CANADA BASKETBALL
Code of Conduct and Ethics
(the “Code”)
Canada Basketball and its Members has adopted the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (provided in Appendix A) which shall be incorporated into this Code by reference as if set out in full. Any modifications or amendments made to the UCCMS by the relevant functions of Abuse-Free Sport shall come into effect immediately and automatically upon their adoption by Abuse-Free Sport, without the need for any further action by Canada Basketball or its Members.
Canada Basketball is a Signatory of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), as of December 1, 2022, (the “Effective Date”).
Canada Basketball has designated specific Registered Participants as Abuse-Free Sport Participants. A full list of designated individuals is available by contacting adriedger@basketball.ca.
It is important to note that the Code and the UCCMS applies to all Registered Participants, but not all Registered Participants are Abuse-Free Sport Participants and subject to the process under the OSIC.
A. Purpose
1. The purpose of this Code is to ensure a safe and positive environment within the programs, activities, and Events of Canada Basketball and its Members by making all Registered Participants aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with shared core values, mission, and policies of Canada Basketball’s and its Members .
2. Canada Basketball and its Members support equal opportunity, prohibit discriminatory practices, and iscommitted to providing an environment in which all individuals can safely participate in sport and are treated with respect and fairness.
B. Application – General
3. This Code applies to the conduct of all Registered Participants during the business, activities, and Events of Canada Basketball and its Members including, but not limited to competitions, practices, evaluations, treatment, or consultations (e.g., massage therapy), training camps, travel associated with and preparation for sanctioned activities, the office environment, and any meetings.
4. This Code also applies to the conduct of all Registered Participants outside of the business, activities, and Events of Canada Basketball and its Members when such conduct adversely affects Canada Basketball’sand its Members’ relationships (and the work and sport environment) or is detrimental to the image and reputation of Canada Basketball and its Members. Such applicability will be determined by Canada Basketball or its Members, as applicable, at its sole discretion.
5. This Code applies to Registered Participants active in the sport or who have retired from the sport where any claim regarding a potential breach of this Code occurred when a Registered Participant was active in the sport.
C. Prohibited Behaviours
6. All Registered Participants must refrain from any behaviour that constitutes a Prohibited Behaviour as defined by the UCCMS and the Code.
7. Registered Participants are responsible for knowing what actions or behaviours are Prohibited Behavioursand/or Maltreatment.
8. Prohibited Behaviours under the UCCMS include, but are not limited:
9. a) Physical Maltreatment (Section 5.3)
b) Psychological Maltreatment (Section 5.2)
c) Neglect (Section 5.4)
d) Sexual Maltreatment (Section 5.5)
e) Grooming (Section 5.6)
f) Boundary Transgressions (Section 5.7)
g) Discrimination (Section 5.8)
h) Failing to Report (Section 5.11)
i) Aiding and Abetting (Section 5.10)
j) Retaliation (Section 5.14)
k) Interference with or Manipulation of Process (Section 5.13)
l) Intentionally Reporting a False Allegation (Section 5.12)
10. In addition to the Prohibited Behaviours as defined by the UCCMS, this Code and other applicable Canada Basketball and its Members policies set out other expected standards of behaviour and conduct for all Registered Participants and any failure to respect these expected standards of behaviour by aRegistered Participants may constitute a breach. In addition, the following behaviours also constitute breaches of this Code:
11. a) Bullying
b) Harassment
c) Workplace Harassment
d) Workplace Violence
D. Responsibilities of Registered Participants
a) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes Maltreatment or Prohibited Behaviour under this Code, the UCCMS and other conduct policies established by Canada Basketball and the applicable Member.
b) Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of other Registered Participants by:
i. Treating each other with fairness, honesty, respect and integrity;
ii. Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of Athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees, or other Registered Participants;
iii. Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership, and ethical conduct; and
iv. Ensuring adherence to the rules of the sport and the spirit of those rules.
c) Refrain from the use of power or authority to coerce another person to engage in inappropriate activities.
d) Not publicly criticize other Registered Participants.
e) Refrain from consuming tobacco products, cannabis, or recreational drugs while participating in the programs, activities, competitions, or Events of Canada Basketball and its Members.
f) In the case of Minors, not consume alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis at any competition or Event.
g) In the case of individuals who are not Minors, not consume cannabis in the Workplace or in any situation associated with the Events of Canada Basketball and its Members (subject to protections under applicable human rights legislation), not consume alcohol during training, competitions, or in situations where Minors are present, and take reasonable steps to manage the responsible consumption of alcohol in adult-oriented social situations.
h) When driving a vehicle:
i. Have a valid driver’s license;
ii. Obey traffic laws;
iii. Not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs or substances;
iv. Have valid car insurance; and
v. Refrain from engaging in any activity that would constitute distracted driving.
i) Respect the property of others and not wilfully cause damage.
j) Promote sport in the most constructive and positive manner possible.
k) Refrain from engaging in deliberate behaviour which is intended to manipulate the outcome of a competition and/or not offer, receive, or refrain from offering or receiving any benefit which is intended to manipulate the outcome of a competition. A benefit includes the direct or indirect receipt of money or anything else of value, including, but not limited to, bribes, gains, gifts, preferential treatment, and other advantages. Sporting advantage is also a benefit.
l) Adhere to all applicable federal, provincial/territorial, municipal and host country laws.
m) Comply with the bylaws, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of Canada Basketball and its Members, and as adopted and amended from time to time.
n) Shall not behave in a manner which may reasonably bring Canada Basketball and its Members and associated organizations into disrepute as determined in the discretion of Canada Basketball or a Member, as applicable. Canada Basketball or a Member may bring a complaint alleging that aRegistered Participant has behaved in a manner that negatively impacts the reputation of the organizations.
E. Directors, Committee Members, and Employees
13. In addition to section D (above), Directors, Committee Members, and employees of Canada Basketballand its Members have additional responsibilities to:
a) Function primarily as a director, committee member or employee of Canada Basketball or a Member (as applicable) and ensure to prioritize their duty of loyalty to Canada Basketball or relevant Member (and not to any other organization or group) while acting in this role.
b) Ensure that financial affairs are conducted in a responsible and transparent manner with due regard for all fiduciary responsibilities.
c) Comply with their obligations under the applicable Screening Policy, including understandingongoing expectations under the applicable Screening Policy and fully cooperating in the screening process.
d) Conduct themselves openly, professionally, lawfully and in good faith.
e) Be independent and impartial and not let self-interest, outside pressure, expectation of reward, or fear of criticism in their decision-making on behalf of Canada Basketball or the applicable Member, influence their actions.
f) Exercise the degree of care, diligence, and skill required in the performance of their duties pursuant to applicable laws.
g) Maintain required confidentiality of all Canada Basketball and applicable Member information, including Registered Participant information.
h) When acting as a Director or Committee Member, respect the decisions of the majority (the Board or a Committee, as applicable) and resign if unable to do so.
i) Commit the time to attend meetings and be diligent in preparation for, and participation in, discussions at such meetings.
j) Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of all governance documents.
F. Coaches and Athlete Support Personnel
14. In addition to section D (above), Coaches and Athlete Support Personnel have many additional responsibilities.
15. Coaches and Athlete Support Personnel must understand and respect the inherent Power Imbalance that exists in their relationship with Athletes and must be extremely careful not to abuse it, either consciously or unconsciously.
16. Coaches and Athlete Support Personnel will:
a) Avoid any behaviour that abuses the Power Imbalance inherent in the position of the Coach or Athlete Support Personnel.
b) Ensure a safe environment by selecting activities and establishing controls that are suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of the Athletes.
c) Prepare Athletes systematically and progressively, using appropriate time frames and monitoring physical and psychological adjustments while refraining from using training methods or techniques that may harm Athletes.
d) Avoid compromising the present and future health of Athletes by communicating and cooperating with sport medicine professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Athletes’ medical and psychological treatments.
e) Support the Athlete Support Personnel of a training camp, provincial/territorial team, or national team,should an Athlete qualify for participation with one of these programs.
f) Accept and promote Athletes’ personal goals and refer Athletes to other coaches and sport specialists as appropriate.
g) Provide Athletes (and the parents/guardians of Minor Athletes) with the information necessary to be involved in the decisions that affect the Athlete.
h) Act in the best interest of the Athlete’s development as a whole person.
i) Comply with their obligations under the applicable Screening Policy, either under Canada Basketball or the applicable Member, including understanding ongoing expectations under this Policy and fullycooperating in the screening process. Additionally complete all safe sport training requirements asmandated by Canada Basketball and/or the applicable Member and follow the Rule of Two (both in-person and virtually).
j) Report any ongoing criminal or anti-doping investigation, conviction, or existing bail conditions to Canada Basketball, including those for violence, child pornography, or possession, use, or sale of any illegal or prohibited substance or method.
k) Under no circumstances provide, promote, or condone the use of drugs (other than properly prescribed medications) or prohibited substances or prohibited methods and, in the case of Minors, alcohol, cannabis, and/or tobacco.
l) When acting as a coach, respect Athletes competing for other clubs, Members and jurisdictions and, in dealings with them, not encroach upon topics or take actions which are deemed to be within the realm of 'coaching', unless after first receiving approval from the coaches who are responsible for the Athletes.
m) When a Power Imbalance exists, not engage in a sexual or intimate relationship with an Athlete of any age.
n) In the case of any sexual or intimate relationship with an Athlete over the age of majority, immediately discontinue any coaching involvement with an Athlete.
o) Effectively communicate and cooperate with sport science and sport medicine professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Athletes’ medical and psychological treatments, including discussing optimal nutritional strategies. Dieting and other weight management methods are not permitted for Athletes 17 years of age and younger, except under the direct supervision and guidance of an appropriately licenced healthcare professional and with the written authorization of the parents/guardians of the Athlete.
p) Recognize the power inherent in the position of Coach or Athlete Support Personnel and respect and promote the rights of all Registered Participants in sport. This is accomplished by establishing and following procedures for confidentiality (right to privacy), informed participation, and fair and reasonable treatment. Coaches and Athlete Support Personnel have a special responsibility to respect and promote the rights of Registered Participants who are in a vulnerable or dependent position and less able to protect their own rights.
q) Dress professionally and use appropriate language.
r) Respect the decisions and judgements of Officials and encourage Athletes to do the same.
G. Athletes
17. In addition to section D (above), Athletes named to a National and Provincial/Territorial team have additional responsibilities to:
b) Report any medical problems in a timely fashion, when such problems may limit their ability to travel, practice, or compete.
c) Participate and appear on-time and prepared to participate to their best abilities in all competitions, practices, training sessions, and evaluations.
d) Properly represent themselves and not attempt to participate in a competition for which they are not eligible by reason of age, classification, or other reason.
e) Adhere to any rules and requirements regarding clothing, professionalism, and equipment.
f) Act in accordance with applicable policies and procedures and, when applicable, additional rules as outlined by Athlete Support Personnel.
g) May not, in any manner, attempt to directly or indirectly control, impact, or influence the outcome or any other aspect of a Canada Basketball Competition in an improper manner. Doing so is a Corruption Offence under the Competition Manipulation Policy.
i. Corruption offences include but are not limited to betting, bribery, manipulation of a Canada Basketball competition, and the use or distributions of inside information.
H. Officials
18. In addition to section D (above), officials have additional responsibilities to:
a) Maintain and update their knowledge of the rules and rule changes.
b) Adhere at all times to the rules of the international federation or CBOC (as applicable) and any other sport organization that has relevant and applicable authority.
c) Place the safety and welfare of competitors, and the fairness of the competition above all else.
d) Strive to provide a fair sporting environment, and at no time engage in Maltreatment of any competition participant.
e) Respect the terms of any agreement that they enter into with Canada Basketball and or PBOA/PBOC(as applicable).
f) Work within the boundaries of their position’s description while supporting the work of other officials.
g) Act as an ambassador of the sport by agreeing to enforce and abide by national and provincial/territorial rules and regulations (as applicable).
h) Take ownership of actions and decisions made while officiating.
i) Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all Registered Participants.
j) Act openly, impartially, professionally, lawfully, and in good faith.
k) Be fair, equitable, considerate, independent, honest, and impartial in all dealings with others.
l) Respect the confidentiality required by issues of a sensitive nature, which may include discipline processes, appeals, and specific information or data about Registered Participants.
m) Comply with their obligations under the applicable Canada Basketball or Member Screening Policy, including understanding ongoing expectations under this Policy and fully cooperating in the screening process.
n) Honour all assignments unless unable to do so by virtue of illness or personal emergency, and in these cases inform a supervisor or Canada Basketball at the earliest possible time.
o) Not publicly criticize other officials; or, compare their competence to that of other officials.
p) Not make any public statement to, or using any form of media (this includes social media, newspaper, television, radio, etc.) regarding the quality of play, or the performance of teams, players, or referees.
q) Officials must decline an officiating role if a perceived conflict of interest exists (e.g., including but not restricted to an affiliation with any team, club, or league).
r) Members must refrain from verbal or written public criticism of players, fellow officials and team personnel, etc., maintaining the utmost respect for all groups.
s) Officials must refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing, or otherwise offensive language in the conduct of their duties.
u) Dress in proper attire for officiating.
I. Parents/Guardians and Spectators
19. In addition to section D (above), parents/guardians and spectators at Canada Basketball or MemberEvents will:
a) Encourage Registered Participants and Athletes to compete within the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
b) Condemn the use of violence in any form.
c) Never ridicule a Registered Participant for making a mistake during a competition or practice.
d) Respect the decisions and judgments of officials and encourage Registered Participants and Athletes to do the same.
e) Support all efforts to stop and prevent verbal and physical abuse, coercion, intimidation, and excessive sarcasm.
f) Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, and to coaches, officials, and other volunteers.
g) Never harass Registered Participants, Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel, officials, parents/guardians, or other spectators.
h) Never encourage, aid, cover up or assist a Registered Participant or Athlete in cheating through doping, competition manipulation or other cheating behaviour.
20. Members and Clubs must:
a) Adhere to all Canada Basketball’s and governing documents (as applicable) and, when required, amend their own rules to comply or align with those of Canada Basketball.
b) Adhere to the Canada Basketball’s Registered Participant policy including paying all required dues and fees by the prescribed deadlines.
c) When required, ensure that all Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel participating in sanctioned competitions and Events of Canada Basketball and its Members are registered and in good standing.
d) Appropriately screen prospective employees, and where applicable provide Safe Sport training, tohelp ensure Registered Participants and Athletes have a healthy and safe sport environment.
f) Impose appropriate disciplinary or corrective measures when misconduct has been substantiated.
g) Advise Canada Basketball immediately of any situation where a Registered Participant, Athlete or individual has publicized a complaint in the media (including social media).
h) Provide Canada Basketball with a copy of all decisions rendered pursuant to the respective organization’s policies for complaints and appeals.
i) Implement and enforce any decisions and disciplinary sanctions imposed pursuant to the discipline process of the OSIC, Canada Basketball or any other Provincial/Territorial Member, as applicable.
K. Anti-Doping
22. Canada Basketball and its Members will respect any sanction imposed as a result of a breach of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program or any other applicable Anti-Doping Rules.
23. Athletes named to a Canada Basketball Team shall:
a) Abstain from the non-medical use of medications or drugs or the use of Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods as listed on the version of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List currently in force.
b) Coaches and Athlete Support Personnel who use methods or substances prohibited by the CADP without valid and acceptable justification may not coach, train, or otherwise support athletes.
c) Registered Participants must reasonably cooperate with the CCES or another anti-doping organization that is investigating anti-doping rule violations.
d) Registered Participants may not harass, intimidate, or other wise conduct themselves offensively toward a Doping Control official or other individual involved in Doping Control, whether or notsuch conduct constitutes Tampering as defined in the Canadian Anti-Doping Program.
24. All Athlete Support Personnel or other individuals who are Using a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method without a valid and acceptable justification shall refrain from providing support to Athletes that fall under Canada Basketball’s jurisdiction.
L. Retaliation, Retribution or Reprisal
25. It is a breach of the Code for any Registered Participant or other individual to engage in any act that threatens or seeks to intimidate another individual with the intent of discouraging that individual from filing, in good faith, a Report pursuant to any policy of Canada Basketball or a Member. It is also a breach of the Code for an individual to file a Report for the purpose of retaliation, retribution, or reprisal against any other individual. Any individual found to be in breach of this section shall be liable for the costs related to the disciplinary process required to establish such a breach.
M. Privacy
26. The collection, use and disclosure of any personal information pursuant to this Policy is subject to the Privacy Policy.
N. Review and Approval
27. This Policy was reviewed and approved by the Canada Basketball Board of Directors on June 13, 2024.
Appendix A
UNIVERSAL CODE OF CONDUCT TO PREVENT AND ADDRESS MALTREATMENT IN SPORT
ADOPTED BY THE BASKETBALL MANITOBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2024