Intercollegiate athletics must be infused with values that are basic to sound educational experiences.
The intellectual challenge and pragmatic educational orientation provided by all Canadian Colleges and Universities should be supplemented by a variety of other opportunities to allow for the full development of the students’ potential. For the full development and creditability of intercollegiate athletics, all differences must be settled in such a way that a united and supportive position is projected at all times.
A Code of Conduct, to influence the action and conduct of those who associate with the sphere of athletics, is presented below. It is incumbent upon all athletic directors and administrators to educate coaches, athletes, and officials to share in the responsibility to adhere to the CILA Code.
CILA has the authority to establish policies to govern its own affairs and to prescribe, monitor and enforce the rules of the association in ensuring that the conduct of its members follow the code.
The Code of Conduct identifies the standard of behavior which is expected of all members of CILA, including all administrators, coaches, athletes and officials. The Code of Conduct applies to all activities and functions of CILA, including competitions, practices, travel, accommodations, banquets and social activities associated with competitive events. Individuals who violate the Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action.
CILA members are expected to uphold the highest standard of ethical behavior and personal conduct at all times, and are responsible for conducting themselves in such a way as to represent their institution and the Association in the most favorable light at all times.
Members are bound to exhibit and encourage behavior, which is consistent with the Association’s stated philosophies, standards of conduct and guidelines of fair play.
CILA is committed to providing an environment where members respect the personal dignity of others, and all members are free from all forms of harassment (including but not limited to hazing, sexual harassment, physical intimidation) and all members are free to exercise their rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
All intercollegiate competition occurs under the auspices of CILA and therefore must conform to the Association’s expectations:
THAT athletic directors, administrators and coaches educate their athletes to show respect to all coaches and athletes from member colleges and universities
THAT all members avoid any blatant humiliation of their teammates and opponents
THAT all members avoid any intimidation or harassment of the opposing student-athletes, coaches or officials
THAT internal college/university publicity and promotion be designed to encourage positive support of the members’ teams
THAT host schools provide adequate security to ensure the safety of players, spectators and officials
Relationship to Officials
CILA members are expected to share, with competition officials, the orderly conduct of the events by acknowledging the authority of officials in a competition and by relating to them in a positive and respectful manner.
Fair play is an attitude – a way of thinking. It can be taught and it can be learned. Once it is learned, it can be applied to every aspect of life. Through involvement in sport, athletes learn about setting goals, making commitments, working hard, following rules and enjoying the challenge.
Athletes must learn to respect their own abilities and those of their opponents. As administrators and coaches we must attempt to have athletes realize that the joy of sport is as much in the total effort as in the final result.
We as educators, administrators, coaches, athletes and fans must work together to create an atmosphere consisting of fairness, integrity and respect.
To ensure there is a fair playing field, everyone involved in sport must support the principles of fair play- fairness, integrity and respect.
When applied, they not only provide a clear ethical framework for competition, but greater opportunities for getting the most out of the competition
That is because they help participants focus on achievement rather than the desire to conquer an opponent.
The three most important words in any Fair Play Policy should be Fairness, Integrity and Respect and they should be the principles of fair play at all time.
Respect the rules
Respect the officials and their decisions
Respect your opponents
Maintain your self-control at all times
Respect your teammates and coaches
Athletes
Play by the rules and in the spirit of the competition
Respect my opponents
Do my best to be a true team player
Remember that winning isn’t everything, that wanting to win, having fun , improving skills, making friends and doing my best are very important
Remember that administrators, coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect
Never take performance enhancing drugs or other banned substances
Never drink underage, and when of legal age I will drink in moderation and never immediately prior to , during , on site after competitions or on the journey back to my institution
Refrain from the use of tobacco or other “harmful to my best performance “ substances
Coaches
Teach athletes to play fairly and accept the rules, officials and opponents
Ensure that athletes do not taunt or bait opponents or officials
Attempt to earn the respect of athletes. Be generous with praise and always set a good example
Make sure that the equipment and facilities are safe for athletes to use
Obtain the proper training and continue to upgrade knowledge of the game and coaching skills
Should never speak disparagingly about another member institution
Administrators
Ensure that all student-athletes are given an opportunity to participate regardless of gender, ethnic background or race
Ensure that all equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes’ abilities
Distribute the Fair Play Guidelines to spectators, coaches, athletes and media
Ensure that athletes and coaches understand that they are the most visible representative of their institutions and must conduct themselves accordingly
Make sure that coaches , athletes and officials are able to promote fair play as well as developing technical skills while encouraging them to upgrade their certification and knowledge of the sport
Should never speak disparagingly about another member institution
Spectators
Show appreciation for good performances made by all competitors and teams
Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them, there would be no competition
Respect officials and support their decisions
Never ridicule a player for making a mistake
Condemn violence and harassment in all forms
Encourage players to play according to the rules
Always be on your best behavior
The Executive Committee of CILA will address behavior occurring within the context of an athletic event or competition that contravenes the “Code of Conduct”, but is not considered a major violation or does not break the laws of the province or the country. The Executive Committee has the authority to implement the following actions and/or sanctions:
Letter of caution. This should be considered a warning and a subsequent minor offence may lead to more severe consequences. Probation status may be levied if CILA feels the incident warrants more than a letter of caution
Suspensions between 1-4 competitions. Severe violations may result in longer suspensions.
Report major incidents to appropriate judicial authorities
Copies of all correspondence/documentation must be copied to the CILA administrator
Complaint Procedure
Any athletic director, coach or official, or CILA itself, gaining knowledge about actions which contravene the CILA Code of Conduct are encouraged and expected to initiate the Complaint Procedure.
The Complaint Procedure shall be initiated by pursuing the following course of action:
Document the incident in a report. This report should contain as much information as possible, including a detailed description of the incidents, date, name of person(s) involved, as well as supporting documentation pertaining specifically to the allegations. Examples might include score sheets, officials’ reports, statements from credible witnesses, related documentation, etc. Any history of misconduct by the individual or the college/university charged might be included if deemed relevant. The report should clearly indicate the exact section of the Code of Conduct which the griever believes has been violated.
Following documentation, the Executive Committee of CILA or person employed by CILA may contact the administration or athletic director of the offending institution and the matter may be resolved at the level
Note: It is the duty of the administration or AD to objectively investigate allegations at their institution. This investigation may require contact with other institutions’ administrators or AD’s.
Dependent on the severity of the violation, a member institution , coach, athlete, athletic director or other staff member or representative , determined appropriate by the proper authority to be in violation of the CILA Code of Conduct may incur one or more of the following action/sanctions:
A formal letter of reprimand sent to the administration or the AD of the offending institution. This should be considered a warning. Subsequent minor violations may lead to more severe consequences
Have any of its results removed from CILA records and/or statistics cancelled
The program of the offending institution may be placed on probation with the effect of removing the opportunity for CILA Championship honors/awards for one year, effective from the date of the final decision
CILA member institutions may be asked to refrain from scheduling any activities with the offending institution
Sanctions and suspensions included in a CILA sanction shall be monitored by CILA
Reconsideration Process
Reconsideration shall only be entertained in the case where it can be shown that a procedural error has taken place, or where new information, pertaining specifically to the original complaint has come to light and was not available during the original decision making process.
A complaint , in the context of the Code of Conduct, means a dispute in writing arising from the interpretation, application, administration or alleged contravention of the CILA Code of Conduct
Any request for reconsideration, shall be heard by the Executive of CILA.
The Executive Committee shall not be authorized to alter, modify or amend any part of the CILA Code of Conduct as part of the “reconsideration” process.
The finding of the majority of the Executive as to the facts and as to the interpretation, application, administration or alleged contravention of the CILA Code of Conduct shall be final and binding upon all parties concerned.
CILA is an association of equals built on common interests and common objectives providing elite athletic competition in the sport of lumberjacking/woodsmen. The above Code of Conduct reaffirms our common philosophy.
