“Organization” refers to Volleyball Winnipeg
The purpose of this Code is to ensure a safe and positive environment (within the Organization’s programs, activities, and events) by making individuals aware there is an expectation of appropriate behaviour consistent with the Organization’s core values. The Organization supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and fairness.
1.0 Athletes
1.1 Youth
a) Report any medical problems in a timely fashion, when such problems may limit their ability to practice, compete, and travel.
b) Participate and appear on-time and prepared to participate to their best abilities in all competitions, practices, training sessions, tryouts, tournaments, and events.
c) 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.
d) Adhere to the Organization’s rules and requirements regarding clothing and equipment.
e) Never ridicule a fellow participant for a poor performance or practice.
f) Act in a sportsmanlike manner and not display appearances of violence, foul language, or gestures to other athletes, officials, coaches, or spectators.
g) Dress to represent the sport and themselves well and with professionalism.
h) Act in accordance with the Organization’s policies and procedures and, when applicable, additional rules as outlined by coaches or managers.
i) Maintain an academic life on a solid foundation throughout the season.
j) Show respect/appreciation for what the program provides: coaching, managers, volunteers, facilities, buses, etc…
k) Accept the decision of the coaching staff regarding playing time as outlined by the program.
1.2 Adult
a) Respect the rules and regulations of the facility and its staff
b) Respect the volunteers running the adult program such as the site convenor
c) Refrain from verbal/physical abuse or harassment of the official, volunteers, and other players
d) Accept any consequences deemed necessary by the Organization in the case of a breach of the Code
2.0 Coaches
2.1 All VISION Elite and VISION VBC Club Coaches are responsible for bringing joy and happiness into the lives of our young female athletes. They will accomplish this by..
1. Ensuring that the health, well-being, and development of our athletes takes precedence over winning and losing
- Being aware that they serve as role models and there must be consistency between their words and their actions
- Providing a physically and emotionally safe environment for practices and games
- Maintaining a professional demeanor in their relationships with their athletes, officials, colleagues, and parents. They will treat them with respect and dignity
- Maintaining confidentiality when appropriate and avoid situations that would potentially create a conflict of interest or exploit the athlete
- Making a commitment to their continuing education as instructors in the sport of volleyball and as coaches
- Committing to the safety and well-being of each athlete
- Representing VISION Elite Volleyball Club professionally through their overall behaviour and dress.
2.2 All VISION Elite/VISION VBC Coaches are expected to…
- Ensure that ALL practices and games are attended by a coach/assistant coach;
- Arrive a minimum of 15 minutes early for practices and 30 minutes early for games;
- Assume responsibility for the actions of their athletes during all practices, competitions, and tournaments;
- Wait until all athletes are picked up by their parents prior to leaving the practice/competition venue;
- Dress in appropriate attire during all games and practices (all colours worn should be closely related to those of VISION Volleyball Club)
- Support the decisions and direction of the Club Executive in matters pertaining to the operation and administration of the club;
- Adhere to the coaching principles and philosophy of the club, implementing a style of play that is consistent from team to team;
- Coaches must secure team volunteers: Team manager and Players’ advocate. Should a problem occur with either not fulfilling their mandate, the responsibility falls on the coach. All teams must come in on budget.
2.3 Behavioural Expectations of coaches…
2.3.1 Communication with Athletes:
- E-mail communications: Are not permitted with athletes beyond responding to an athlete’s inquiry. Should an athlete encourage e-mail discussions (more than one email) the coach is required to inform the athlete that they must discuss the matter in person at the next practice/competition.
- General e-mails: Should be forwarded to team managers who inform parents/athletes of the announcement. Individual communication must be directed at parents not at athletes.
- Personal meetings with athletes: Are limited to two very specific situations. In practice while in the gym. At a competition in a public venue (cafeteria, lobby, etc.). No private meetings away from the public are tolerated at any time, unless a trusted third party Organization member is present (assistant coach, parent, etc).
- Journals: All Vision athletes use athlete journals to encourage communication with their coaches. These are returned on a weekly basis with athletes answering specific questions about their training and overall experience with the team.
- Carpooling: Coaches are not permitted to carpool an athlete without personally speaking to the parent before leaving the venue (cell. phone) to confirm they are about to leave and discuss approx. arrival time. The athlete should sit in the back seat if alone in the vehicle.
2.3.2 Physical contact of Athletes:
- General: Although we understand that hugging an athlete after a championship win or at a club wind-up is normal after a positive experience, we do not approve of our coaches hugging athletes beyond these examples. This being said, there is a difference between a coach hoping to encourage an athlete that is struggling and a coach that demonstrates a “pattern of behaviour” that involves regular contact of this type. Please let the club director know of any case where a coach regularly contacts an athlete in this manner.
- Arms: Generally speaking, the one part of the body that coaches will contact regularly is the athlete’s hands and arms. These will include corrections in the grip, platform discipline, hands when volleying, and arm swing.
- Shoulders: If a coach must correct an athlete’s posture or positioning on the court they must contact the athlete from the back of the shoulders, not the front.
- Other contact: Sometimes the coach will be required to contact the athlete’s hips, lower legs and lower back to demonstrate proper stretching techniques. This must be done by a female coach or another female athlete.
3.0 Parents, Guardians, Spectators
a) Encourage 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 participant for making a mistake during a performance or practice
d) Provide positive comments that motivate and encourage participants’ continued effort
e) Respect the decisions and judgments of officials, and encourage athletes to do the same
f) Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse, coercion, intimidation, and sarcasm
g) Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, and to the coaches, officials and other volunteers
h) Not harass competitors, coaches, officials, parents/guardians, or other spectators
4.0 Officials
a) Maintain and update their knowledge of the rules and rules changes
b) Work within the boundaries of their position’s description while supporting the work of other officials
c) Act as an ambassador of the Organization by agreeing to enforce and abide by national and provincial rules and regulations
d) Take ownership of actions and decisions made while officiating
e) Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all individuals
f) Not publicly criticize other officials or any club or association
g) Conduct themselves openly, impartially, professionally, lawfully, and in good faith in the best interests of the Organization, athletes, coaches, other officials, and parents
h) Be fair, equitable, considerate, independent, honest, and impartial in all dealings with others
i) Respect the confidentiality required by issues of a sensitive nature, which may include ejections, defaults, forfeits, discipline processes, appeals, and specific information or data about Individuals
j) Honour all assignments unless unable to do so by virtue of illness or personal emergency, and in these cases inform the assignor or association at the earliest possible time
k) When writing reports, set out the facts without commenting or justifying.
l) Dress in proper attire for officiating