy, the BCAFFL believes its work is first and foremost in the interest of the participant and the athlete. Our ethical rationale for promoting ethical conduct in sport is founded on the belief that sport is for the benefit of everyone, and that the pursuit of sporting excellence is a function of our collective pursuit of the human potential. The BCAFFL is a promoter of sport values and ethics (through football), and as such should lead by example as an “Association” committed to the highest order of professionalism and public scrutiny. The membership whether paid staff or volunteers and regardless of their duties and responsibilities is 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 BCAFFL Code of Professional Conduct:

• BCAFFL members and employees are responsible for their actions and accountable for the consequences of their actions or inactions.
• At all times, BCAFFL members and employees will act in a manner that encourages and maintains confidence among athletes, sport organizations and the public, in the integrity of the organization and its people.
• The BCAFFL 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 “Association”.
• All communications with clients, whether oral or written, must be conducted in a professional manner, and should be delivered in a timely, accurate and clear manner.
• BCAFFL members and employees must not be in a conflict of interest or permit any influence that could conflict with the best interest of the “Association” or prejudice the “Association’s” reputation. Disclosure in writing is required for any BCAFFL 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 BCAFFL.
• Confidentiality of personal and sensitive information must be respected. BCAFFL 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 BCAFFL activities must be carried out in a manner consistent with maintaining membership and public confidence in, and respect for, the “Association”, its authority on matters of ethics in sport and its independence from vested interests.
• BCAFFL must use its resources (including human and material resources, funds, equipment and information) responsibly and in the best interests of all its members, the public and the “Association”.
• Any complaint received concerning the BCAFFL must be handled professionally, promptly and courteously, with a written reply if requested, and a written record maintained.

BCAFFL must conduct its affairs in an open manner that welcomes public scrutiny as a necessary and beneficial aspect of an effective ethics in sport organization and credible ethics in sport programs and policies. BCAFFL supports public disclosure of information and will not withhold any information about itself and/or its activities unless there is justifiable reason to do so, such reason(s) being itself open to public scrutiny.

FINES AND PENALTIES 

• Any team that fails to participate in a scheduled BCAFFL game without notice, will incur a monetary penalty of $100. 
• The BCAFFL must still pay for the fields and officials scheduled for the use of the forfeited game without prior notice. This fee is applied to the team and the team will not be permitted to participate again until the penalty has been settled. 
  ​​​​​​​
• Any team or player found to be in violation of the leagues policy regarding the removal of garbage  will face a $50 penalty. 
• ​​​​​​​Any team or player that causes damage to league or parks property will be assessed a penalty in the amount of the damage caused. The team or player in question will be held responsible and be suspended until the penalty is resolved.