Abuse and Harassment Policy

Purpose

East Gwillimbury Tennis Club (“EGTC”), as a member club of the Ontario Tennis Association (OTA), follows the rules and regulations set out by the OTA with regard to member conduct. Members should be able to enjoy the game of tennis in a harassment-free environment, and must conduct themselves in a respectful and responsible manner. All Members, Board Members, and Employees must become familiar with the Abuse and Harassment Policy and govern themselves accordingly.

Policy

The East Gwillimbury Tennis Club is committed to providing a sporting environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, free from harassment, sexual harassment, abuse, bullying and discrimination. Everyone within the Club must be dedicated to preventing abuse and harassment. Abuse or harassment will not be tolerated within the Club, and compliance with this policy is a condition of membership in the Club.

Members will refrain from violent, threatening, abusive language or behaviour toward other members, and club staff. The members of the Board of Directors, and the club professional and teaching staff are tasked with ensuring that members comply with the rules. Members who do not adhere to the rules may be asked to leave the court, may be warned of their breach, may be excluded from participating in club activities, tournaments and social events, and may have their membership suspended or cancelled. Furthermore, the OTA may enforce discipline against a member who breaches the OTA Code of Conduct, particularly if the infraction occurs during an OTA-sanctioned event.

What is Harassment?

Harassment means engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against another person – a comment or conduct that is known or ought to be reasonably known to be unwelcome. It can involve unwelcome words or actions that are known or should be known to be offensive, embarrassing, humiliating or demeaning to a person or group of persons. Harassment often involves repeated words or actions, or a pattern of behaviours that may include:

·         Making remarks, jokes, or innuendos that demean, ridicule, intimidate, or offend;

·         Displaying or circulating offensive pictures or materials in print/electronic form;

·         Bullying;

·         Harassment as detailed under the Human Rights Code

·         Repeated offensive or intimidating phone calls or emails; or

·         Inappropriate sexual touching, advances, suggestions or requests

Incidents

Members are encouraged to report any incidents of abuse or harassment (Verbally, followed by in writing) to a Member of the Board of Directors, who will investigate and deal with all concerns, complaints, or incidents in a fair and timely manner while respecting the individual’s privacy. The written report should outline the time, date, place, specific nature of the actions and person(s) involved.

The Board of Directors will make decisions regarding warnings, exclusions, suspensions and cancellations of membership, after reviewing the report and any related history when arriving at a disciplinary decision.

Appeals

Members have a right to appeal a disciplinary decision of the Board in writing to the attention of the President no later than 14 days from the date of decision. Members who request an appeal will appear before representatives of the Board of Directors for a review of the disciplinary decision.

Confidentiality

All complaints concerning abuse or harassment, as well as the names of parties involved, will be treated as confidential. To the extent possible, reports, complaints, witness statements and other documents produced under these guidelines shall be held in safekeeping by the Board of Directors in the Club.