Recreation

Rec Clubs Code of Conduct

All students at the University are subject to the Student Conduct Code, WAC 478-121, and Student Governance and Policy Chapters 209 and 210.  These documents outline prohibited behaviors, including but not limited to abuse of others, unlawful use of alcohol and drugs, harassment and bullying, theft, and vandalism. Allegations of misconduct may be referred to Community Standards & Student Conduct for investigation. More information is available online at washington.edu/cssc.

 

I. Policy

The following Code of Conduct represents the policy for persons using facilities managed by UW Recreation or for participants in programs administered by the Department staff. It applies to participants, coaches, instructors, team managers, organizations, and spectators. The Code of Conduct will be enforced. Any organization or individual violating the intent of the policy may be restricted from participating in programs and/or use of Department facilities.

II. Code of Conduct

All players, coaches, or team managers participating in UW Recreation activities are bound by the following code of conduct:

  • The unlawful possession, use, and distribution of illicit drugs and/or alcohol on the University campus or during University-sponsored activities are prohibited (CH.478-124 WAC) and will result in appropriate steps by the University Police and could result in disciplinary sanctions under the Student Conduct Code, including dismissal from the
    University.
  • Competitive Clubs: A player may be ejected from a game or prevented from participating for consuming alcoholic beverages/illegal drugs at the game site or prior to the game. The decision to eject a player will be made by the game officials or recreation staff. This decision will be based on judgment and will not be considered grounds for a protest. It is the responsibility of the team members to cooperate with game officials in controlling spectators and team followers. A contest will be forfeited if in the opinion of the game official(s) such cooperation is not evident.  The club and/or individual member may be subject to further discipline for violation of this policy.
  • Recreational/Instructional Clubs: A club member may be prevented from participating in a club event for consuming alcoholic beverages/illegal drugs at the facility or event site during, or directly prior to, the club activity. This decision will be based on judgment by recreation staff. It is the responsibility of club leadership to ensure that all club members abide by the policy. The club and/or individual member may be subject to further discipline for violation of this policy.
  • Good sportsmanship will be observed in all UW Recreation activities. Respect for players, coaches, instructors, managers, officials, recreation staff and spectators are essential for enjoyable competition and fair play.
  • Good sportsmanship by participants toward the opposition, officials, spectators and recreation staff is mandatory. The Department (Program Manager) shall have the authority to administer disciplinary action to individual players, coaches, instructors, managers, and/or spectators for unsportsmanlike conduct.
    • NOTE: Unsportsmanlike conduct shall be defined as follows: Any incident involving players, instructors, managers, participants or spectators that results in personal abuse by verbal or physical means as determined by the official(s) or program coordinator(s) in charge of the facility or program.
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct may be penalized as follows:
    • Suspension of participants, coaches, instructors, or managers.
    • Expulsion of teams, coaches, instructors, or managers from Department programs and/or facilities.
    • Forfeiture or cancellation of contest(s) or game(s).
    • The severity and/or frequency of the unsportsmanlike conduct will determine the appropriate course of action.
III. Violations and Penalties

The following unsportsmanlike behavior shall result in ejection from a Rec Club contest:

  • Verbal abuse and/or threatening behavior to a member of the opposing team, spectator(s), official, and/or staff member. Abuse may be verbal or non-verbal (e.g. taunting and baiting behavior).
  • Any inappropriate physical contact with a member of the opposing team, spectator(s), official, or staff member.  Multiple unsportsmanlike technical fouls or penalties (e.g. a red card).
  • Uncooperative in providing information requested by an official or staff member.
  • Persistent infringement of the spirit and intent of the game rules.
  • Evidence of use of alcohol/drugs prior to or during participation (see Section II.B.).

Ejection from a Rec Clubs contest for unsportsmanlike conduct may result in a suspension.  Violations of the Code of Conduct may be penalized as follows:

  • Forfeiture: the contest(s) in which the violation(s) occurred may be declared a loss by forfeit.
  • Warning: formal notice of the violation, no penalties imposed. The organization/team/individual(s) must take corrective action following the warning.
  • Probation: formal notification of the violation may result in additional penalties. The organization/team/individual(s) will be placed on probation for a designated period of time. Further violations may result in suspension.
  • Suspension: as a result of serious, intentional, or repeated violations, the organization/team/individual(s) may be declared ineligible. Further violations may result in expulsion from the Department.
  • Expulsion: an organization/team/individual may be prohibited from participation in all UW Recreation activities and/or from use of department facilities.

The extent and terms of disciplinary action taken by the Rec Clubs staff will depend upon the nature and severity of the violation as well as any history of previous violations. The duration of the penalty may vary in length from one game to up to one year or more.

  • The penalized individual/team may appeal the decision in writing to the Rec Clubs Manager and the Associate Director.
  • The Associate Director reserves the right to suspend any participant or team for conduct, behavior, or attitude that he/she perceives as interfering with the orderly conduct of Rec Clubs and/or the safety of the participants.
IV. Student Conduct Code WAC 478-120, General Conduct Code for the University of Washington WAC 478-124

Additional disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the Student Conduct Code and/or the General Conduct Code for the University of Washington.

V. Club Expectations
  1. Club members, instructors and volunteers are expected to function in a responsible manner while participating in any club activity on or off campus.
  2. The Department may suspend any club, individual club member, coach or instructor from future participation or discontinue support based upon, but not limited to:
  • Failure to conduct club affairs in a responsible manner consistent with university and department policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Restriction of membership on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran.
  • Failure to promptly meet legitimate club financial obligations or violation of eligibility rules.
  • Failure to adhere to policies and procedures currently in place within the Department of Recreation.
  • Violation of UW Recreation Code of Conduct (above) or UW Student Conduct Code.
  • Failure to comply with the University’s Hazing policy.
  • Refer to RSO Policy Guide – “Conduct and Discipline”.
  • Property damage/vandalism: Damage to facility or property as a result of careless behavior or intentional misuse of property.

*** It should be noted that the Club as a whole is responsible for any violations that occur from the behaviors and/or actions of individual club members.  In certain cases, both the Club and individual member(s) may be held accountable.

 

Report any misconduct, violent behavior or sexual harassment to the Rec Clubs Manager or the UW Office of the Ombud.