CARNIVAL PICTURES FEB 28th, 2025 (Junior, Intermediate & Senior) & MAR 1st, 2025 (Pre-Can, Can & Solo's)
CARNIVAL APRIL 5th, 2025
CODE OF CONDUCT
Created January 2025
Skate Wheatley Code of Conduct
Skate Wheatley Code of Conduct Statement
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to outline the expectations of Skate Wheatley (SW), in alignment with the Code
of Conduct outlined by Skate Ontario (SO) regarding to providing a safe environment in which all individuals and groups
are treated with respect and dignity with a view to valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion. All individuals will be aware
that SO has always instituted a zero-tolerance Policy, with the expectation of appropriate behavior consistent with SO’s
Vision, Mission, and Values, and SW also supports this stance.
Scope/Applicability
This SW Code of Conduct applies to all Stakeholders as defined herein.
The application of this Code of Conduct extends to all SW & SO business and activities including but not limited to its
office environment, meetings, competitions and practices, training camps, tryouts, and travel as a member of SW and/or
a SO team or representing SW and/or SO on SW and/or SO related business. This Code of Conduct may also apply to
activities outside of those listed if there is conduct that is deemed, at the sole discretion of SW and/or SO , to be
detrimental to the image or reputation of SW and/or SO and/or its Stakeholders.
This Code of Conduct has been written to complement the Skate Wheatley General Dispute Reporting and Resolution
Policy. SO recognizes the independence of all Member Clubs, including SW, as set out in SO’s General Dispute Reporting
and Resolution Policy, are to make every reasonable effort to pursue and resolve general disputes originating at the
club/skating school level in accordance with their own dispute resolution process before escalation of the general
dispute to SO or Skate Canada (SC). This escalation process past SW and onto SO and/or SC, shall apply in those
instances where a resolution has not been achieved.
Definitions
Misconduct: means acts, conduct and/or behaviors that result in or have the potential to result in physical or
psychological harm, which for the purposes of SW’s Code of Conduct includes: maltreatment, behaviors, acts and/or
conduct of abuse including physical, psychological, and sexual; neglect; grooming; and interference or manipulation with
the processes related to the implementation of this Policy, including retaliation, aiding and abetting, failure to report
maltreatment of a minor, failure to report inappropriate conduct, and intentionally filing a false allegation, abuse of
authority, bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
Stakeholders: Stakeholders include athletes, coaches, officials, team managers, contractors, employees, directors,
committee members, volunteers, and participants and/or their parents/guardians.
General Responsibilities
It is expected that all Stakeholders have a responsibility to:
a) demonstrate respect to all individuals and groups, which includes:
i. acting, when appropriate, to prevent or correct practices that are unjustly discriminatory.
ii. demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership and ethical conduct.
iii. avoiding public criticism of any Stakeholder and, when necessary, use appropriate channels to
communicate concerns. At no time should stakeholder’s contact other membership, Board Members,
and/or Coach’s via personal texts/personal emails/ personal social media outlets for matters
regarding/affecting the club and/or its affiliated membership.
b) ensure the adherence to the rules of the sport.
c) refrain from any behavior that constitutes misconduct as defined herein.
d) respect the property of others and not willfully cause damage.
e) adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal and any applicable host country laws.
f) always comply with SW by-laws, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations as adopted and amended from time to
time.
g) promote the sport of figure skating in a positive and constructive manner.
Skate Wheatley (SW)
In addition to the responsibilities set out in the General Responsibilities section of this Policy, Skate Wheatley shall:
a) ensure that all athletes and coaches participating in their programs and sanctioned events are registered with Skate
Canada.
b) ensure that volunteers, as appropriate or required, are registered with Skate Canada.
c) develop a dispute resolution process as per SO’s General Dispute Reporting and Resolution Code of Conduct deal with
general disputes and complaints concerning registrants and coaches within the jurisdiction of the club/school; and
d) conduct the organization as an ambassador of SO maintaining a supportive, constructive, and inclusive environment.
Board and Committee Members
In addition to the responsibilities set out in the General Responsibilities section of this Policy, Board and committee
members shall:
a) be familiar with SO’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
b) be familiar with SW & SO By-laws.
c) be familiar and comply with the legislation and government policies under which SW & SO is governed including:
1.1. the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010; and
1.2. the Ontario Sport Recognition Policy.
d) be aware of any conflicts of interest and place the interests of SW and/or SO ahead of any interest they may have in
any individual, SW or other organization.
e) respect and support all decisions made by the Board/committee whether they may have had a dissenting opinion.
f) unless otherwise authorized by the President of Skate Wheatley and/or Chair or Executive Director of SO, refrain from
speaking publicly in a manner which may be perceived as a formal representation of the organization.
g) maintain confidentiality on all matters discussed during meetings (including votes) except as disclosed in the minutes
of any such meeting or as otherwise made public; and
h) not engage in activities or accept appointments or elections to an office in any organization whose activities are likely
to conflict with SW and/or SO.
Coaches
In addition to those responsibilities set out in the General Responsibilities section of this Policy, coaches shall:
a) be familiar with and conduct oneself in accordance with the standards of Skate Canada and the International Skating
Union and accept responsibility for delivering coaching services in a safe and professional manner.
b) maintain membership with Skate Canada.
c) be familiar with and abide by the SO Accreditation at Events Code of Conduct and all on-site security protocols.
d) at all times, accurately represent one’s technical, education and professional credentials and resumes.
e) negotiate all contracts (including with Skate Wheatley and its skaters/parents) accurately and in good faith and
invoice only for services rendered (not anticipated).
f) understand that a coach becomes the base coach of an athlete from the moment that an athlete contracts that coach
through the proper channel of reaching out, whether individually or in a group and that other coaches must initiate
discussion about an athlete’s training only through the base coach – a coach may not solicit or cause an athlete to be
solicited.
g) respect that a coach may respond directly to athletes or parents/guardians who approach them to inquire about their
services, experience, qualifications, and philosophy/methods.
h) respect the fact that an athlete/parent/guardian has the right to contract the services of another coach to replace or
supplement an athlete’s instruction, but is encouraged to do so by communicating first with their base coach.
i) be a positive role model and demonstrate the characteristics of respect, courtesy, honesty, integrity, fairness, and
dependability.
j) encourage skaters to learn and uphold the rules of the sport.
k) maintain the best interests (always including physical and emotional) of each individual athlete and not disadvantage
one skater to promote another.
l) communicate regularly with the skater and their parents/guardians with regards to realistic goals and progress as well
as any other matters concerning the skater’s participation in the sport; and
m) participate in any self-promotional activities that do not violate other clauses of this Code of Conduct.
Participants/Athletes
In addition to the responsibilities set out the General Responsibilities section of this Policy:
a) any athlete representing Skate Wheatley or Skate Ontario on a team or in a competition or other activity shall:
1.1. report in a timely manner, any injury or medical condition that would affect their performance or ability to
compete, travel or train.
1.2. appear on time, well-nourished with clothing and equipment as required, to participate to the best of their
ability.
1.3. accurately represent oneself when applying for entry to a competition, training camp or other activity.
1.4. dress in a presentable manner representative of SW and/or SO, the focus being on neatness, cleanliness, and
discretion.
b) athletes on provincial teams shall abide by any additional policies that may be imposed by coaches or team managers
(chaperones).
c) athletes shall comply with any contracts or athlete agreements executed with SO – either by the athlete or on their
behalf; and
d) athletes shall keep confidential any such information about fellow athletes or others gained through skating activities.
Officials (Judges/Referees, Technical Panels, Data Specialists)
In addition to those responsibilities set out in the General Responsibilities section of this Policy, officials shall:
a) exhibit the important characteristics of integrity, honesty, objectivity, reliability/dependability, and co-operation
when dealing with all participants in the sport.
b) be knowledgeable of and adhere to, the standards of officiating and reporting requirements as defined by Skate
Canada, the International Skating Union and SO.
c) maintain technical knowledge of figure skating to ensure accuracy and objectivity.
d) assess performances without bias or prejudice.
e) assess performances independently and refrain from sharing marks or assessments with others until the completion
of the event or as otherwise published.
f) at a judges’ meeting or when otherwise applicable, discuss marks in an impartial and technically sound manner while
respecting the assessment of others.
g) be unobtrusive, inconspicuous, and mindful of the potential influence over skaters, coaches, and parents.
h) never publicly criticize the marks or assessment of another official or the performance of another skater.
i) declare a conflict of interest on occasions when applicable and should refrain from officiating where the perception of
a conflict of interest may be present.
j) accept assignments to officiate with the sincere intention of attending; and
k) immediately upon becoming aware of any breach or breach of ethics by any official, report such breach in writing to
the SW Board of Directors via Skate Wheatley’s General Dispute/Complaint Reporting and Resolution Policy
Parents/Guardians and Spectators
In addition to those responsibilities set out in the General Responsibilities section of this Policy, parents/guardians and
spectators shall:
a) be respectful and supportive of all athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and staff.
b) accept and respect the decisions and judgements of the officials and encourage athletes to do the same.
c) encourage athletes to obey all rules and regulations, have respect for others and resolve any conflicts in an
appropriate manner pursuant to Skate Wheatley’s General Dispute/Complaint Reporting and Resolution Policy.
d) stress the importance of participation and remember that athletes are involved for their own enjoyment and
development and not for any other purpose; and
e) maintain a supportive and constructive atmosphere for all other Stakeholders.
Code of Conduct Breach
Any breach of this code of conduct will be treated as a serious offence. The Stakeholder(s) who breach the code of
conduct may result in a warning, reprimand, restrictions, suspension, or other disciplinary actions up to and including
expulsion from current and/or future membership with SW and/or SO and/or Skate Canada. Where the participant is
still of a minor age, disciplinary actions will also extend to the members at large (parents/guardians) as an extension of
that participant, as applicable and appropriate, and/or as permitted by the SW Board of Directors and/or the Bylaws of
Skate Wheatley. For coaches, a violation may also result in a status change to ‘not in good standing’ or such other status
as may be in place from time to time. Membership with Skate Wheatley is considered by the Board of Directors to be a
Privilege and not a Right, therefore any disciplinary action or decisions made about eligibility for club membership will
be determined by a majority vote by the Board of Directors at a meeting using any evidence brought forth to be
determined at their discretion if concerns or the risk of potential physical/mental harm is identified for any of their
membership/stakeholders.
Code of Conduct Administration
This Policy is reviewed and approved YEARLY at the first Board Meeting following Skate Wheatley’s AGM, or sooner if
there are motions identified by the Board of Director’s for additions, legislative, and/or regulatory changes, as part of
policy review and validation in accordance with the Policy Management.
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