Unsportsmanlike Conduct Policy

Before, during, and after game play, players are expected to be respectful of other participants (including family/children that come to watch). Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Any official or the league supervisor may issue such warning. Any player that receives two warnings for unsportsmanlike conduct during a single game will be ejected for the remainder of the current game and the next scheduled game. Any team that receives three warnings for unsportsmanlike conduct during a single game will forfeit the current game. Any team forfeiting two games during the regular season due to unsportsmanlike conduct will be excluded from the end of the season tournament.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct is defined as, but is not limited to:

  • Cursing. No person shall use vulgar, profane or indecent language on any public place or in any public hall, club, restaurant or other place open to the public. (1969 Code, § 17-14)
  • Throwing equipment. A player must refrain from showing emotion by throwing/spiking equipment. This includes any equipment used or worn during competition. This could be a safety issue and will be classified as unsportsmanlike conduct.
  • Disrespectful comments. Disrespectful or offensive words toward another player, a person in the stands, an official, or any other staff member will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct. (This will exclude friendly banter among teammates.
  • Any other action that may be deemed unsportsmanlike by an official.

 

Players, managers, coaches, etc., who are guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct will incur the following:

  • Ejection from the remainder of the current game plus the next scheduled game. (In the event the ejected player plays on multiple nights, the suspension will only be enforced in the league the ejection took place. Exception: Any suspension lasting 3 or more games.)
  • A second ejection during the season will result in an automatic suspension of three (3) games up to a maximum of twelve (12) months’.
  • Game suspensions will carry over from one season to the next, if necessary.
  • Any participant ejected must leave the premises within five (5) minutes. The premises includes the field, parking lot, and at least 100 feet from the facility fencing. Failure to comply will result in a forfeit of the players’ team and if necessary, the police will be notified.
  • Any verbal or physical abuse of an official or player is an automatic year suspension from all Department facilities, including the Civic Center, Library, Municipal Pool, Scarboro Community Center, and all City Parks.
  • Any person receiving a suspension has the right to appeal, in writing, within a forty-eight (48) hour period. Appeals are to be directed to the athletic office with the Recreation Department.

 

Fighting

In an effort to maintain a safe and non-intimidating environment, there is a zero tolerance policy in regard to fighting. Punishments for fighting are as follows:

  1. First Offense: Automatic one (1) year suspension from all Recreation and Parks facilities and programs and possible Police involvement.
  2. Second Offense: Automatic three (3) year suspension from all Recreation and Parks facilities and programs and possible Police involvement.
  3. Third Offense: Automatic indefinite suspension from all Recreation and Parks facilities and programs and possible Police involvement.

All suspensions are subject to appeal and must be filed with the Recreation and Parks’ Athletics Department within forty-eight (48) hours.

Any person receiving a suspension has the right to appeal, in writing, within a forty-eight (48) hour period. Appeals are to be directed to the City of Oak Ridge’s Athletics Department.

 

Updated: February 19, 2020