USA Canoe/Kayak Code of Conduct
Following the philosophy of Olympism, people who serve in leadership roles for USA
Canoe/Kayak are expected to promote the Olympic ideals of respect, fair-play and
excellence.
Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of
body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a
way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of a good example and respect for
universal fundamental ethical principles. - Olympic Charter
The following rules of conduct will be strictly applied to all USA Canoe/Kayak staff,
contracted personnel and coaches who lead USA Canoe/Kayak athletes at camps, clinics and
competitions.
Any person’s failure to adhere to this code of conduct may result in disciplinary action and
release from their current position within USA Canoe/Kayak and loss of membership.
The following shall be considered violations of USA Canoe/Kayak’s Code of Conduct:
 Conviction of, imposition of a deferred sentence for, or any plea of guilty or no contest
at any time, past or present, or the existence of any pending charges for (i) any felony,
(ii) any offense involving use, possession, distribution or intent to distribute illegal
drugs or substances, or (iii) any crime involving sexual misconduct.
 Any nonconsensual sexual conduct, unwelcome advance or other inappropriate
sexually oriented behavior or action directed toward an athlete, staff, coach or any
other person participating in any capacity in the affairs or activities of USA
Canoe/Kayak (whether or not such person is a member of USA Canoe/Kayak).
 The sale, distribution or acquisition of illegal drugs or the illegal sale or distribution of
any substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) recognized list of banned
substances.
 The illegal possession or use of illegal drugs in the presence of an athlete by a staff
member, or any person who, in the context of canoe/kayak, is in a position of
authority over, that athlete.
 Engaging in any activity that contravenes the laws of the United States of America
(USA) or the host country in which the activity is taking place.
 Providing alcohol to an athlete who is under the legal age to consume or purchase
alcohol.
 The abuse of alcohol in the presence of an athlete under the age of 18, by any person
who in the context of canoe/kayak, is in a position of authority over that athlete.
 Any act of fraud, deception or dishonesty in connection with any USA Canoe/Kayakrelated activity.
 Participating in, permitting and/or condoning the physical, mental or emotional abuse
of an athlete by any person who, in the context of canoe/kayak, is in a position of
authority over that athlete.
 Any, obscene language or gesture or other threatening language or conduct directed
toward any official, that is related to any decision made by such official at a USA
Canoe/Kayak competed competition.
 Violations of any team rule of conduct as established by the United States Olympic
Committee (USOC), USA Canoe/Kayak, The International Canoe Federation (ICF), or
person in authority leading an international team, including but not limited to
deportment, curfew, practice, team meeting attendance, and timely attendance at
competitions.
 Any other act, conduct or omission not provided in this code that is detrimental to the
image or reputation of USA Canoe/Kayak, the USA or the sport of canoe/kayak, or that
violates a rule established by USA Canoe/Kayak, the USOC, the ICF, the International
Olympic Committee (IOC) or other sport governing body.
 Talking to the media on the behalf of USA Canoe/Kayak without prior approval from
USA Canoe/Kayak CEO about items not directly involving an athlete’s abilities or
performance on the field of play.
 Any action or conduct that hinders or denies an equal opportunity to amateur
athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, administrators and officials to participate in
amateur athletic competition without discrimination on the basis of race, color,
religion, age, sex or national origin as per the Ted’s Steven Olympic and Amateur
Sports Act.
 Any other material and intentional act, conduct or omission not provided for above,
that is detrimental to the image or reputation of USA Canoe/Kayak, or the sport of
canoe/kayak.
Any member or prospective member of USA Canoe/Kayak may be denied membership,
censured, placed on probation, suspended for a definite or indefinite period of time with or
without terms of probation, fined or expelled from USA Canoe/Kayak after due process as
provided in the Bylaws of the USOC or USA Canoe/Kayak, if such member violates the
provisions of the USA Canoe/Kayak Code of Conduct, set forth above, or aids, abets or
encourages another person to violate any of the provisions of the USA Canoe/Kayak Code of
Conduct.
Name (PRINT):
Signature:
Date: