Harassment Policy

Harassment Policy

Superleagues Ball Hockey

Harassment and Bullying Policy

1. Purpose

Superleagues Ball Hockey is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants. This policy is intended to address harassment, bullying, intimidation, and abuse in any form and to establish clear procedures and consequences for violations.

This policy applies to all:

  • Players
  • Team staff (coaches, managers)
  • Referees
  • League staff
  • Spectators and parents participating in league events
  • Anyone attending Superleagues facilities or league-sanctioned events


2. Definitions

Harassment

Harassment is any unwelcome conduct that demeans, intimidates, humiliates, or offends another individual.

Examples include:

  • Offensive jokes or comments
  • Insults or personal attacks
  • Derogatory remarks about race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, or sexual orientation
  • Repeated unwanted communication


Bullying

Bullying is repeated aggressive behaviour intended to intimidate, humiliate, or dominate another individual.

Examples include:

  • Verbal abuse
  • Threats or intimidation
  • Public humiliation
  • Deliberate exclusion
  • Online harassment or cyberbullying


Abuse

Abuse includes physical, verbal, emotional, or psychological harm directed toward another participant.

Examples include:

  • Physical threats or violence
  • Severe verbal attacks
  • Discriminatory conduct


Cyber Harassment

Harassment conducted through:

  • Social media
  • Text messages, particularly in group chats
  • Online posts
  • Messaging apps

This includes content directed at league participants or that damages the reputation of Superleagues Ball Hockey.


3. Prohibited Conduct

Participants must not engage in:

  1. Verbal harassment
  2. Bullying or intimidation
  3. Threats of violence
  4. Discriminatory remarks
  5. Sexual harassment
  6. Cyberbullying or online harassment
  7. Retaliation against individuals reporting misconduct

This policy applies during games, practices, league events, and online interactions related to the league.


4. Reporting Procedure

Incidents may be reported to:

  • League Coordinators
  • Game Officials

Reports may be submitted:

  • In writing
  • By email
  • In person (followed by written documentation)

Reports should include:

  • Names of individuals involved
  • Description of incident
  • Date and location
  • Any witnesses

Reports will be handled confidentially to the extent possible.


5. Investigation Process

  1. Report is received by Superleagues staff.
  2. Preliminary review is conducted.
  3. Individuals involved may be interviewed.
  4. Evidence (messages, video, witness statements) may be collected.
  5. A determination will be made.

Superleagues reserves the right to issue interim suspensions while investigations are ongoing.


6. Disciplinary Consequences

Superleagues uses a graduated discipline model, but severe violations may bypass earlier stages.

Violation Level

Example Conduct

Consequence

Level 1 – Minor Misconduct

Isolated rude comments, minor verbal taunts

Verbal warning from league staff

Level 2 – Inappropriate Conduct

Repeated insults, unsportsmanlike harassment

Written warning and potential game suspension

Level 3 – Bullying Behaviour

Persistent harassment, targeted intimidation

2–3 game suspension

Level 4 – Serious Harassment

Threats, discriminatory remarks, public humiliation

4–8 game suspension

Level 5 – Severe Misconduct

Aggressive intimidation, harassment of officials or staff

Season suspension

Level 6 – Abuse or Threats

Physical threats, discriminatory abuse, severe bullying

Indefinite suspension and potential lifetime ban


7. Additional Disciplinary Options

Superleagues may also impose:

  • Mandatory apology to affected party
  • Mandatory conduct review meeting, including reviewing the codes of conduct.
  • Permanent ban from league facilities


8. Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against anyone who reports harassment or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

Retaliation will result in immediate disciplinary action up to permanent suspension.


9. Appeals Process

Individuals disciplined under this policy may appeal within 7 days of the decision.

Appeals must be submitted in writing to doug@superleagues.ca.  If the suspension is longer than three games, an in-person hearing can be requested.

The appeal decision is final.


10. Responsibility of Participants

All participants are expected to:

  • Treat others with respect
  • Promote sportsmanship
  • Report misconduct
  • Cooperate with investigations
  • Follow the related Code of Conduct

Maintaining a respectful environment is a shared responsibility of all Superleagues participants.


11. Policy Enforcement

Superleagues Ball Hockey reserves the right to impose additional sanctions where necessary to maintain a safe and respectful league environment.