Slo-Pitch Ontario (hereafter called SPO) is committed to developing, implementing, maintaining, and enhancing accessibility in the areas of information, communications, and membership, in a manner that:

• Respects the individual’s dignity and independence;

• Provides an equal opportunity to access our programs and services; and

• Allows persons with disabilities access to our programs and services at the same time, and location, as all other participants.

In fulfilling this commitment, SPO will make every effort to provide individuals with disabilities the same opportunity to access our programs and services in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As part of our commitment to providing access to our services for all members, the SPO will seek to remove obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities at our meetings, programs and events, and through our communications.

Upon request, we will ensure that members are trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by members and the general public attending meetings and events sanctioned by SPO. Meetings will be held in a fully accessible building for wheelchairs and other assisted walking devices with easy access to street level entryways and elevators. In addition, every effort will be made to communicate to our tournament and event hosts the importance of providing an accessible facility. For example, the host should provide a designated seating area, a handrail on bleachers, a non-gravel pathway to spectator area, an accessible washroom, a handicapped parking area.

We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. When asked, we will provide information about our organization and its services in accessible formats or with communication supports. For example, we will provide written communications through our online media that users can manipulate to their needs; such as, large print, language translation using online translation tools. Additionally, Board members will speak by phone as required to provide verbal communication in plain language as requested by people seeking information on our programs and services.

We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals will be allowed at meetings and events sponsored by SPO.

A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them to our meetings, events, and programs. We will post a notice on our website to notify people of this. If there is an admission fee payable as a result of the person’s attendance at a SPO sanctioned event, notice shall be given in advance about the amount, if any, payable by the support person.

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities that affects accessibility, SPO will make every reasonable effort to provide the public with notice of the disruption. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. This notice will be posted on location and on our website. Adequate notice in the case of a temporary emergency disruption may not be possible.

All SPO Executive members will be trained in Ontario’s accessibility customer service standards, laws and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities. We will train our members on accessibility as it relates to their specific roles.

- An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard

- Instruction on how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities

- Instruction on how to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person

- Instruction on how to use equipment or devices available at meeting or event locations, if there are any that may assist with the provision of services

- Instruction on what to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing SPO’s programs and services

- Instruction for those involved in the development of policies, plans, practices and procedures related to the provision of our services

- Access to the Booklet “Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation: A Training Booklet for Small Private and Not-for-Profit Organizations”. For module certification access use the following link - http://accessforward.ca/

New training will also be provided when changes are made to SPO’s accessibility plan.

Individuals who wish to provide feedback on the way SPO provides programs and services to people with disabilities can email the President or send a letter to the address posted on our website. A reply can be expected within 14 days.

SPO will notify the public that our policies for accessibility are available upon request by making this information available on our website. Upon request, SPO will provide or will arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities in a timely manner that takes into account the person’s accessibility needs due to disability.

Any policy of SPO that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified.

Accessibility Policy

1. Slo-Pitch Ontario has adopted the 2015 Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) as its primary domestic anti-doping policy. Administered on behalf of SPO by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES), the 2015 CADP is fully compliant with the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code, International Standards and Guidelines as they may exist from time to time. To view or download the 2015 CADP, please visit 

2. In the event of a conflict between other anti-doping policies established by other parties and the 2015 CADP, the rules of the 2015 CADP shall prevail, as applicable.

Anti-Doping Policy

1. The purpose of this policy is to enable disputes with members and participants to be dealt with fairly, expeditiously and affordably, within Slo-Pitch Ontario and without recourse to external legal procedures.

• Days – will mean total days, irrespective of weekends or holidays.

• Member - refers to all categories of members in Slo-Pitch Ontario as well as to all individuals engaged in activities with or employed by Slo-Pitch Ontario, including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, directors, officers, team managers, team captains, medical and paramedical personnel, administrators and employees (including contract personnel)

• Appellant - refers to the member appealing a decision.

• Respondent - refers to the body whose decision is being appealed.

2. In this policy, the term Member refers to all categories of members as defined in the By-laws of Slo-Pitch Ontario, as well as to all individuals engaged in activities with Slo-Pitch Ontario, including but not limited to directors, teams, coaches, managers or players.

3. A Member who is affected by a decision of the Board of Directors, of a Committee of the Board of Directors, or of any body or individual who has been delegated authority to make decisions on behalf of the Board of Directors, will have the right to appeal that decision, provided there are sufficient grounds.

4. This right to appeal will not apply to decisions relating to:

a) Infractions for doping offences, which are dealt with through the Canadian

b) Discipline matters arising during events organized by entities other than Slo-Pitch Ontario, including Member Leagues and Local Associations which are dealt with through the policies of these other entities;

c) Eligibility or team selection matters that are within the jurisdiction of Team Members of Association/League Members.

d) Matters of budgeting, budget implementation, or operational structure;

e) Matters that are decided by the general membership of Slo-Pitch Ontario such as the approval and amendment of the

f) Commercial matters for which another dispute resolution process exists under a contract or applicable law;

g) Decisions of the Screening Task Force on Police Records Checks, or

h) Any decision made under Section 11 of this Policy.

5. Members who wish to appeal a decision will have 7 days from the date on which they received notice of the decision, to submit in writing of their intention to appeal to the Provincial Office of Slo-Pitch Ontario, with a copy to the CEO.

6. The notice will contain the contact information for the Appellant, the name of the Respondent (the body whose decision is being appealed), grounds for the appeal, a summary of the evidence that supports these grounds, and the remedy or remedies requested.

7. Any party wishing to initiate an appeal beyond the 7-day period must provide a written request stating reasons for an exemption to the requirement of Section 5.

8. Not every decision may be appealed. Decisions may only be appealed, and appeals may only be heard, on procedural grounds. Procedural grounds are strictly limited to the Respondent:

a) Making a decision for which it did not have authority or jurisdiction as set out in governing documents;

b) Failing to follow procedures as laid out in the By-laws or approved policies of Slo-Pitch Ontario;

c) Making a decision that was influenced by bias, where bias is defined as a lack of neutrality to such an extent that the decision-maker is unable to consider other views, or mad a decision that was influenced by factors unrelated to the merit is of the decision; or

d) Making a decision that is grossly unreasonable or unfair.

9. Within 7 days of receiving the notice of an appeal, the CEO will determine whether there is a right of appeal as set out in Section 4 and whether the appeal is brought on appropriate grounds, as set out in Section 9. In the absence of the CEO, a designate will perform this function.

10. If the appeal is denied on the basis of insufficient grounds, the CEO will notify the Appellant of this decision in writing, giving reasons. This decision is at the sole discretion of the CEO, and may not be appealed.

11. If the CEO is satisfied that there is a right of appeal and that there are sufficient grounds for an appeal, within 14 days of the CEO having received the original notice of appeal, the CEO will establish an Appeals Panel (hereafter referred to as the “Panel”) as follows:

a) The Panel will be comprised of three individuals who will have no significant relationship with the affected parties, will have had no involvement with the decision begin appealed, and will be free from any other actual or perceived bias or conflict.

b) At least two members of the Panel will be actively involved in the sport of slo-pitch in Ontario.

c) The CEO will name one of the Panel members to serve as Chairman of the Panel.

The Panel may determine that the circumstances of the appeal warrant a preliminary conference.

The matters that may be considered at a preliminary conference include:

a) Format of the appeal (hearing by documentary evidence, oral hearing by telephone, oral hearing in person, or a combination of such methods).

e) Clarification of reports to be presented to the Panel.

g) Location of hearing, where the hearing is an oral hearing.

i) Any other procedural matter that may assist in expediting the appeal proceedings.

12. The Panel may delegate to one of its members, the authority to deal with these preliminary matters on behalf of the Panel.

13. Where the Panel has determined that the appeal will be held by way of oral hearing, the Panel will govern the hearing by such procedures as it deems appropriate, provided that:

a) The hearing will be held within 14 days of the Panel’s appointment.

b) The Appellant and Respondent will be given 10 days written notice of the date, time and place of the hearing.

c) A quorum will be all three Panel members. Decisions will be by majority vote, where the Chairman carries a vote.

d) If the decision of the Panel may affect another party to the extent that the other party would have recourse to an appeal in their own right under this policy, that party will become a party to the appeal in question and will be bound by its outcome.

14. Where the Panel has determined that the appeal will be held by way of documentary submissions, it will govern the appeal by such procedures as it deems appropriate provided that:

a) All parties are given a reasonable opportunity to provide written submissions to the Panel, to review written submissions of other parties, and to provide written rebuttal and argument; an

b) The applicable principles and timelines set out are respected.

15. Within 7 days of concluding the appeal, the Panel will issue its written decision, with reasons.

16. In making its decision, the Panel will have no greater authority than that of the original decision-maker. The Panel may decide:

a) To reject the appeal and confirm the decision being appealed or

b) To uphold the appeal and vary the decision but only where it is found that an error occurred and such an error cannot be corrected by the original decision-maker for reason of lack of clear procedure, lack of time or lack of neutrality; and

c) To determine whether costs of the appeal, excluding legal fees and legal disbursements of any of the parties, will be assessed against any party. In assessing costs, the Panel will take into account the outcome of the appeal, the conduct of the parties and their respective financial resources.

17. The decision will be considered a matter of public record. A copy of the decision will be presented to each of the parties and to the Board.

18. In extraordinary circumstances, the Panel may issue a verbal decision or a summary written decision, with reasons to follow, provided the written decision with reason is rendered within the timelines specified in Section 6,8.

19. If the circumstances of the dispute are such that this policy will not allow a timely appeal or if the circumstances of the dispute are such the appeal cannot be concluded within the timelines dictated in this policy, the Panel may direct alternate timelines to those specified in this policy.

20. The appeal will take place in the location designated by the CEO unless the Panel decides the appeal is to be held by way of telephone conference, or unless, at the specific request of a party, the Panel as a preliminary matter mandates a different location.

21. The decision of the Panel will be final and binding on the parties and on all Members of Slo-Pitch Ontario.

22. In the event that a dispute persists after appeals have been exhausted, and where the continuing dispute relates to an Appeal Panel having made a decision that was outside its jurisdiction, having failed to follow proper procedures, or having made a decision that was influenced by bias, such a dispute may be dealt with through binding arbitration before an independent arbitrator who is acceptable to the parties in the dispute.

23. Should a dispute be referred to arbitration, all parties to the original appeal will be Parties to the arbitration. Furthermore, the parties to the arbitration will enter into a written Arbitration Agreement that will specify the decision of the arbitrator, will be final and binding upon the parties, and not subject to any further review by any court or any other body.

24. No action, application for judicial review or other legal proceeding will be commenced against Slo-Pitch Ontario in respect of a dispute with a member unless Slo-Pitch Ontario has failed or refused to participate in binding arbitration in accordance with this policy.

PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW ACCORDING TO APPROVED SPO APPEALS

Automatic suspension according to Rule Book or suspension given verbally to member by Tournament Chairman or Assistant or Umpire.

Notification to proper Director (i.e. Divisional Coordinator, Playoff Chairman, Registrar, CEO, Secretary or whoever necessary.)

2. Member decides to appeal the 3 game suspension. Notice to appeal the "decision" must be sent in writing to the Association Secretary with a copy to the CEO within 7 days.

3. CEO decides or determines (within 7 days of the notice of the appeal) whether there is a right of appeal and whether the appeal is brought on appropriate grounds. THIS

DECISION IS AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE CEO AND MAY NOT BE APEALED.

4. If the CEO is satisfied that there is a right of appeal and there are sufficient grounds for an appeal, he/she will, within 14 days of having received the original notice of appeal, establish an Appeals Panel and name one of the Panel to serve as the Chairman.

5. The Panel determines if the circumstances of the appeal warrant a Preliminary Conference.

6. The Panel delegates to one of its members, the authority to deal with the preliminary matters on behalf of the Panel.

8. Within 7 days, the Panel will issue its written decisions with reasons.

9. A copy of the decision will be sent/presented to each of the Parties and to the Board.

10. The decision of the Panel will be final and binding on all parties and on all members of Slo-Pitch Ontario.

Policy Name: Appeal Policy Policy Number: SPOAP-002 Version Control: November 25, 2016 Ratification Date: November 24, 2023 Review Date: November 30, 2026

Appeal Policy

Slo-Pitch Ontario and Slo-Pitch National (Ontario Region) are committed to providing an environment in which all Members are treated fairly and with respect.

All slo-pitch participants, in any capacity whatsoever, including, but not limited to player, coach, team contact, scorekeeper, volunteer, spectator, supporter, fan, or friend (a “Participant”), whether or not they are a registered Member in the current season, are expected, at all times, to display respect for the rights, dignity and worth of all athletes, coaches, officials, other volunteers and Participants, and treat everyone equally regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion or ability.

Participants who fail to abide by this Code of Conduct are subject to penalties and disciplinary action, which may include revocation of member benefits, cancellation of insurance, and suspension from all sanctioned activities, programs, and events. All Members will hold a duty to intervene when players, coaches, teammates or fans fail to abide by this Code. Failure to do so and willful indifference will be considered conduct that does not support our commitment to safe, fair and fun playing environments, and will also be subject to penalties and disciplinary action.

Play Slo-Pitch reserves the right to refuse membership to individuals at its sole discretion.

Code of Conduct

WHEREAS the Member (the "Representative") is in a position of leadership with Slo-Pitch Ontario

Association (hereinafter called "SPO") by virtue of being a Director, Officer, Committee Member, Zone

Director, Provincial Umpire-in-Chief, Zone Umpire-in-Chief, Deputy Umpire-in-Chief, Umpire or Tournament Director;

AND WHEREAS by virtue of holding this position, the Representative will have access to:

• Confidential information concerning the business and affairs of SPO,

• Confidential information concerning the business and affairs of SPO's member associations,

• Confidential information concerning the business and affairs of SPO sponsors and partners,

• Confidential information pertaining to Board or Committee discussions and deliberations, which are private, and

• Personal and confidential information pertaining to individuals who are members of SPO or its member associations, including players, umpires, coaches, managers, volunteers and staff, including medical information.

The Representative hereby agrees that he or she will not, during the term of the Representative's appointment or employment or any time thereafter, disclose to any person or organization any confidential or personal information as described above, unless such disclosure is done with the consent of the individual who is the subject of the information, is done in accordance with SPO policies, is done in conformance with the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, or is done in accordance with provincial or federal law.

The Representative acknowledges having read and understood the SPO Conflict of Interest Policy.

The Representative hereby agrees to follow the SPO Zone Director's Guidelines and Responsibilities and to conduct themselves in a respectable manner at all times in their service to SPO and its members, including but not limited to:

• Demonstrating through words and actions the spirit of sportsmanship, sports leadership and ethical conduct;

• treat others with respect and refrain from negative and disparaging remarks or conduct;

• Avoid and reject the non-medical use of drugs or use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods;

• Refrain from behaviour that constitutes harassment, where harassment is defined as comment or conduct directed towards an individual or group which is offensive, racist, sexist, degrading or malicious;

• Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment where sexual harassment is defines as unwelcome sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature, when submitting to or rejecting this conduct influences decisions which affect the individual, such conduct has the purpose or effect of diminishing performance, or such conduct creates an intimidation, hostile or offensive environment;

Furthermore, the Representative agrees to submit to a Police Records Check if requested by the SPO Board of Directors in accordance with Softball Ontario's Policy and Procedures and understands that failure to participate in the Police Records Check as outlined in the Softball Ontario's Policy Manual will result in the ineligibility to volunteer with SPO.

The Representative also understands that a failure to comply with this Agreement may give rise to discipline in accordance with SPO's policies for conduct and discipline, which may in turn lead to sanctions that may include removal from the position, suspension or expulsion from membership.

The Representative understands that the term of this agreement is for a period of one (1) year from the date submitted and renewable each year.

By electronic submission of this form, the Representative hereby certifies having read and understood the above statements, is in agreement with them, and shall adhere to all requirements contained in this Agreement or as may be otherwise directed in writing by SPO during any term as a SPO volunteer.

Policy Name: Confidentiality & Conduct Agreement

Confidentiality & Conduct Agreement

1. The purpose of this policy is to describe how members of Slo-Pitch Ontario will conduct themselves in matters relating to real or perceived conflicts of interest, and to clarify how Slo-Pitch Ontario will make decisions in situations where conflicts of interest may exist.

2. A conflict of interest is a situation where an individual, or the organization he or she represents or has an interest in, has a real, potential or perceived, direct or indirect competing interest with Slo-Pitch Ontario's activities. This competing interest may result in the individual, or entities in which they have an interest, being in a position to benefit from the situation or in Slo-Pitch Ontario not being able to achieve a result which would be in the best interest of Slo-Pitch Ontario.

3. Conflicts of interest include both pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests. A pecuniary interest is an interest that an individual may have in a matter because of the reasonable likelihood or expectation of financial gain or loss for that individual, or another person with whom that individual is associated. A non-pecuniary interest may include family relationships, friendships, volunteer positions in associations or other interests that do not involve the potential for financial gain or loss.

4. This policy applies to directors, officers, employees, committee members, and other volunteers who are decision-makers within Slo-Pitch Ontario (hereafter referred to as “Representatives” of Slo-Pitch Ontario).

5. Slo-Pitch Ontario is incorporated under the Ontario Corporations Act (“Act”) and is governed by the Act in matters involving a real or perceived conflict between the personal interests of a director or officer (or other individual involved in decision-making or decision-influencing roles) and the broader interests of the corporation.

6. Under the Act, any real or perceived conflict, whether pecuniary or non-pecuniary, between a director’s or officer’s interest and the interests of Slo-Pitch Ontario must at all times be resolved in favour of Slo-Pitch Ontario.

7. In addition to fulfilling all requirements of the Act, Slo-Pitch Ontario and its Representatives will also fulfill the additional requirements of this policy. Representatives of Slo-Pitch Ontario will not:

a) Engage in any business or transaction, or have a financial or other personal interest that is

incompatible with their official duties with Slo-Pitch Ontario, unless such business, transaction or other interest is properly disclosed in accordance with this policy;

b) Knowingly place themselves in a position where they are under obligation to any person who might benefit from special consideration, or who might seek, in any way, preferential treatment;

c) In the performance of their official duties, give preferential treatment to family members, friends or colleagues, or to organizations in which their family members, friends or colleagues have an interest, financial or otherwise;

d) Derive personal benefit from information that they have acquired during the course of fulfilling their official duties with Slo-Pitch Ontario, where such information is confidential or is not generally available to the public.

e) Engage in any outside work, activity or business or professional undertaking that conflicts or appears to conflict with their official duties as a representative of Slo-Pitch Ontario, or in which they have an advantage or appear to have an advantage on the basis of their association with Slo-Pitch Ontario;

f) Use Slo-Pitch Ontario property, equipment, supplies or services for activities not associated with the performance of official duties with Slo-Pitch Ontario;

g) Place themselves in positions where they could, by virtue of being a Representative of Slo-Pitch Ontario, influence decisions or contracts from which they could derive any direct or indirect benefit or interest; or

h) Accept any gift or favour that could be construed as being given in anticipation of, or in recognition for, any special consideration granted by virtue of being a Representative of Slo-Pitch Ontario.

8. On an annual basis, all directors, officers, employees, committee members, and other volunteers who are decision-makers will complete a written statement disclosing any real or perceived conflicts that they might have.

9. At any time that a Representative of Slo-Pitch Ontario becomes aware that there may exist a real or perceived conflict of interest, they shall disclose this conflict to the Board of Directors immediately.

10. Any person who is of the view that a Representative of Slo-Pitch Ontario may be in a position of conflict of interest may report this matter to the Board.

11. Decisions or transactions that involve a real or perceived conflict of interest that has been disclosed by a Representative of Slo-Pitch Ontario may be considered and decided upon by Slo-Pitch Ontario provided that:

a) The nature and extent of the Representative’s interest has been fully disclosed to the body that is considering or making the decision, and this disclosure is recorded in the minutes;

b) The Representative does not participate in discussion on the matter giving rise to the conflict of interest, unless the body considering the matter votes to allow such participation;

c) The Representative abstains from voting on the proposed decision or transaction;

d) The Representative is not included in the determination of quorum for the proposed decision or transaction; and

e) The decision or transaction is in the best interests of Slo-Pitch Ontario.

12. Slo-Pitch Ontario will not restrict employees from accepting other employment, contracts or volunteer appointments during the term of their employment with Slo-Pitch Ontario, provided that the employment, contract or volunteer appointment does not diminish the employee’s ability to perform the work contemplated in their employment agreement with Slo-Pitch Ontario. Any determination as to whether there is a conflict of interest will rest solely with Slo-Pitch Ontario, and where a conflict of interest is deemed to exist, the employee will resolve the conflict by ceasing the activity giving rise to the conflict.

13. This policy was approved by the Slo-Pitch Ontario Board of Directors October 2007. It will be reviewed on an annual basis and may be amended, deleted or replaced by a resolution of the Board.

Conflict of Interest Policy

In this Policy, the term SPO Official/Director refers to Board Members, Zone Directors, Tournament Directors, game Umpires, Tournament UICs, or Umpire Program personnel.

The term Discipline Committee refers to a 3-person committee appointed by the CEO and comprised of the President or a designate, a Director from the involved Zone, and one other individual. The Committee will appoint its own Chair.

The term Discipline Appeal Committee refers to a 3-person committee appointed by the CEO and comprised of three SPO Directors who have not been involved with the discipline process or the incident. The Committee will appoint its own Chair.

All Members of Slo-Pitch Ontario (SPO) and all participants in the activities of SPO are expected comply at all times with the By-laws, policies, rules and regulations of SPO and to abide by the SPO Code of Conduct.

Disciplinary Policy Involving Individuals at SPO Sanctioned Events

Any incident at a SPO-sanctioned event that is deemed by a SPO Official/Director associated with the event to warrant disciplinary action will be reported to the SPO Office by means of an Incident Report. In addition, any individual may report to a SPO Official/Director a complaint of an infraction. Such complaint must be in writing and must be made within 14 days of the alleged infraction.

Upon receiving the report, the CEO will review the report and may:

• Dismiss the report if he or she considers it is trivial or vexatious;

• Determine that the incident does not fall within the jurisdiction of this Policy and refer it to the appropriate body having jurisdiction;

• Direct that the incident be dealt with informally by the person having appropriate authority;

• Determine that the incident is so serious that the Member should be suspended immediately, pending resolution of the incident using this Policy;

• Refer the matter to the Discipline Committee to deal with as a major infraction.

If the incident is referred to the Discipline Committee, the person(s) named in the report will be notified that a Discipline Committee Meeting is being held. The Chair of the Discipline Committee will inform the person(s) named in the report that they may submit a written statement as to their role in the incident, to be received at the SPO Office within 10 days.

The Discipline Committee Chairman will gather the necessary information from appropriate sources, including the person(s) named in the report, and will designate a time and location for a meeting of the Discipline Committee.

The Disciplinary Committee will review all information received and, if it feels sufficient information is available, a decision will be made. The Disciplinary Committee may also determine

that it should convene a hearing of the parties and witnesses to obtain further information to ensure a fair decision.

The Disciplinary Committee may determine that no further action should be taken in regard to the incident, in which case the matter will be closed. If the Discipline Committee determines that further action should be taken, it may decide to impose a Reprimand, Probation or Suspension, using the SPO Tournament Operating Rules Section 2: Penalties and Suspensions as a guideline.

A person disciplined may appeal the decision of the Discipline Committee. The appeal must be made within 14 days to the Discipline Appeal Committee, who will review the matter using fair procedures, and may uphold, modify or overturn the Discipline Committee decision.

Any person who is suspended under this Policy may request a review of the suspension on or after its anniversary. Such a review will be conducted by the Discipline Committee that imposed the suspension.

Disciplinary Policy Involving Individuals Suspended by a League

When a league suspends a person, they may forward the report to the SPO Office with a request that the league suspension be recognized by SPO and be extended to all SPO-sanctioned events.

Upon receiving the request, the CEO will refer it to the Discipline Committee. The Chair of the Discipline Committee will notify the person suspended that a Discipline Committee Meeting is being held, and will invite the person suspended to submit a written statement as to the request, to be received at the SPO Office within 10 days.

The Discipline Committee will review all information received from the league and from the person suspended, and will make a decision to deny or agree to the request. If the decision is to agree to the request, the person suspended may appeal this decision as described in Section 7. This process does not change the original league suspension.

Any person who has had a league suspension extended to all SPO sanctioned activity may request a review of the suspension on or after its anniversary. Such a review will be conducted by the Discipline Committee that extended the suspension to all SPO activity.

Disciplinary Policy

1. Slo-Pitch Ontario (hereafter referred to as SPO) is committed to providing a sport and work environment that is safe, welcoming, inclusive and respectful. Such an environment does not include or condone discrimination or harassment. SPO recognizes that harassment is a form of discrimination, and like discrimination is prohibited by human rights legislation in Canada. In its extreme forms, harassment can also be an offence under Canada¡¦s Criminal Code.

2. This policy applies to all employees as well as to all directors, officers, coaches, athletes, team personnel, officials and members of SPO. It applies to discrimination and harassment that may occur during the course of all SPO business, activities and events.

3. Harassment and discrimination arising within the business, activities and events of clubs, provincial/territorial associations, affiliates or partners of SPO will be dealt with using the policies and mechanisms of such other organizations.

4. Discrimination is a distinction, based on grounds relating to personal characteristics of an individual or group which, whether intended or not, has the effect of imposing disadvantages on that individual or group not imposed on others, or withholding or limiting access to advantages available to others.

5. Harassment is a form of discrimination and takes many forms, but can generally be defined as comment, conduct, or gesture directed toward an individual or group of individuals that is known, or ought to be known, to be unwelcome.

6. Behaviours that constitute harassment include, but are not limited to:

„X The display of audio or visual material which is offensive, or which one ought to know is offensive;

„X Unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo or taunting about a person's looks, body, attire, age, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation, or abilities;

„X Leering or other suggestive or vulgar gestures;

„X Condescending, paternalistic or patronizing behaviour that undermines self-esteem, diminishes performance, or adversely affects working conditions;

„X Practical jokes that cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person's safety, or negatively affect performance;

„X Unwanted physical contact including touching, petting, pinching or kissing;

„X Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, requests, invitations, questions or discussions;

„X Use of homophobic or other derogatory sexual terms;

„X Behaviours such as those described above that are not directed towards individuals or groups but that have the effect of creating a negative, hostile or poisoned environment;

„X Criminal conduct such as stalking and physical or sexual assault or abuse; Retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports harassment.

7. For the purposes of this policy, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

„X Submitting to or rejecting this conduct is used as the basis for making decisions which affect the individual;

„X Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's performance;

„X Such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or poisoned environment.

8. Any person may make a complaint under this policy to an Official of SPO. For the purposes of this policy, an ¡¥Official¡¦ is any person in a responsible staff or volunteer position with SPO. Complaints to an Official must be timely (within 30 days of the incident giving rise to the complaint) and must be in writing, signed by the complainant.

9. Once a complaint is made, the role of the Official is to serve in a neutral capacity in assisting in an informal resolution of the complaint, where this is appropriate.

Programs and Policies