Safe Sport
Athlete Code of Conduct
Parents please keep the following information and review regularly with your child.
The intention of the following rules are to ensure that members may enjoy the programs and have a safe and pleasant environment in which to participate. Your cooperation is appreciated. Failure of athletes to adhere to the code of conduct can result in disciplinary action including parent notification, suspension, up to permanent dismissal from the club with no refunding of fees.
1. U10 and younger paddlers MUST wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) jacket at all times when on the water. Parents must provide these.
2. U12 and U14 age paddlers MUST wear a flotation belt or PFD at all times when on the water. Parents must provide these.
3. All paddlers of any age MUST carry a PFD, provided by themselves, in their boat when on the water regardless of whether a coach is present or not. In multi person boats, a PFD will be carried for each paddler.
4. In the interest of safety, there will be NO running or pushing on the docks or in the Clubhouse.
5. The Club is not responsible in any manner for personal articles brought to, or left at, the Club. DO NOT BRING ITEMS OF VALUE TO THE CLUB.
6. Coaches are the paddling authorities at the Club and all members, regardless of age, are expected to take direction from them and obey their instructions, both on and off the water.
7. The Club requires all paddlers to maintain respect for the Coaches and Staff, and for each other. Unpleasant behavior and swearing will result in disciplinary action ranging from parent notification to dismissal from the Club with no refunding of fees.
8. Coaches are only responsible for supervision of paddlers when they are on the Club premises during scheduled programs. They are not responsible for paddlers at any other time, or if the paddler leaves the premises without supervision.
9. Littering is unsafe causing personal injury and equipment damage. Each paddler is responsible for picking up garbage and recyclables on the docks and in the Club after each practice period, and placing them in the supplied containers as directed by their Coach. Five minutes at the end of each practice will be used for this.
10. Each paddler is solely responsible for putting away their equipment after use. Request help if needed.
11. Willful damage, destruction or theft of Club equipment or property will result in immediate expulsion and permanent dismissal from the Club with no refunding of fees. The guardian/parent of the paddler will be held responsible for the repair/ replacement/return of the equipment or property.
12. There is no drugs, alcohol, or vaping permitted on property.
Bullying Policy
Orenda Bullying Policy
What Is Bullying?
Most kids have been teased by a sibling or a friend at some point. And it's not usually harmful when done in a playful, friendly, and mutual way, and both kids find it funny. But when teasing becomes hurtful, unkind, and constant, it crosses the line into bullying and needs to stop. Bullying is intentional tormenting in physical, verbal, or psychological ways. It can range from hitting, shoving, name-calling, threats, and mocking to extorting money and treasured possessions. Some kids bully by shunning others and spreading rumors about them. Others use email, chat rooms, instant messages, social networking websites, and text messages to taunt others or hurt their feelings.
Kids Health Organization - Helping Kids Deal with Bullies
Strike One:
If a child has been identified as participating in bullying behaviour, both athletes will be spoken to by a coach to try to determine the facts of the incident, and possible root cause. Ending with an understanding of why this cannot occur again. he or she will be spoken to by a coach and will apologize for his/ her behaviour. The parents of both parties will be notified as soon as possible in writing by the Coach, as well as what would happen if these unwanted behaviours continue. Coaches will document incident on an incident form.
.Strike Two:
If the same child is found to be continuing the behaviour against the same or a different child, the parents will be contacted and he or she will be sent home for the day. The parents of the bullied child will be notified by phone and will be fully informed about the situation and what the consequences are. The incident will be documented.
Strike Three:
If the same child is found to be bullying again, both sets of parents will be called and the child will be sent home. The situation will be brought before the Board of Orenda Canoe Club Discipline Committee and the child may be removed from the program without refund. The child will remain at home until board members a Discipline Committee haves had a chance to investigate properly and meet with all parties including parents of both parties.
The coaches will be very careful in determining bullying. As with any child based program, there will also be many situations where misbehaviour occurs that may be attributed to a lack of maturity and impulse control but not necessarily intentional tormenting. In these cases, the Discipline Policy will be implemented. This policy extends to social media and other technologies if it concerns two or more members of the Orenda Canoe Club. This policy is in place for all programs, regattas, trips, camps and sanctioned events of the Orenda Canoe Club.