Code of Conduct for Instructors and Volunteers

Preamble

Paddle Canada strives to be a leader in fostering safe, inclusive, and healthy paddling environments for all course participants. The Code of Conduct extends to all programs and events sanctioned by Paddle Canada and prioritizes the well-being and safety of every individual involved.

All individuals are required to recognize and report any instances of maltreatment. Paddle Canada emphasizes prioritizing the well-being, safety, and rights of each individual and strongly condemns all forms of maltreatment in sports. Paddle Canada holds an unwavering commitment to a safe sports environment, free from maltreatment, where the dignity and rights of every participant are upheld.

Application

This Code applies to all individuals (all categories of membership defined in Paddle Canada’s Bylaws, as well as all individuals engaged in activities with the Association including, but not limited to instructors, instructor trainers, employees, volunteers, committee members, and directors) involved in Paddle Canada activities and its affiliated organizations, where Individuals are representing Paddle Canada. This encompasses all activities, events, and business dealings, including practices, certification sessions, lessons, competitions, practices, evaluations, consultations, training camps, travel, community events, the office environment, and meetings.

The Code also extends to Individuals’ external conduct if it negatively impacts Paddle Canada’s relationships, and workplace environment, or damages the reputation of Paddle Canada. Paddle Canada holds the sole discretion to determine if external conduct falls under this code.

Furthermore, this Code may apply to past interactions between individuals, outside Paddle Canada activities, if the interaction involved their shared involvement in the sport and the breach had a serious and detrimental impact on the individuals involved.

This policy suite includes a series of policies affiliated with Paddle Canada’s Code of Conduct, including but not limited to:

Prohibited Behaviours

All Individuals must refrain from any behavior that constitutes a Prohibited Behaviour as defined by the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) or this Code.

Individuals are responsible for knowing what actions or behaviours constitute Prohibited Behaviours and Maltreatment, per the UCCMS.

All Individuals must refrain from any behaviour that constitutes discrimination or harassment when defined as:

A distinction—intentional or unintentional, direct or indirect—because of a person’s race, ancestry, ethnic origin, creed, place of origin, colour, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, pregnancy, marital status, family status, record of offences, political affiliation, religious belief, disability or means to accommodate the disability and that has the effect of erecting barriers, or creating obligations, disadvantages or situations of unequal treatment that withhold or limit access to privileges, advantages or political, social or economic rights available to other members of society.
All Individuals must refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment when defined as engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. A single unwelcome incident, if serious enough, can be sufficient to support an instance of harassment. Harassment includes comments or conduct that intimidates, humiliates, undermines, or dominates the other person by belittling, embarrassing, or demeaning them or involves the use of abusive or threatening language.
Every individual has the right to be free from harassment and discrimination on prohibited grounds.

General Responsibilities for All Individuals

As members of Paddle Canada, all individuals shall:

Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes prohibited behaviour under the relevant governing bodies or this Code.
Promote Paddle Canada in the most constructive and positive manner possible by:
- being fair, honest, and open in their actions and communications,
- respecting people’s individual differences,
- respecting levels of authority and jurisdiction,
- respecting the rights of other organizations and individuals, and
- respecting the property of others and not wilfully causing damage.
Adhere to all applicable federal, provincial/territorial, municipal, and host country laws.
Comply with the bylaws, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of Paddle Canada as outlined in this code. Any failure to respect these expected standards of behavior by Individuals may constitute a breach of this Code.

Paddle Canada Staff Member, Board Member, Instructor, and Volunteer Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, staff, board members, instructors, and volunteers will:

Understand that their appointment carries a responsibility and obligation to represent their sport, their members, and Paddle Canada in an exemplary fashion. Staff, board members, instructors, and volunteers will:
- conduct themselves openly, professionally, lawfully, and in good faith,
- maintain required confidentiality of organizational information,
- in instances where course participants choose to share aspects of their medical information to allow instructors to provide a more appropriate training environment, instructors and staff members are to keep this information strictly confidential,
- abstain from the use of substances that may impair judgment or professionalism while in the presence of course participants anddiscourage their use by course participants,
- not consume alcohol so that it impacts the fulfillment of their duties, nor should the odour of alcohol be present on their breath while instructing,
- treat all Individuals equitably within the context of their activity, regardless of factors like gender, origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status,
- ensure confidentiality and security of course participant information or data gained in the exercise of their functions (from data collection to interview notes, etc.) unless they evaluate a situation as potentially dangerous or that the health and safety of the course participant is in jeopardy, at which point they will share that information with qualified professionals, and
- stay up-to-date with and abide by the relevant instructing ethical codes and standards of behaviour.
In addition, all volunteers, including board members, will:
- be independent and impartial and not be influenced by self-interest, outside pressure, expectation of reward, or fear of criticism when making decisions, and
- conduct periodic Safe Sport Reviews.

Environmental Stewardship

Paddle Canada instructor members have the responsibility to ensure that activities conform to Leave No Trace principles:

plan ahead and prepare, including consideration of minimizing impact to the shore when launching, portaging, scouting and taking out,
travel and camp on durable surfaces,
dispose of waste properly,
leave what you find,
minimize campfire impacts,
respect wildlife, and
be considerate of other visitors.

Retaliation, Retribution or Reprisal

It is a breach of this Code of Conduct for any individual to engage in any act that threatens or seeks to intimidate another individual with the intent of discouraging that Individual from filing, in good faith, a complaint pursuant to the Paddle Canada Complaint and Discipline policy. It is also a breach of this Code of Conduct for an Individual to file a complaint for the purpose of retaliation, retribution or reprisal against any other individual. Any individuals found to be in breach of this section shall be liable for the costs related to the disciplinary process required to establish such a breach.

Privacy Policy

The collection, use and disclosure of any personal information pursuant to this Policy is subject to Paddle Canada’s Privacy Policy.

Approved June 5, 2024
Paddle Canada Board of Directors