Code of Conduct
The Network of Women in Basketball (“NOW Basketball”) comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds. NOW Basketball is dedicated to providing a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for our participants to enjoy playing basketball.
By signing up for and engaging in NOW Basketball activities, all participants agree to abide by this Code of Conduct (the “Code”) throughout their engagement. The Code sets out the conduct and demeanour we expect of participants and should be interpreted in accordance with the core values of NOW Basketball. Violations of the Code may result in warnings, suspension, and removal from NOW Basketball and its events.
NOW Basketball may amend the Code at its sole and absolute discretion. The amendments will be implemented by updating the Code posted on our website, and they will take effect immediately upon posting.
All participants (members and non-members) must provide their legal names in order to participate in NOW Basketball activities.
The NOW Basketball management team has the right to remove participants who do not comply with the Code, or whose behaviours do not align with NOW Basketball core values. For instance, a participant may be removed from the activity if they behave disrespectfully or unethically towards other participants or our staff/volunteers.
If you experience any inappropriate treatment while participating events hosted by NOW Basketball, we encourage you to report it to the NOW Basketball team by filing an official complaint. If you notice someone else being treated in a manner contrary to the Code, we strongly encourage you to come forward and report such behaviors.
To file an official complaint, you must complete this form. Please note that only official complaints made using the complainant’s legal name will be processed and investigated by NOW Basketball. However, we understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality during our investigation. Rest assured that we will take appropriate measures to protect the identity of the complainant throughout the entire process.
We thank you in advance for your compliance with the Code and respect for our values, and we look forward to having fun with you on the court.
Code 1: Sportsmanship and Respectful Conduct Towards Others
We expect all participants to uphold the principles of fair play, respect, and sportsmanship throughout all games and events. This includes showing respect towards opponents, referees, coaches, and spectators, and avoiding any behavior that could be considered unsportsmanlike or disrespectful.
Violation of Code 1: Sportsmanship and Respectful Conduct Towards Others
We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of personal attack, indecent or offensive comments, trolling, bullying, harassment, or abuse towards any person including opponents, referees, coaches, and spectators at our activities and events. We expect all participants to treat each other with respect and dignity, and to avoid any behavior that could be considered abusive, threatening, or harmful. Any such behavior may result in the infringing player/team being ejected from the game and/or removed from the league, activity or event, without refund.
If such behaviours are reported and found to have likely occurred, the following steps are taken:
- First report - player or team receives a formal warning;
- Second report - player or team receives a second warning and a possible suspension, per discretion of the NOW Basketball management team;
- Third report - player or team may be ejected from the game and/or removed from the league/activity/event without refund and not welcomed back; and,
- Special situations:
- Ejection from an officiated game: If a player is ejected from an officiated game (i.e. 2 technical fouls), that player receives an automatic one-game suspension. Incidents are also subject to further discipline pending review. Please note that in basketball, fouling out (5 fouls) is not considered to be an ejection.
- Violence: Conducts of violence will cause for immediate expulsion for all individuals involved, whether they are the instigators or retaliating despite who initiates it..
Participants that are suspended, ejected, or removed from any program are not welcomed to attend as spectators.
If a player is suspended from any NOW Basketball program, the suspension will apply to ALL of our leagues and activities until the conclusion of the initial suspension, unless otherwise informed.
NOW Basketball reserves the right to immediately remove a team or player from the league or activity at its sole discretion. These decisions are non-appealable and failure to comply with them may result in further punitive measures.
Code 2: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
We are committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or any other personal characteristic. We expect all members and participants to treat each other with respect and dignity, and to avoid any behavior that could be considered discriminatory or prejudiced.
Code 3: Responsible Information-Sharing
We promote the responsible sharing of accurate and truthful information related to our organization and its participants. We expect all participants to verify the accuracy of any information before sharing it, and to avoid spreading any false, misleading, or harmful information that could harm other participants or disrepute our organization.