FENCING-ESCRIME NB

Code of Conduct for Members

Fencing-Escrime NB believes it is important to promote respectful behaviour among its members. Members include fencers, coaches, managers, referees and/or designated representatives. In particular, members who are selected to represent New Brunswick are expected to behave in a manner that shows:

a. respect for themselves

b. respect for fellow participants including team mates, opponents and coaches

c. respect for the rules of the sport both in word and spirit

d. respect for the work and decisions of officials and other support volunteers

These expectations include both practice environments, competition environments, team travel to and from events and any other events in which members of FENB participate.

Specific Guidelines regarding behaviours:

1. Refrain from speaking or acting towards others in demeaning ways (eg. comments or behaviour that is sexist, racist, abusive or harassing)

2. Refrain from the use of alcohol, illegal drugs or any banned substances.

3. Refrain from pranks or other activities that endanger or ridicule others.

4. Refrain from arguing with tournament officials.

5. Refrain from activities or behaviours that may interfere with or distract others, thereby lessening their ability to prepare for or focus on the competition.

6. Do not purposely break or ignore the rules to gain advantage in a fencing match.

7. Do not display anger towards yourself or others after losing a fencing match

8. Follow specific guidelines set by coaches and managers for behaviour within the event or program.

Consequences for breaching the Code of Conduct:

Depending on the nature and severity of the offence, the following disciplinary actions may be imposed:

a. verbal reprimand

b. requirement of a formal (witnessed) apology

c. written reprimand

d. withdrawal of FENB funding assistance

e. withdrawal of competition privileges

f. dismissal from Canada Games / Provincial Team Program

Breaches of the Code of Conduct which may warrant removal from specific FENB programs will be dealt with by an ad hoc disciplinary committee established by FENB, provided that a written report of the circumstances has been received by FENB. A copy of the report shall be sent to the fencer and parents within 7 days and an opportunity for the fencer to respond shall be provided. Anyone wishing to report a breach of conduct guidelines should attempt to maintain the greatest possible confidentiality, by discussing one's concerns with as few others as possible outside of the people designated specifically to deal with such concerns.

Process to Appeal: A letter of appeal must be submitted to the FENB Board of Directors within two weeks of receiving the decision of the FENB disciplinary committee.

Approved by FNB Executive, December 1999.