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University of Guelph Athletics

Student-Athlete Code of Conduct

Members of Guelph Gryphon Intercollegiate Teams are ambassadors for the University of Guelph and, as such, are amongst the most visible students on campus and in the University of Guelph community. The efforts, accomplishments, and deportment of our student-athletes are a source of pride for the entire University Community. Membership on our teams is a privilege - not a right. Participation on an athletic team creates the unique opportunity to be a positive role model, peer supporter, mentor, and spokesperson; it also brings responsibilities. The social interaction and personal deportment of student-athletes, both on- and off-campus, can be subject to scrutiny and reputational damage. Student-athletes, coaches, and team staff members are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and, in a manner, consistent with the values of the University of Guelph, and are expected to abide by the policies and procedures as set out by the Ontario University Athletics (OUA), U SPORTS and/or other sport governing bodies in competition, in practice, and in all public forums 

The Department of Athletics fully adheres to the principles articulated in the University of Guelph Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy, including the treatment of others with the utmost respect and dignity, and the maintenance of an environment that is both safe and free from harassment (sexual or otherwise) and/or discrimination.  

This includes the University of Guelph and the Department of Athletics’ dedication to the highest standards of human equality and academic freedom as outlined in the Human Rights Policy. We place great value in ensuring an environment that is safe, positive, respectful, and conducive to the pursuit of academic and athletic excellence. We strive to create a space where all University community members experience an authentic sense of inclusion and belonging. 

To that end and aligned with the University, the Department of Athletics commits to taking swift and deliberate steps to address racism, hatred, and discrimination, with a particular emphasis on anti- racism, on all U of G campuses and in its policies, procedures, and practices.  

Behavioural Expectations 

The Department of Athletics holds the following behavioural expectations for all student-athletes: 

  • a commitment to the treatment of others with the utmost respect and dignity 
  • a commitment to behaviours that will enhance the image of the University of Guelph 
  • a commitment to the core values of sportsmanship and fair play 
  • a commitment to the elimination of sexist, racist, and/or discriminatory behaviours 
  • a commitment to academic success 
  • a commitment to uphold the principles of Drug Free Sport as per the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). www.wada-ama.org 

All student-athletes who are members of a Department of Athletics varsity team are required to behave, always, in a manner consistent with the University of Guelph Gryphons’ Student-Athlete Code of Conduct (SACC). Actions by an individual or individuals that interfere with another person’s enjoyment of an athletic or recreational event; conduct contrary to the ideals of fair play; inappropriate online behaviour; knowingly failing to comply/ follow procedures that could negatively affect participation could be considered violations of this code. Violations of the SACC will not be tolerated and will be subject to discipline in accordance with the SACC procedures.  

The following behaviours are considered violations of the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct and will be addressed through the Department of Athletics: 

  1. Disrespectful behaviour directed towards others, including, but not limited to, peers, opponents, athletes, coaches, officials, sport leaders, facility/event staff, administrators, spectators or the community.  
  2. Conduct contrary to the ideals of fair play, such as angry outbursts, arguing, spitting, inappropriate gestures, engaging in inappropriate or disrespectful online behaviour (i.e. social media), etc.  
  3. Failing to adhere to administrative requirements or deadlines for events, activities, or league participation that negatively affects or jeopardizes the participation of the team including failing to participate and/or comply with department policies and procedures, including all eligibility, athletic education and academic support requirements. 
  4. Incidents of misrepresentation, such as, but not limited to, providing false identification, or failure to disclose relevant information.  
  5. Failing to participate and/or comply with department policies and procedures, including all eligibility, athletic education and academic support requirements.  
  6. Non-compliance with the rules and regulations of each sport/program under which events are conducted, whether at the department, league (OUA/U SPORTS /other affiliated sport-governing bodies [NSO’s, PSO’s]), or international level (FISU Games).  
  7. Consuming alcohol, tobacco or cannabis during travel (via bus, car, van, train or plane) to and/or from a game or competition or practice, in team rooms, competition facilities (home or away), or in team lodgings while away.  
  8. Behaviour on the field of play that results in a single significant and/or series of major penalties and/or ejections for misconduct (i.e. technical fouls, red cards, major penalties, league-imposed sanction, etc.) 
  9. Any behaviours displayed on social media that are deemed to be contrary to behaviours that enhance the image of the University of Guelph. It is not relevant whether the individual(s) appear wearing Gryphon apparel. Behaviours posted on social media (such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.) are subject to the SACC while the individual is a student-athlete. 

Additionally, it should be noted that actions that have a significant negative impact on another individual(s); actions that endanger the safety and security of themselves and/or others at a Department of Athletics event, activity or program; actions that undermine the dignity of another individual; actions that result in serious damage to University property; or actions that affect the image and reputation of the team, Gryphons program, Department of Athletics and/or the University of Guelph are subject to be reported to the Office of Student Accountability for formal follow-up as per the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) policy. This may include but is not limited to: 

  1. Repeated behaviours in violation of the SACC after the Department of Athletics completed investigations and provided outcomes. 
  2. Egregious, disrespectful, racist, offensive, or abusive behaviour directed towards others, including, but not limited to, peers, opponents, athletes, coaches, officials, sport leaders, facility/event staff, administrators, spectators or the community at large.  
  3. Any incident that is disrespectful or offends the dignity of others, such as any behavior that is known, or ought to be reasonably known, to be harassing, hostile, intimidating and/or discriminatory, that is directed towards others, including, but not limited to, peers, opponents, athletes, coaches, officials, sport leaders, facility/event staff, administrators, or spectators.  
  4. Any act of violent behaviour; including verbal abuse, physical or sexual violence.  
  5. Egregious conduct contrary to the ideals of fair play, such as aggressive outbursts, excessive arguing, spitting, inappropriate gestures, and/or engaging in inappropriate or disrespectful online behaviour (i.e. social media, virtual learning environments), etc. 
  6. Use of banned performance-enhancing drugs or methods (per U SPORTS Regulations).  
  7. Use of illicit drugs, narcotics and/or controlled substances unless permitted by law or prescribed by a licensed medical professional and used for the purpose prescribed and appropriately registered under a Therapeutic Use Exemption [TUE]) or University Policy (including Athletics & Recreation policies and procedures). 
  8. Excessive consumption of alcohol and/or the consumption of cannabis when it may negatively affect athletic performance and/or the safety and security of the athlete, teammates, and other participants. The determination of whether an athletic performance and/or safety and security may be negatively affected is at the discretion of A&R Staff.  
  9. Possession of any recreational substances (i.e. cannabis – including edibles, alcohol) while participating in, and/or travel to/from a sanctioned activity or game and/or while representing the University and/or while present at a venue related to a sanctioned activity (i.e. team rooms, dressing rooms, lodgings, dining facilities, etc.).  
  10. Engaging in high-risk alcohol behaviours, possession of open alcohol, cannabis, or controlled substances in team vehicles, team rooms, athletic venues, team lodging, and/or furnishing alcohol or other controlled substances to individuals under the age of 19 and/or to individuals who have not given their expressed consent.  
  11. Willful abuse of property, facilities, equipment, or vehicles not belonging to the individual. 
  12. Any conduct or action which results in, or could foreseeably result in, harm to the person, image, credibility or reputation of the individual, team, club, department, or University.  
  13. Hazing or activities that are demeaning, humiliating, disrespectful, or have been forced are unacceptable. These activities shall include, but are not limited to, pranks, jokes, etc. Any activity that does not respect the individual’s rights, integrity, dignity, safety, or well-being is unacceptable. See the University of Guelph Anti-Hazing Policy 
  14. Any behaviours that may be a breach of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy. 

Reporting a Concern 

Any individual or “Complainant” (athletics department staff member, student-athlete, university employee, member of the community) may report an alleged, rumored, or suspected violation.  

The Complainant may provide a report verbally or in writing to any of the following persons: 

  1. Head Coach  
  2. Intercollegiate Coordinator, Compliance & Varsity Sport Operations 
  3. Manager, Intercollegiate 
  4. Student Athlete Wellbeing Coordinator 
  5. Director of Student-Athlete Wellbeing and High Performance 
  6. Senior Director of Athletics 
  7. Office of Student Accountability 

All employees of the Department of Athletics have professional obligations to report the violation immediately to the Senior Director of Athletics, who will initiate the Code of Conduct Process and coordinate with the Office of Student Accountability as appropriate. 

For concerns relating to Harassment and/or Discrimination, or Sexual and Gender Based violence, please know you have additional resources available to you. We encourage you to review the following policies and connect with the appropriate departments if you wish to learn more or are seeking support: 

Student Athlete Code of Conduct Process 

Process 

  1. Upon receipt of an alleged violation of the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct (SACC), the Senior Director of Athletics will determine if the matter will be resolved through the Athletics Department or to be referred to the Office of Student Accountability (OSA). 
  2. The Athletics Department will work to resolve a complaint when it relates to behaviours clearly outlined in the SACC, as it relates to field of play and direct Student-Athlete expectations. 
  3. All other matters will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability, which will follow the process outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibility (SRR) Policy.  
  4. In matters to be resolved through the Athletics Department, the following steps will be taken. 
  5. The Senior Director of Athletics will assign a Designate to investigate and resolve the matter. 
  6. The Respondent (student who is alleged to have breached the policy) will be notified in writing through their university e-mail account about the complaint.  
  7. The Respondent will be provided the following information: 
  8. The nature of the complaint against them. 
  9. The alleged breach of the SACC. 
  10. That they are requested to meet with a member of the Athletics Department to which they may bring a support person of their choosing. 
  11. Of the parties attending the meeting on behalf of the department 
  12. Of the time and place of the meeting, and  
  13. Any interim measures being implemented during the investigation phase. 
  14. That the process will proceed in their absence if they fail to respond to the meeting request within 3 days. 
  15. If the Respondent fails to respond to a meeting request within the provided timeline, the Designate will make a good faith effort to contact the Respondent by telephone. Notwithstanding this requirement, the process may proceed if the Respondent fails to respond to the emailed meeting request within the provided timeline. 
  16. The Designate and Respondent will meet to discuss the matter; discussion will include but is not limited to: 
  17. Information about the matter collected prior to the meeting. 
  18. The Respondent’s recollection of the events and any response to the complaint. 
  19. Reviewing any relevant documentation, evidence or other information (brought forward by the Designate or Respondent). 
  20. If appropriate, possible outcomes/resolutions to address concerns brought forward and resolve the matter 
  21. The Designate will review all information gathered regarding the matter and determine if there is a violation of the policy based on balance of probabilities. 
  22. If there has been no violation of the policy, all parties will be notified, and no further action will be taken. 
  23. If there is a violation of the policy, the Designate will communicate the decision in writing. 
  24. In communicating the decision, the Respondent will be provided in writing: 
  25. The nature of the violation and outcomes to resolve the matter. 
  26. The next steps required to fulfill the outcomes. 
  27. Any additional information regarding expectations moving forward. 
  28. Information on how this matter will be documented. 
  29. Appeal process. 

Outcomes 

In determining outcomes, the Designate will consider appropriate factors including extenuating circumstances which might exist, the respondent’s degree of responsibility, impact on the community, etc. The following outcomes could be imposed as a result of a breach of the ACC: 

  1. suspension of the individual(s) or team from training, and/or for one or more competitions, an entire season, or permanently 
  2. removal of funding from the team 
  3. suspension of travel 
  4. reprimand letter 
  5. removal of privileges 
  6. behavioural agreement between the respondent(s) and the University of Guelph Department of Athletics, which may include mandatory educational assignment(s) with campus and/or community partners 
  7. termination of the team program 
  8. Behaviours that are found to be a breach of the SACC and the SRR will be addressed through the SRR policy and follow the Guidelines for Common Non-Academic Misconduct Breaches and Outcomes. These include but are not limited to: 
  9. Restricted Communication and Contact 
  10. Restitution or Fines 
  11. Suspension or Expulsion from the University 

Appeals 

If the Respondent does not agree with the resolution, they have the right to appeal if they meet the appropriate grounds.  

The Respondent can appeal based on the following grounds: 

  • Procedural Fairness: A lack of procedural fairness impacted the outcome of the decision. 
  • Unreasonable Outcome: The outcome is unreasonable given the behaviour involved. 
  • New Information: New information has come to light that was unavailable at the time of the original decision 

To initiate an appeal, the Respondent must notify the Designate within 10 business days of receiving the resolution to appeal the decision. 

The appeal must include:

  • An appeal statement 
  • The grounds for appeal 
  • The original outcome letter 

The matter will then be referred to the Senior Director of Athletics. Who will then determine one of the following: 

  • Deny the appeal 
  • To overturn the decision 
  • Alter the outcomes 
  • Refer the appeal to Student Judicial Services (SJS) 
  • Appeals will only be referred to SJS in matters where the outcomes have impacted the Respondent’s academic standing. The Respondent is responsible for outlining how the outcomes has impacted them. 
  • Once referred to SJS, the process will follow the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy Appeals - Rules of Procedure. 

Policy on Non-Academic Misconduct: uoguelph.ca/secretariat/policy/1.6