CODE OF CONDUCT

SAILOR CODE OF CONDUCT

FOR

CANADIAN OPTIMIST DINGHY ASSOCIATION “CODA”

This Code of Conduct is a condition of membership in the Canadian Optimist Dinghy Association (“CODA”) and applies to me, my parent(s), legal guardians and coaches.  It applies when I participate in a CODA sanctioned event, including national team (“CODA”) practices and international regattas which I attend as a representative of CODA (each an “event”). This Code of Conduct applies to behaviour both on and off the water. I understand that this Code of Conduct applies in addition to the racing Rules of Sailing and in addition to any behaviour rules that my club or private team may require of me. I understand that I may be subject to additional conduct rules if I participate in an International Optimist Dinghy Association (“IODA”) event or CODA event. I understand that violations of this Code of Conduct may result in a hearing or punishment from CODA directly and that violation of this Code of Conduct may additionally violate the Racing Rules of Sailing, subjecting me to a hearing, punishment or sanction imposed by Sail Canada.

  • I will use my best efforts to learn and follow the Racing Rules of Sailing.
  • I will be honest, fair, courteous, respectful and a good sport, whether I am winning or losing.
  • I will treat competitors, coaches, regatta officials, race volunteers, parents, hosts and all others with respect, even if I believe that person is incorrect.
  • I will comply with the reasonable requests of any regatta official, CODA team coach and/or parent chaperone that may be associated with an event.
  • I will not use another person’s property without permission; steal or damage another person’s property.
  • I will not hit, abuse, bully, make fun of or call anyone names (in jest or malice), nor speak disreputably in spoken or written word, including social media.
  • I will not swear or curse on or off the water.
  • I will not abuse my equipment in anger.
  • I will follow all safety procedures and instructions given by race officials, regatta hosts and other responsible adults. I will promptly notify a race official, coach or responsible adult if another person is in danger.
  • I will not engage in any conduct that endangers the health or safety of another competitor.
  • I will only use class legal equipment at a CODA or IODA event.
  • I will not use alcohol, tobacco, or any drugs that were not prescribed specifically or available lawfully for me.

Possible Disciplinary Actions: 

If the CODA Executive determines that a breach has occurred, it may:

  1. Impose any of the following disciplinary actions and is not restricted to imposing just one:
    1. Require a written or verbal apology to be delivered either privately or publicly to the offended party;
    2. Issue a written or verbal warning to the competitor, a record of such warning shall be maintained with the competitor’s membership file;
    3. Issue a written report concerning the competitor’s behaviour to his or her home club or sailing team;
    4. In the case of property damage or theft, award damages to the owner of the injured property plus a fine if deemed appropriate in the case of intentional property damage or theft;
    5. Suspend such sailor’s membership with CODA for a period of time deemed appropriate by the Executive in its sole discretion. The Executive may consider any prior warnings issued to a sailor previously in a suspension determination; and/or
  2. In the event of a serious or material breach of the Code of Conduct for conduct which may violate either Rule 2 or 69 in its opinion, make a report to the Chair of the Protest Committee (or Chief Judge/Umpire) with a recommendation to hold a Rule 2 hearing or to consider a possible Rule 69 hearing under the Sail Canada Racing Rules.

Updated December 10, 2018

CODA – Code of Conduct