Code of Conduct

1. Introduction

We encourage everyone to promote inclusivity, player safety, fair play, and knowledge of the game. The purpose of this document is to ensure that all affiliated HUC participants (which includes all players, coaches, volunteers, and board members) are promoting these objectives. It will also serve to replace “Spirit of The Game”-type culture, which has historically been utilized to discriminate against People of Color (POC), resulting in a lack of inclusivity. To that end, HUC has created a Code of Conduct for all HUC affiliated events and activities. Participants at HUC events are responsible for following this policy. Thanks to the Indiana Ultimate Foundation1 for providing the strong basis for this document.

2. Expectations

HUC participants are expected to be inclusive regardless of any actual or perceived characteristics including but not limited to gender, ethnicity, sexual identity, or experience level. HUC expects all players, coaches and volunteers to treat each other with dignity and respect. The following list includes but is not limited to behaviors and actions that will not be tolerated: 

1. On the Field Violations
   1. Verbal
      1. Any racial, sexist, or derogatory language of any kind will not be tolerated
      2. Intimidation
      3. Taunting 
      4. Excessive Profanity
   2. Physical Aggression
      1. Physical fights or threats
   3. Sexual Harassment 
   4. Unfair play such as:
      1. Dangerous plays 
      2. Cheating
      3. Spiking the disc on other players
2. Off the Field Violations
   1.   Verbal
      1. Derogatory or harmful chants
      2. Abusive language directed at teammates, coaches, volunteers or opponents 
      3. Online harassment, bullying or discrimination
   2. Sexual Harassment of any kind
   3. Disrespecting HUC volunteers/organizers
   4. Disrespecting park personnel and property 
   5. Providing alcohol to minors
   6. Illegal drug use at HUC events
   7. Music

1. No songs with parental advisory label are allowed at youth events 
2. No loud and offensive music 

3. Youth
4.   Coaches at HUC events are held responsible for youth players and team

1. Must follow USAU’s policy for SafeSport guidelines and/or other USAU requirements
   1. https://usaultimate.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2020-SafeSport-Code-04.01.20-1.pdf
2. If a player reports a violation at a tournament, coaches must report complaints to Tournament Director as soon as possible
   1. Tournament Director has the authority to remove teams/players/coaches from an event and/or tournament after giving verbal warning to coach/team

4. Reporting Violations

1. HUC encourages anyone to report violations if they feel someone is not meeting these expectations. Players may immediately report them to their captains, coaches, Tournament Director or League Director. You may also contact the Conduct Ambassador (which may also be the Tournament/League Director) or any HUC board members. If you feel uncomfortable reporting in person, please see 4e of this document pertaining to confidentiality.   
2. Once a complaint has been reported to a captain or coach, it must be communicated to the Conduct Ambassador/TD/LD to ensure follow up. 
   1. If the complaint is against the Conduct Ambassador/TD/LD it must be reported directly to a member of the HUC board. 
3. It is important for incidences to be reported as soon as possible so action can be taken. The Conduct Ambassadors/TD/LD and HUC Board will have 1 week from the reported incident to investigate the complaint and decide on disciplinary action. This allows the committee to investigate and interview other witnesses.
4. When reporting a violation, please include the following information: 
   1. Name of individual/team
   2. Date of occurrence
   3. Description of what occurred
   4. Email/Contact information 
   5. Other witnesses

1.   Confidentiality will be maintained by all parties involved

1. Conduct ambassadors/LD/TD, captains, and HUC Board must maintain confidentiality of anyone reporting a complaint who wants to remain anonymous 
   1. Disciplinary action will be taken if confidentiality is broken

1.   Leadership positions will be revoked

1. Persons reporting complaint shall be protected from retaliation

5. Enforcement Process

1.  HUC board holds the responsibility to investigate complaints to determine if a violation was made. Based on the severity of the violation, the board may issue any of the following consequences based on a board majority:
   1. No Fault
   2. Verbal Strike
      1. First strike results with verbal warning 
      2. Second strike results with verbal warning and suspension for 1 week of HUC events
      3. Three strikes will result in removal from HUC events for 1 year 
   3. Removal from current league season or HUC event
   4. Suspension from 1 to 2 future leagues or HUC events 
   5. Ban from all HUC events