Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy

Code of Conduct and Ethics

WMBA wants to ensure a safe and positive environment by instituting a Zero Tolerance Policy. The association is committed to providing a sport environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. All individuals will be aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behavior consistent with the values of the WMBA. Conduct that violates this Code may be subject to disciplinary action.

This Code of Conduct applies to conduct that may arise during the WMBA season, activities and events. This includes but is not limited to: games, practices, training camps, tryouts, and any meetings of WMBA association.

Values of WMBA members

Demonstrating respect to individuals
Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees and members
Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership and ethical conduct
Consistently treating individuals fairly and respectfully
Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment, where harassment is defined as comment or conduct directed towards an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading, or malicious
Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment, where sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or conduct of a sexual nature
Comply at all times with the applicable bylaws, policies, procedures, rules and regulations of Basketball New Brunswick

As members of Canada Basketball, WMBA members are also required to abide by the Universal Code of Conduct to prevent and address maltreatment in Sport. (Canada Basketball UCCMS).

Conduct Policy for Athletes

Any minor who participates in an activity, including but not limited to practices, games and tournaments, is considered an athlete.

Any athlete participating in WMBA sanctioned events will be expected to adhere to Basketball New Brunswick principles of Fair Play and the Conduct Policy for Athletes.

In addition to the responsibilities of the Code of Conduct, athletes of WMBA will:

Respect the efforts and accomplishments of teammates and opponents
Respect officials, coaches, spectators and event organizers
Respect the facility where the competition is held
Respect the rules of the game

Individuals who are witness to any actions contrary to the Conduct Policy for Athletes should contact president of the WMBA, Scott Jones at scott.jones@nbed.nb.ca

Conduct Policy for Coaches

Anyone who participates as a teacher, leader or instructor to train, educate or motivate athletes to compete in an athletic activity is considered a coach.

Any coach participating in WMBA sanctioned events will be expected to adhere to Basketball New Brunswick’s principles of Fair Play and the Conduct Policy for Coaches.

In addition to the responsibilities of the WMBA Code of Conduct- Coaches have added accountability. The coach-athlete relationship is a privileged one and plays a critical role in the personal, sport, and athletic development of the athlete and must not abuse this relationship. Coaches of WMBA will:

Be a Leader, a positive influence, and a role model
Meet all requirements set out by WMBA in order to be a certified coach
Reward effort, Fair Play and commitment
Recognize and respect the differences in all athletes
Demonstrate respect for all individuals involved in the game
Always consider the physical and emotional wellbeing of the athletes
Communicate in a positive and rational manner and use inoffensive language
Respect and coach within the spirit of the game
Always attempt to contribute to the betterment of the game of basketball

Individuals who are witness to any actions contrary to the Conduct Policy for Coaches should contact president of the WMBA, Scott Jones at scott.jones@nbed.nb.ca

Coaching Requirements Policy

The following coaching requirements are mandatory for all coaches and assistant coaches unless stated otherwise in the policy.

Non- competitive stream

Criminal Record checks for all coaches and assistant coaches (the maximum interval between checks is three years)
NCCP Safe Sport Training
Proof of completion must be submitted to WMBA

Competitive stream

Criminal Record checks for all coaches and assistant coaches (the maximum interval between checks is three years)
NCCP Safe Sport Training
National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) course at the Learn to Train (L2T) level or equivalent (at least one coach on each team must have completed)
Proof of completion must be submitted to WMBA

Safe Sport and Rule of Two Policy

This policy outlines mandatory requirements for all coaches to complete the Safe Sport module by the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and adhere to the Rule of 2, ensuring a minimum of two coaches or adults are present at all times during activities to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants and volunteers involved in our programs.

Mandatory Safe Sport Module

All coaches are required to complete the free Safe Sport module provided by the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) prior to participating in any activities
Proof of completion must be submitted to WMBA

Rule of 2

At least two coaches or adults must be present at all times during any activities involving participants
This rule is applicable to all situations, including but not limited to training sessions, competitions, and travel
In cases where only one coach is available, a second adult, who is a screened volunteer or staff member, must be present
No one-on-one interactions between a coach and a single participant are permitted without another adult present, except in emergency situations

Discipline and Complaints Policy(Adapted from Canada Basketball and Basketball New Brunswick)

WMBA is committed to providing an environment in which all Members and participants are treated with respect and characterized by the values of fairness, integrity and open communication. Individuals are expected to fulfill certain responsibilities and obligations including, but not limited to, complying with WMBA and with the Basketball New Brunswick’s policies, Bylaws, rules and regulations, and the Code of Conduct and Ethics. Non-compliance may result in sanctions pursuant to this Policy.

This Policy applies to all individuals and matters that may arise during the WMBA business, activities, programs and events including, but not limited to, games, practices, tryouts, training camps, associated with WMBA activities, and any meetings.

This Policy also applies to Individuals’ conduct outside of WMBA business, activities, and events when such conduct adversely affects relationships within WMBA (and its work and sport environment), is detrimental to the image and reputation of WMBA, or upon the acceptance of WMBA. Applicability will be determined by Basketball New Brunswick at its sole discretion.

This Policy does not prevent immediate discipline or sanctions from being applied as required within the context of the Event Discipline Policy. Further discipline may then be applied according to this Policy. Violations may result in a warning, reprimand, restrictions, suspension, or other disciplinary actions up to and including termination of employment.

Adult Representative

Complaints may be brought for or against an Individual who is a minor. Minors must have a parent/guardian or other adult serve as their representative during this process
Communication from the Board must be directed to the minor’s representative
Reporting a Complaint
Any Individual may report a complaint to WMBA of another individual’s violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethics or Abuse Policy. A complaint must be in writing and must be filed within fourteen (14) days of the alleged incident or within fourteen (14) days of the end of the sport/league/competitive season, at the discretion of the individual filing the complaint
A Complainant wishing to file a complaint outside of the fourteen (14) day period must provide a written statement giving reasons for an exemption to this limitation. The decision to accept, or not accept, the complaint outside of the fourteen (14) day period will be at the sole discretion of WMBA. This decision may not be appealed
Any Individual may contact the Canadian Sports Helpline for advice, guidance and resources on how to proceed/intervene appropriately in the circumstances. http://abuse-free-sport.ca/en/

Receipt of a Complaint

Upon receipt of a complaint WMBA will appoint a Case Manager who will

Receive and acknowledge receipt of the complaint to the Complainant
Determine if an investigation is required, and/or
Proceed to the Disciplinary Process as outlined below

The Case Manager has an overall responsibility to ensure procedural fairness is respected at all times in this Policy, and to implement this Policy in a timely manner
The Case Manager may propose using the Dispute Resolution Policy with the objective of resolving the dispute instead of continuing the Disciplinary Process. If the dispute is not resolved using that process, the Case Manager may dismiss the complaint, or proceed to the Disciplinary Process
If the Case Manager determines the complaint is frivolous or outside the jurisdiction of this Policy, the complaint will be dismissed immediately. This decision may not be appealed
In cases where a complaint arises from an event sanctioned by WMBA, and is accompanied by a referee or zone manager’s report, or a report from the on-site convenor, the Case Manager may bypass the Disciplinary Process and instead apply Sportsmanship Sanctions for minor offenses. Automatic Sanctions are suitable to be applied in cases where players, coaches, parents or fans exhibit exceptionally poor sportsmanship, are verbally abuse towards officials, minor officials, opposing players or coaches, or refuse to comply with a reasonable request from the on-site convenor. Respondents will have the opportunity to provide written rebuttal and argument to the substance of the complaint before a decision is made

Sportsmanship Sanctions

The following Automatic Sanctions may apply, singularly or in combination:

Verbal or written reprimand
Required verbal or written apology
Temporary Suspension from certain teams, events, and/or activities lasting no more than 14 days
Suspension from WMBA activities until a mandated Respect in Sport course is completed at the Respondent’s expense

Third Party Investigation

In cases alleging physical or sexual abuse, harassment or discrimination, the Case Manager may determine that the alleged incident may require a third party investigation. In such circumstances the Case Manager may appoint an independent and qualified third party to investigate the complaint.

Disciplinary Process

If the Case Manager has determined that the complaint is admissible and is within the jurisdiction of this Policy, the Case Manager will notify WMBA’s Executives, who will appoint the Discipline Panel.

The Case Manager will oversee the management and administration of the disciplinary process and has the responsibility to:

Gather all the details of the complaints and provide them to the Discipline Panel
Coordinate all administrative aspects and set timelines
Provide administrative assistance and logistical support to the Discipline Panel as required
Provide any other service or support that may be necessary to ensure a fair and timely proceeding

Having regard to the nature of the discipline matter and potential consequences of any resulting sanctions, the Discipline Panel, will decide the format under which the complaint will be heard. This decision may not be appealed. The format of the hearing may be an:

oral in-person hearing
an oral hearing by telephone or other communication medium
a hearing based on a review of documentary evidence submitted in advance of the hearing, or
a combination of these methods

Decision

After hearing and/or reviewing the matter, the Discipline Panel will determine whether an infraction has occurred and, if so, the sanctions to be imposed. Within fourteen (14) days of the hearing’s conclusion, the Discipline Panel's written decision, with reasons, will be distributed by the Case Manager to all Parties. In extraordinary circumstances, the Discipline Panel may first issue a verbal or summary decision soon after the hearing’s conclusion, with the full written decision to be issued by the Case Manager before the end of the fourteen (14) day period. The decision will be considered a matter of public record unless decided otherwise by the Discipline Panel.

Sanctions

The Discipline Panel may apply the following disciplinary sanctions, singularly or in combination:

Verbal or written reprimand
Verbal or written apology
Removal of certain privileges
Suspension from certain teams, events, and/or activities
Suspension from all WMBA activities for a designated period
Payment of the cost of repairs for property damage

Suspension of funding from WMBA or from other sources
Expulsion from WMBA
Any other sanction considered appropriate for the offense

Unless the Discipline Panel decides otherwise, any disciplinary sanctions will begin immediately, notwithstanding an appeal. Failure to comply with a sanction as determined by the Discipline Panel will result in an automatic suspension until such time as compliance occurs.

In applying sanctions, the Panel may have regard to the following aggravating or mitigating circumstances:

The nature and severity of the incident
Whether the incident is a first offense or has occurred repeatedly
The individual’s acknowledgement of responsibility
The individual’s remorse and post-infraction conduct
The age, maturity or experience of the individual
Whether the individual retaliated
The individual’s prospects for rehabilitation

Records of all decisions and sanctions, if any, will be maintained by WMBA

Request for Reconsideration

The Complainant or the Respondent may contest the sanction by submitting a Request for Reconsideration within five (5) days of receiving the decision of the Discipline Panel. In the Request for Reconsideration, the Complainant or Respondent must indicate:

Why the sanction is inappropriate
All evidence to support the party’s position
What penalty or sanction (if any) would be appropriate
The sanction may not be appealed until the completion of a Request for Reconsideration

Upon receiving a Request for Reconsideration, the Discipline Panel may decide to accept or reject the Respondent’s suggestion for an appropriate sanction in accordance with Canada Basketball’s Appeal Policy.

Suspension Pending a Hearing

WMBA may determine that an alleged incident is of such seriousness as to warrant suspension of an Individual pending completion of an investigation, criminal process, the hearing, or a decision of the Discipline Panel.

Criminal Convictions

An Individual’s conviction for a Criminal Code offense, as determined by WMBA, will be deemed an infraction under this Policy and will result in expulsion from WMBA. Criminal Code offences may include, but are not limited to:

Any child pornography offences
Any sexual offences
Any offence of physical violence
Any offence of assault
Any offence involving trafficking of illegal drugs
Any offence involving illegal trafficking of legal substances or drugs

Confidentiality

The discipline and complaints process is confidential and involves only the Parties, the Discipline Panel, and any independent advisors to the Discipline Panel. Once initiated and until a decision is released, none of the Parties will disclose confidential information relating to the discipline or complaint to any person not involved in the proceedings.

Members of the Panel will have had no involvement with the alleged infraction and will be free from any other bias or conflict of interest.

Records and Distribution of Decisions

Other individuals or organizations, including but not limited to, national sport organizations, provincial sport organizations, sport clubs, federal or provincial governments, applicable registries, etc., may be advised of any decisions rendered in accordance with this Policy.

Dispute Resolution Policy (Adapted from Canada Basketball and Basketball New Brunswick)

WMBA supports the principles of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) and is committed to the techniques of negotiation, facilitation, and mediation as effective ways to resolve disputes. Alternate Dispute Resolution also avoids the uncertainty, costs, and other negative effects associated with lengthy appeals or complaints, or with litigation. WMBA encourages all Individuals to communicate openly, collaborate, and use problem-solving and negotiation techniques to resolve their differences. WMBA believes that negotiated settlements are usually preferable to outcomes resolved through other dispute resolution techniques. Negotiated resolutions to disputes with and among Individuals are strongly encouraged.

This Policy applies to all Individuals. Opportunities for Alternate Dispute Resolution may be pursued at any point in a dispute when all parties to the dispute agree that such a course of action would be mutually beneficial.

Facilitation and Mediation

If all parties to a dispute agree to Alternate Dispute Resolution or mediation, the matter may be referred to a resolution facilitator of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC)
If all parties to a dispute agree to Alternate Dispute Resolution, a mediator or facilitator, acceptable to all parties, shall be appointed to mediate or facilitate the dispute
The mediator or facilitator shall decide the format under which the dispute shall be mediated or facilitated and shall specify a deadline before which the parties must reach a negotiated decision
Should a negotiated decision be reached, the decision shall be reported to, and approved by, WMBA. Any actions that are to take place as a result of the decision shall be enacted on the timelines specified by the negotiated decision, pending WMBA’s approval
Should a negotiated decision not be reached by the deadline specified by the mediator or facilitator at the start of the process, or if the parties to the dispute do not agree to Alternate Dispute Resolution, the dispute shall be considered under the appropriate section of BNB’s Discipline and Complaints Policy or Appeal Policy, as applicable

Final and Binding

Any negotiated decision will be binding on the parties. Negotiated decisions may not be appealed

Event Discipline Procedure (Adapted from Basketball New Brunswick and Canada Basketball)

WMBA is committed to providing a competition environment in which all Individuals are treated with respect. This Procedure outlines how alleged misconduct during an Event will be handled.

Scope and Application of this Policy

This Procedure will be applied to all WMBA-sanctioned events including, but not limited to, provincial championships, minor association or club team hosted tournaments, exhibition games, camps, clinics or other basketball related activities hosted by WMBA or members of registered Minor Associations/Clubs
If the Event is being sanctioned by a national, regional or provincial Games federation, or an international federation, the Event Discipline Procedure of the sanctioning organization will replace this procedure. Incidents involving Individuals connected with WMBA (such as athletes, coaches, members, and Directors and Officers) must still be reported to WMBA to be addressed under WMBA Discipline and Complaints Policy, if necessary
This Procedure does not replace or supersede WMBA Discipline and Complaints Policy. Instead, this Procedure works in conjunction with the Discipline and Complaints Policy by outlining, for a designated person with authority at an event sanctioned by WMBA, the procedure for taking immediate, informal, or corrective action in the event of a possible violation of WMBA Code of Conduct and Ethics

Misconduct During Events

Incidents that violate or potentially violate WMBA Code of Conduct and Ethics, which can occur during a competition, away from the area of competition, or between parties connected to the Event, shall be reported to a designated person (usually the head official or on-site convenor) responsible at the Event.

The designated person at the Event shall use the following procedure to address the incident that violated or potentially violated WMBA’s Code of Conduct and Ethics:

Notify the involved parties that there has been an incident that violated or potentially violated WMBA Code of Conduct and Ethics
Convene a jury of either one person or three people (one of whom shall be designated the Chairperson), who shall not be in a conflict of interest or involved in the original incident, to determine whether WMBA Code of Conduct and Ethics has been violated. The designated person at the Event may serve on the jury
The jury will attempt to interview and secure statements from any witnesses to the alleged violation when necessary
If the violation occurred during a competition, interviews may be held with the officials who officiated or observed the competition and with the coaches and captains of each team when necessary and appropriate.
The jury will secure a statement from the person(s) accused of the violation
The jury will render a decision and determine a possible penalty
The Chairperson of the jury will inform all parties of the jury’s decision
The Chairperson will notify WMBA as soon as possible

The penalty determined by the jury may include any of the following, singularly or in combination:

Oral or written warning
Request for an apology to be made
Suspension from future competitions at the Event
Ejection from the Event
Other appropriate penalty as determined by the jury

The jury does not have the authority to determine a penalty that exceeds the duration of the Event. A full written report of the incident and the jury’s decision shall be submitted to WMBA following the conclusion of the Event. Further discipline may then be applied per WMBA’s Discipline and Complaints Policy if necessary.

Decisions made in the scope of this Procedure may not be appealed.

This Procedure does not prohibit other Individuals from reporting the same incident to BNB to be addressed as a formal complaint under BNB’s Discipline and Complaints Policy.

WMBA shall record and track all reported incidents.

Injury Prevention and Reporting Policy

Injury Prevention: To minimize the risk of player injuries, coaches are required to incorporate dynamic warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching into all games and practices.

Injury Reporting

If a player or coach sustains an injury more severe than a mild pull or strain, an incident report must be completed. Please use the following link to access the report form: Basketball New Brunswick Incident Report

Incident Report Form

Examples of injuries that should be documented include, but are not limited to:
Suspected concussions
Suspected sprains or fractures
Lacerations
Damaged teeth
In addition to completing the incident report, please contact WMBA to inform us of the injury.

Concussion Protocol

Concussions are a serious concern. All coaches and players are required to review the BNB Concussion Policy and familiarize themselves with additional concussion resources.

This policy ensures that all injuries are appropriately managed and reported, prioritizing the health and safety of our players and coaches.

Bench Decorum

Applies to all WMBA sanctioned game/events.

Each team shall do its best to secure victory, but this must be done in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. Any deliberate or repeated non-cooperation or non-compliance with the spirit and intent of this rule shall be considered as a technical foul. Referees may prevent technical fouls by giving warnings.

The coach may communicate in a courteous manner with the referees during the game to obtain information only when the ball is dead and the game clock is stopped
Either the head coach or assistant coach, but only one of them at any given time, is permitted to remain standing during the game. They shall remain within their team bench area. All others on the bench shall remain seated

Coaches and substitutes shall communicate in a courteous manner with the scorer’s table

The following (but not limited to) are all considered inappropriate and subject to penalty:

All questioning, arguing, or attempts to influence referee calls, either directly or indirectly
Verbal comments such as “That’s a foul”; “She travelled”; “Call it both ways”; “You missed that call”; etc
Gestures demonstrating displeasure with the officiating such as raising arms as to question referee decisions; demonstrating signals for fouls and/or violations as to question referee decisions; or any other non-verbal communication intended to undermine the referees
Communicating with referees while the ball is live
Communicating with referees at excessive volume
The use of profanity