SMLA Harassment, Bullying and Abuse Contract (Strathroy Minor Lacrosse)

SMLA Harassment, Bullying and Abuse Contract
All SMLA Parents and Players Must Fill This Form

Policy Statement
The Strathroy Minor Lacrosse Association (SMLA) is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants. Harassment, bullying, and abuse will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

This policy applies to all SMLA volunteers, coaches, trainers, managers, parents/guardians, and players. By signing this contract, you agree to uphold and adhere to the principles outlined herein.

Investigation and Consequences
Any allegations of harassment, bullying, or abuse will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Investigations may be conducted by the affected team’s Bench Staff and/or a designated committee of SMLA Board Members.

Consequences for confirmed incidents may include, but are not limited to:

  • Verbal or written warnings.

  • Temporary or permanent suspension of players.

  • Release of players from the team.

  • Issuance of Trespass Notices.

  • Police involvement, depending on the severity of the incident.

All incidents will be documented and handled in accordance with SMLA policies and applicable regulations.

Definitions

Harassment:
Conduct that is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, offensive, or physically harmful. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Unwelcome jokes, innuendos, or teasing about a person’s appearance, body, attire, age, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

  • Condescending, patronizing, threatening, or punishing actions that undermine self-esteem or performance.

  • Practical jokes that cause embarrassment, endanger safety, or negatively affect performance.

  • Unwanted physical contact such as touching, patting, or pinching.

  • Hazing or any form of initiation rites.

  • Physical assault or abuse.

  • Sexual offenses.

  • Behaviors that create a hostile environment, even if not directed at specific individuals.

Bullying:
Intentionally hurtful behavior meant to insult, humiliate, degrade, or exclude someone. Bullying is often:

  • Based on power imbalances.

  • Intentionally harmful and repeated over time.

  • Oppressive, isolating victims, and caused by behavioral challenges or external factors.

Examples of Hurtful Actions:

  1. Physical: Hitting, kicking, grabbing, shoving, spitting, damaging property, or stealing.

  2. Verbal: Name-calling, teasing, degrading comments, or threats, whether in person, via notes, phone calls, text messages, or online (e.g., social media).

  3. Relational: Excluding others, spreading rumors, or making others look foolish, whether in person or through digital communication.

Personal Information