Each of these can be found in our Operating Manual.

Parental Code of Conduct:

1. I will not force my child to participate in Ringette.
2. I will remember that my child plays Ringette for his or her enjoyment, not mine.
3. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflict without resorting to hostility or violence.
4. I will teach my child that playing fair, trying hard and doing one’s best is just as important as winning so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of the game or by his/her performance.
5. I will remember that children learn from example.  I will applaud good plays by both my child’s team and their opponents.  I will make comments that encourage continued effort.
6. I will show respect for athletes, coaches, officials, other spectators, their decisions, and I will encourage other participants to do the same.  In particular, I will refrain from using foul and abusive language, alcohol, and inappropriate physical behaviour.
7. I will remember that officials are developing, as are players they are officiating.
8. I will support Nova Central Ringette Association’s efforts to prevent verbal and physical abuse at Ringette games.
9. I will respect and show appreciation for the efforts of the coaching staff and team officials who volunteer their time to Ringette for my child.
10. I will act responsibly and show respect toward all facilities and facility staff.
11. If I wish to express concern or make a complaint, I will do so using the appropriate channels and in a positive and constructive manner and after having observed a 24 hour waiting period.  If I do not know the proper channels of Nova Central Ringette Association, then I will contact an executive member and ask for assistance.
12. I will remember that like the coaches and the players, I represent Nova Central Ringette and I will do my best to create a positive impression.
13. I will remember that Ringette players are children and they cannot by judged by professional standards and I will have realistic expectations.
14. I will encourage my guest(s) to follow the same Code of Conduct.
15. Any “Member” (Players, Parents, Guardians, Coaches and Volunteers) who fails to comply with the Code of Conduct of this association and exhibits behaviour that is deemed inappropriate is subject to disciplinary action as set by Nova Central Ringette Association’s Disciplinary Committee and/or Executive.  Although the Disciplinary Committee reserves the right to take any steps it deems appropriate, as a general guideline, the committee will implement the following steps if discipline action is needed.
    1. First offence:  Written warning
    2. Second offence:  Written notification of suspension for 7 days from all Ringette activities
    3. Third offence:  Written notification of suspension from all Ringette activities for the remainder of the Ringette season.
    4. Final:  Written notification of removal of “Member” from the association
16. I understand that Nova Central Ringette Association will apply restrictions of privilege if I do not adhere to the “Members” Code of Conduct Agreement of all the Nova Central Ringette Association and RNS Rules and Regulations.  These restrictions will be determined by the Disciplinary Committee and can include spectator privileges, player suspension, and/or removal from the Association based on the frequency and severity of incidents.
17. I, the undersigned, have read and understand the Nova Central Ringette Association “Code of Conduct” and agree to abide by these guidelines.

Operational Policies

7. Harassment - Zero Tolerance Policy

1. Nova Central Ringette is committed to providing a work and sport environment free from harassment on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or disability. NCRA has a zero-tolerance policy for Harassment of any kind.
2. Types of behaviour which constitute harassment include but are not limited to:
   1. Written or verbal abuse or threats;
   2. The display of visual material which is offensive or which one ought to know is offensive;
   3. Unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo, or taunting about a person’s looks, body,  attire, age, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation;
   4. Leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures;
   5. Condescending or patronizing behaviour which undermines self-esteem, diminishes performance, or adversely affects working conditions;
   6. Practical jokes which cause embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety or negatively affect performance;
   7. Unwanted physical contact including touching, petting, pinching or kissing;
   8. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, or invitations; and
   9. Physical or sexual assault.
3. Every member of Nova Central Ringette has responsibility to play a part in ensuring that the Ringette Nova Scotia sport environment is free from harassment. This means not engaging in, allowing, condoning, or ignoring behaviour contrary to this policy.
4. A person who experiences harassment is encouraged to make it known to the harasser that the behaviour is unwelcome, offensive, and contrary to this policy.
5. For further guidelines about the harassment policy, NCRA will adhere to the Harassment policy outlined in the RNS Operating Manual.

8. Bullying - Zero Tolerance Policy

1. Bullying involves a person expressing his or her power through the humiliation of another person. Bullying occurs between people at any age. It is inappropriate behavior that is typically cruel, demeaning and hostile toward the bullying target.
2. The actual issue of bullying is not addressed by the law, except when the behavior does become a criminal issue - e.g. extortion, physical assault etc. or as defined under the *Cyber-safety Act
3. . Bullying can be broken down into four types:
   1. Physical - ex. Hit or kick victims; take/damage personal property
   2. Verbal - ex. Name calling; insults; constant teasing
   3. Social - ex. Try to cut off victims from social connection by convincing peers to exclude or reject a certain person
   4. Cyberbullying - The Cyber-safety Act defines “cyberbullying” as any electronic communication through the use of technology including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, computers, other electronic devices, social networks, text messaging, instant messaging, websites and electronic mail - ex. Facebook, twitter, texting, instagram etc.
4. Types of behavior that constitute bullying include, but are not limited to:
   1. Unwarranted yelling and screaming directed at the target;
   2. Continually criticizing the target’s abilities;
   3. Blaming the target for mistakes;
   4. Making unreasonable demands related to performance;
   5. Repeated insults or put downs of the target;
   6. Repeated threats to remove or restrict opportunities or privileges;
   7. Denying or discounting the target’s accomplishment;
   8. Threats of physical violence;
   9. Actual physical violence.
5. Every member of Nova Central Ringette has responsibility to play a part in ensuring that the Ringette Nova Scotia sport environment is free from bullying. This means not engaging in, allowing, condoning, or ignoring behaviour contrary to this policy.
6. A person who experiences bullying is encouraged to make it known that the behaviour is unwelcome, offensive, and contrary to this policy and is encouraged to report such behavior.
7. NCRA will apply the same sanctions as outlined in the RNS Operating Manual for dealing with harassment.
8. *Under the Cyber-safety Act, A Court may order a person to limit their use of technology so they cannot use it to bully; take away computers, cell phones, other mobile devices and/or Internet services. Individuals who disobey these orders can pay a fine of up to $5,000; go to jail for up to six months, or both. Victims of cyberbullying can sue in civil court. Parents of a minor child who is the cyberbully can also be taken to court and ordered to pay damages. (http://cyberscan.novascotia.ca/)

9. Hazing - Zero Tolerance Policy

1. Hazing refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
2. Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person; which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties; which may demean, degrade or disgrace any person regardless of location, intent, or consent of participants; any action or situation which intentionally or unintentionally endangers an athlete for admission into or affiliation with any team.
3. Any instance where an athlete is pressured by his or her teammates to participate in an activity with which the athlete is uncomfortable is considered to be an incidence of hazing.
4. THREE CATEGORIES OF HAZING
   1. Subtle - Actions that are against accepted and organization standards of conduct, behavior and good taste. An activity or attitude directed toward an athlete or an act, which ridicules, humiliates, and/or embarrasses. - Ex. Deception, assigning demerits, implied threats, deprivation of privileges
   2. Harassment - Anything that causes anguish or physical discomfort to an athlete, any activity directed toward an athlete, which confuses, frustrates or causes undue stress.  Ex. Verbal abuse, threats, wearing embarrassing attire, sleep deprivation, sexual simulations
   3. Violent - Any form of action that may cause physical punishment or any action that may cause bodily harm and/or touching in private places and/or de-clothing of an athlete.  Ex. Forced alcohol/drug consumption, beating/paddling or assault, branding, burning, public nudity, and/or bondage
5. Every member of Nova Central Ringette has responsibility to play a part in ensuring that the Ringette Nova Scotia sport environment is free from hazing. This means not engaging in, allowing, condoning, or ignoring behaviour contrary to this policy.
6. A person who experiences hazing is encouraged to make it known that the behaviour is unwelcome, offensive, and contrary to this policy and is encouraged to report such behavior.
7. NCRA will apply the same sanctions as outlined in the RNS Operating Manual for dealing with harassment.