Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario (WSWO) is committed to encouraging equity, inclusion and universal participation within the organization, our committees and to our entire membership.

This policy is to pledge fair and equitable opportunities and access in all programs, services and operations of the organization, and a working environment free of discrimination. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, colour, age, sexual orientation, family status, marital status, mental or physical disability, or religion is expressly forbidden in the WSWO workplace, in any WSWO activity, in any of the employment or recruitment practices of WSWO, in any WSWO sanctioned tournament, contest or event or in any WSWO training course/workshop.

WSWO recognizes that our sport programs, competitions and records are bound by and must also adhere to the Rules of Competition as established by the International Water Ski & Wakeboard Federation (IWSF) and Water Ski & Wakeboard Canada (WSWC)

Preamble

Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario (WSWO) is committed to providing a safe sporting environment for all participants of towed watersports.

Purpose

The purpose of screening is to ensure the suitability of personnel & volunteers who will work with our members and to identify those who may pose a potential risk.

Scope

WSWO is a volunteer driven organization which may designate paid personnel.

Definitions

Criminal record Check (CRC): A search of adult convictions held within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National repository of Criminal Records.

Paid Personnel: Those individuals directly contracted by WSWO that receive reimbursement who will interact with WSWO members in a position of trust or authority. Typically paid coaches and instructors.

Unpaid Personnel: Those individuals supporting WSWO without reimbursement who will interact with WSWO members in a position of trust or authority. Typically parents, family members or individuals interested in towed water sports.

Screening Committee: A group of individuals from the WSWO executive board or discipline committees appointed by the WSWO executive board to administer this policy.

Self-Declaration: The self-evaluation and signed declaration by the volunteer that they are not convicted of any offences

Policy

The foundation of successful screening is dependent on the applicant providing accurate, honest and complete information to the Screening Committee.

It is WSWO’s policy that paid personnel shall undergo a CRC upon hiring and every 3 years afterwards, if deemed necessary by the Screening Committee.

The screening of unpaid personnel shall be at the discretion of the Screening Committee. The level of screening shall range from volunteer acknowledgement, self-declaration or a CRC requirement based on the Screening Committee’s decision.

Any person in the paid or unpaid category who receives a conviction shall disclose this information to the WSWO Screening Committee when they first receive the information. The Screening Committee shall then determine the next steps: revoke the approval, apply limitations to the person’s duties and responsibilities or approve their continued participation.

Records

All records of screening shall be retained by the WSWO office and are subject to the provisions of the privacy act. These records are deemed confidential.

Social  media  provides  PSOs  with  a  new  way  to  speak  to  athletes,  members  and  various  other
stakeholders. Although social media provides immediate two-way communication, it can also pose a problem with ‘over sharing’ or dissemination of confidential or inappropriate content.

The following is the official Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario (WSWO) policy for participating in social media. These guidelines apply to all WSWO Members, including Board of Directors, General Members, full-time staff, interns, part-time or volunteer staff (e.g. provincial coaches, officials or coach educators) and Ontario Team athletes.

Participation in social media on behalf of WSWO is not a right, but a privilege. Please treat this seriously
and with respect.

1. Honesty and Transparency

Your authenticity will be quickly noticed online. Please represent WSWO ethically and with integrity.

• Be transparent: Use your real name, identify who you are and be clear about your role.
• Be truthful: If you have a vested interest in something you are discussing, be the first to point it out and be specific about what it is.
• Be yourself: Stick to your area of expertise; write what you know. Do not misrepresent your level of knowledge or certification.
   

2. Protect WSWO

Never post anything that puts WSWO or yourself at risk.

• Maintain WSWO’s Confidentiality Agreement: Never reveal classified or confidential information.
• Don’t criticize WSWO, our athletes, coaches, officials, staff, volunteers and other WSWO representatives. Complaining online does nothing but make you look like a complainer!
• Don’t overshare: Be careful and think twice before sharing your post - you can’t take back what you publish!

3. Use Common Sense

Perception is reality and in online social networks, the lines between public and private, personal and professional are blurred. Do not use your personal accounts for WSWO postings.

4. Respect our Sponsors

Effectively manage the posting of sponsors on social media by getting the necessary approval prior to publishing. We want to ensure our sponsors are promoted in only a positive manner.

5. Escalation Policy

If a negative post is detected, WSWO will:

• Provide proper clarification to factual comments to create a better understanding; and/or
• Delete any offensive, insulting and distasteful posts immediately.

Preamble

Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario (WSWO) is committed to protecting its proprietary confidential information.

Definitions

WSWO Representatives: all individuals employed by, or engaged in activities with, the WSWO including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, contract personnel, committee members, and Directors and officers of Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario (hereinafter “WSWO Representatives”).

Confidential Information:

The term “Confidential Information” includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a) Personal information of WSWO Representatives including:

• Home address
• Email address
• Personal phone numbers
• Date of birth
• Financial information
• Medical history
• Police Vulnerable Sector Checks

b) WSWO intellectual property, proprietary information, and business related to WSWO programs, fundraisers, procedures, business methods, forms, policies, marketing and development plans, advertising programs, creative and training materials, trade secrets, knowledge, techniques, data, products, technology, computer programs, manuals, registration lists, software, financial information, and information that is not generally or publicly known or distributed.

Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to ensure the protection of Confidential Information that is proprietary to the WSWO.

Policy

This Policy applies to all categories of membership within the WSWO’s Bylaws as well as all individuals employed by, or engaged in activities with, the WSWO. Persons affected by this Policy include, but are not limited to, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, contract personnel, committee members, Directors and officers of the WSWO (hereinafter “WSWO Representatives”).

Confidential Information does not include the following: name, title, business address, work telephone number, or any other information widely available or posted publicly.

WSWO Representatives voluntarily publishing or consenting to the publication of basic personal information in a public forum (such as the listing of an email address on a website) forfeit the expectation of confidentiality for that personal information for as long as it is available publicly.

Responsibilities

WSWO Representatives will not, either during the period of their involvement/employment with the WSWO or any time thereafter, disclose to any person or organization any Confidential Information acquired during their period of involvement/employment, unless expressly authorized to do so.

WSWO Representatives will not publish, communicate, divulge, or disclose to any unauthorized person, firm, corporation, or third party any Confidential Information without the express written consent of the WSWO.

WSWO Representatives will not use, reproduce, or distribute Confidential Information without the express written consent of the WSWO.

All files and written materials relating to Confidential Information will remain the property of the WSWO and, upon termination of involvement/employment with the WSWO or upon request of the WSWO, the WSWO Representative will immediately return all written or tangible Confidential Information, as well as copies and reproductions, and any other media containing Confidential Information.

Intellectual Property

Copyright and any other intellectual property rights for all written material (including material in electronic format or posted on a website) and other works produced in connection with employment or involvement with the WSWO will be owned solely by the WSWO, which shall have the right to use, reproduce, or distribute such material and works, in whole or in part, for any purpose it wishes.

The WSWO may grant permission for others to use its intellectual property.

Enforcement

A breach of any provision in this Policy may be subject to legal recourse, termination of the employment or volunteer position, or sanctions pursuant to the WSWO’s Discipline and Complaints Policy.

Accessibility for Ontarioans with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Approved by the WSWO Board of Directors April 5, 207

Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario recognizes the importance of and is committed to providing exceptional access to specialized equipment and services to all people with disabilities, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) for its customers/members.

Our organization will ensure that its policies, procedures and practices are consistent with providing the provision of services to persons with disabilities to be integrated wherever possible.

Persons with disabilities will be given an opportunity equal to that given to others, to obtain, use or benefit from the goods and services provided by and on behalf of Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario.

The organization is committed to excellence in serving all customers/members including people with disabilities. As such, Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario will use reasonable efforts to ensure its policies and procedures are consistent to provide exceptional practices.

Event Organizers planning Tournaments to be held in Ontario shall apply to Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario (WSWO) for Tournament Sanctions through the Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario office. Sanction applications shall be referred to the appropriate discipline Chair, or his/her designate, for consideration and approval/rejection. Sanctions may only be granted to approved Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario tournament sites. Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario reserves the right to evaluate proposed tournament sites and advise applicants of site deficiencies prior to consideration of a Sanction application.

WSWO shall grant tournament Sanctions specifically for Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario recognized disciplines: Traditional Skiing (slalom, trick, and jump), Barefoot, or Wakeboard. Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario welcomes adaptive athletes to all sanctioned events. All Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario Sanctions may cover/ include adaptive participants.

Approved Tournament Sanctions shall be a mandatory requirement for all events where ratings from Water Ski Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) are being offered to tournament participants based on their tournament scores.

There are three levels of Sanction that may be applied for through Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario:

1. Class 1 (C1) Sanction. A C1 Sanction must meet the published criteria for a C1 tournament as stated on the WSWO C1 Sanction application.

2. Record Capable (RC) Sanction. An application for a RC Sanction must meet the published criteria for an RC tournament as stated on the WSWO / WSWC Sanction application.

3. Record Capable/World Ranking List (RC/WRL) Sanction. An application for a RC/WRL Sanction must meet the published criteria for an RC/WRL tournament as stated on the WSWO / WSWC Sanction application.

All approved Sanctions require that the applicant (or his/her designate) comply with the rules of organization and competition as set out in the rulebooks published by WSWC that apply to the specific discipline being sanctioned. Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario may withdraw a Sanction should the terms of the application be broken prior to or during the Sanctioned tournament.

Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information of its employees, volunteers, members, customers, donors and other stakeholders. Personal information, as used in this policy, is any information that can be used to distinguish, identify or contact a specificindividual. Personal information as defined above is typically collected through online Membership and Events registration.

Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario:
a) Will not sell your personal information to third parties  
b) Will keep all personal information that you provide to us secure from inadvertent disclosure  
c) Will only gather and keep the information necessary to provide you with the proper services 

The membership period is applicable from 1 January to 31 December of the current calendar year for all competitive, information and benefits access. Each membership shall be honoured until 31 January of the following calendar year to permit voting rights at the annual general meeting held in that time period.

Membership rates shall be established by the WSWO Board of Directors and published on the WSWO website.

3-A / Individual Memberships:

Active Adult Membership $ 40.00:

(17 years & older)

*This membership includes a competitive license with WSWC *

This membership is for individuals who belong to any WSWO affiliate club, who wish to participate in any of our sanctioned contests, tournaments, events or courses. In addition, this membership provides access to:

*TOWSMART boat insurance program http://wswc.ca/boat-insurance/
* CAIP (Canadian Athlete Insurance Program) + other WSWC insurance programs. https://wswc.ca/athlete-insurance/

This is also for any athlete of a school or event and are an instructor, coach or official. This membership will keep a record of your credentials in our database of active certified coaches, instructors and officials. Members will receive monthly updates on events taking place throughout the year, a copy or our annual WAKES Magazine, and perks and privileges from our organization’s various partners. This membership is essentially for those who are active participants within the organization.

Active Youth Membership $ 30.00:

(16 years & under)
*This membership includes a competitive license with WSWC *

This membership is an Active membership for those who are 16 years of age and under. Perks of this membership are highlighted above in the ‘Active Adult Membership’.

Recreational Membership: $15:

This membership is for the recreational individuals who would like to participate in a local event, or get more involved in wakeboard, wakepark, wakesurf, waterski, showski, barefoot, adaptive and other areas of towed watersports. These members will receive information-based services (emails, trick tips, information about events in the area, location of watersports facilities in their area, access to our classified ad service as well as a copy of our annual Wakes magazine. This membership is great for those who are new to the sport and/or competitions and want to get involved with Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario! Please note that this membership does not include a WSWC membership, nor does it include access to WSWO or WSWC insurance programs. Also note that members who would like to participate in one local event a year may purchase the Recreational Membership.

3-B/ Memberships for Organizations:

Club: $100.00:

What is defined as a club: An operation that acts as a non-profit organization and where every person involved with the club is a member of their respective provincial water ski and wakeboard association. This is not exclusive to, but includes club members, volunteers, staff, and every participant in club activities on or off the water. Active clubs within all disciplines of WSWO shall become “Club Members” to be recognized by WSWO.

School: $100.00:

What is defined as a school: a school is defined as an operation whose participants do not necessarily become members of their respective provincial water ski and wakeboard association. Active schools shall ensure they use Certified Instructors. Certified Instructors must renew their WSWO membership to be recognized as an active NCCP instructor.

Camp: $100.00:

Camp memberships require one trained instructor on staff in the first year of membership, and in continuing years there must be one trained instructor per boat PLUS all waterfront staff need to be WSWO Active members, regardless of their certification level.

Harassment is anyone doing or saying something that makes another person or group of people feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Some examples include: threats, inappropriate jokes, insulting movements, constantly asking someone out on a date, repeatedly asking personal questions after someone has said they don’t want to answer, touching someone without asking, physical or sexual assault.

Discrimination is anyone doing something that has a negative effect on a person or group of people because of such things as their physical appearance, religious beliefs, gender, disability, record of offences, sexual identity and/or situation. These rules are for everyone, including staff, volunteers, officials, competitors, board members and people using the programs.

4 I: Any person feeling harassed or discriminated against or who has witnessed harassment or discrimination has the right to make a complaint. It is important that people report any harassment or discrimination as soon as possible.

4 II: Steps to making a Complaint

Note: all the people involved, whether it is the person being harassed, friends, support people or staff, are expected to keep everything confidential. This procedure does not affect an individual’s right to file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission. Request that the person who is perpetrating the action to stop, be specific, and explain how it makes you feel. If you witness someone else being the victim of harassment or discrimination, talk to a Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario staff person or the person(s) in charge of the event. If they are still making you feel uncomfortable, then you should file a complaint with the Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario President to

be presented to the Board of Directors. Keep a written record of the events.

Once the President & Board of Directors reviews a complaint, the complaint process shall be initiated to be addressed through an inquiry. Records of the results of the inquiry are private and shall only be shared with the complainant and the President & Board of Directors.

Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario through its Board of Directors, is committed to fostering respect and dignity for each of its employees and members. This policy is intended to guarantee equal opportunities and a working environment free of discrimination to all those members and employees.

Discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, ethnic origin, class, age, sexual orientation, family status, religion or disability is expressly forbidden in the Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario workplace, in any work-related activity, in any of the employment or recruitment practices of Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario or in any Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario sanctioned programs and services. In addition, Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario will take positive measures to ensure that employment opportunities with Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario are equally available to all employees and prospective employees.

6-A: Procedures

Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario will enhance the quality of leadership, participation and programs by:

I. Supporting equity and access for under-represented groups.

II. Ensuring that the achievement of equal opportunities is a key consideration when developing, updating, or delivering Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario programs, policies, and projects.

III. Ensuring that its governance structure encourages and promotes equal participation and encourages balanced gender representation on its Board and on all committees.

IV. Dealing with any incidence of discriminatory behavior according to the Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario Code of Conduct and Ethics

Defining the Term

6-B. Right to Equal Opportunity

Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario prohibits any treatment which has a discriminatory effect on any person based on any of the following prohibited grounds; sex, race, ethnic origin, class, age, family status, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. In addition to the rights ensured by this policy, applicants and employees have a legal right to equal opportunities at work. Discrimination is prohibited by several pieces of legislation, including the Canadian Human Rights Act and provincial human rights acts.

Providing equal opportunities also mandates that Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario identify and address any barriers to success in and access to:

I. Employment

To employment at Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario and

II. Participation

To participation in any Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario sanctioned programs, competitions and services. Said mandate shall be done both in response to and prior to complaints being made about those barriers

6-C: Discrimination

Discrimination is defined as any distinction that disproportionately and negatively impacts on an individual or group in a way that it does not impact on others. Whether or not such discrimination is intentional is irrelevant. Rather, the effect of the acts on the target of the discrimination is the relevant criterion.

I. Direct Discrimination

Direct discrimination occurs where an individual is treated less favorably than others on the basis of a prohibited ground. If, for example, a prospective employee was refused a job because Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario said that members would be uncomfortable with any one or more of the prohibited ground of discrimination, direct discrimination would be operative.

II. Indirect Discrimination

Indirect discrimination occurs where practices or acts not reasonably related to job requirements or participation in any sanctioned programs, competition and services have a negative impact on individuals or groups on the basis of a prohibited ground of discrimination. For example, an unnecessary height restriction that eliminates most women from consideration for a job is an example of indirect discrimination.

III. Systemic Discrimination

Systemic discrimination may occur where long term practices have resulted in structures of work that disadvantage individuals because they are members of certain groups. For example, long, unpredictable and inflexible hours of work may systematically prevent women with child care responsibilities from pursuing career opportunities.

IV. Adverse Effect Discrimination

Adverse effect discrimination occurs when the application of an apparently neutral law or policy has a disproportionate and harmful impact on individuals from particular social groups. For example, a dress code that required all employees or members to wear a particular type of hat would adversely impact on persons who, for religious reasons, wearturbans.

V. Retaliation

Retaliation occurs where a person has made a complaint of discrimination and the party who is alleged to have committed the discriminatory act takes further or increased harmful action toward the complainant because of that complaint.

VI. Pregnancy Discrimination Is Sex Discrimination

Where opportunities are denied to a woman because of a pregnancy or an anticipated or possible pregnancy, that woman has been discriminated against on the basis of sex. Sex discrimination is prohibited.

VII. Sexual Harassment Is Sex Discrimination

Sexual harassment in the workplace, either in the form of direct sexual demands or threats related to employment advantages or disadvantages, or in the form of sexist attitudes or treatment that poisons a workplace atmosphere, constitutes sex discriminati on or is prohibited. A workplace free of sexual discrimination is an employee's right.

Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario, through its Board of Directors, is committed to ensuring that no sexual harassment occurs in any work-related exchange and any Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario sanctionedprograms and services. Any complaints concerning al legations of sexual harassment will be dealt with through the complaints process in Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario sexual harassment policy.

6-D: Employment Decisions are Applicable

All employment decisions made by Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario are covered by this policy. These decisions include but are not limited to: job advertising, recruitment, hiring, remuneration, benefits, availability of support services, and availability of leave, professional opportunities and advancement.

Any decisions made in any of these areas must be made on the basis of performance-based criteria such as qualifications, experience, and merit, rather than on stereotypes or any other discriminatory considerations.

6-E: Implementation

I. Recruitment

All Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario promotional materials will attempt to encourage diversity among applicants to all programs and services. They will state that Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and with non-traditional qualifications.

II. Interviewing

Recognizing that most human rights legislation prohibits making employment decisions on the basis of characteristics such as family status, sexual orientation, or religion, questions that even indirectly solicit such personal information are to be avoided by those interviewing for Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario. Instead, open-ended questions that allow an applicant to offer what, if any, personal information that person feels is appropriate should be asked. The interviewer will outline Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario’s expectations and job description in some detail. Evaluation criteria will be carefully explained. The applicant will have an opportunity to explain why she or he is especially qualified for the job. The interview will focus on its intended purpose, which is to discover the most qualified candidate for the job. Where questions relating to personal commitment or future plans are necessary at an interview, all applicants will be asked identical questions.

Every applicant will be informed about Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario’s workplace equity policy, harassment policy and any other relevant work-related policies at initial interviews.

III. Hiring

Hiring, as well as evaluations, remuneration, and professional development will be carried out by committees representing as much of the diversity within Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario as possible.

The objective of this policy is to have traditionally underrepresented groups represented, to the greatest extent possible, on all Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario committees and at all levels of Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario. The Employment Equity clause of this policy will be applied in all decisions regarding hiring and promotion.

IV. Recruitment of Volunteers

All members making decisions regarding the recruitment of volunteers for any Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario sanctioned programs and services will do so in accordance with this policy.

V. Budgets

All decisions made by Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario concerning the allocation of its financial resources to various Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario programs and services will be done in accordance with this policy.

VI Sponsorships

Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario is committed to ensuring that all sponsorship decisions will be made in accordance with this policy. This may include, but is not limited to, requesting from potential sponsors such information, as Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario deems necessary, concerning potential sponsors' harassment and workplace equity policies. Where an employee or member believes that there has been a failure of the policy, the employee or member should follow the complaint procedures identified inWater Ski Wakeboard Ontario’s harassment policy. Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario will treat all such complaints in a serious manner, will nvestigate all formal complaints, and will discipline any person found in breach of this policy without regard to their status within Water Ski Wakeboard

Ontario. Any person who feels that she or he has suffered from discriminatory treatment should also be reminded of the remedies available to him or her under the applicable human rights legislation.

Where a member or employee of Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario has been discriminated against by a non-member or employee of Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario will support and assist the person alleging discrimination in whatever manner seems appropriate.

VII: Conclusion

This policy is deemed to be remedial in nature and shall receive a fair, large and liberal construction and interpretation as will best ensure the attainment of its true intent, meaning and spirit. There is zero tolerance of discrimination and barriers to equal opportunity at Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario. To support values of equality and justice, Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario will apply those values in its own employment decisions and to any Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario sanctioned programs or services.

The success of Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario’s Safety Program depends on sincere, constant, and cooperate efforts from all staff, officials, volunteers, competitors, participants (members) and their proactive, preventative participation.

All members are expected to work in compliance with and follow safe working procedures at all times and to take a proactive role in protecting themselves, their fellow members. Members are encouraged to identify and report unsafe conditions, practices and/or behaviour, as well as make suggestions for correction or improvement. You are not expected to perform work in an unsafe manner or conditions.

The safety information in this policy does not take precedence over O.H. & S. Regulations. All employees, athletes, coaches, and participants should be familiar with the O.H. & S. Act and Regulations.

Applicable For Members of the WSWO Board of Directors, Officers or Staff

The Board of Directors of Water Ski and Wakeboard Ontario (“WSWO”) along with its officers and staff members have been entrusted by the association’s members to promote and protect its interests.Those interests include the execution of WSWO’s strategic vision:

“To develop and promote organized water skiing, wakeboarding and other towed water ports from beginner to pro.”

Inasmuch as WSWO’s Values recognize the need to foster an environment that is Fun and safe, ethical & fair, inclusive & open, member focused and family centred, it is important that directors, officers and staff be seen always to place the interests of the association

above their own when engaged in WSWO business. The following points are intended to provide guidance for the WSWO Board and for individual directors, officers or staff in cases where real, apparent, or potential conflicts of interest may arise.

To read more, click the downloadable PDF icon below:

1 Definitions

The following terms have these meanings in this Code:

a) “Individuals”– Registered WSWO members and all individuals engaged in activities with the WSWO including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, judges, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, and directors and officers of WSWO

b)“Sport Environment” – Any place where WSWO business or activities are conducted. Sport Environment includes but is not limited to, the WSWO office, work-related social functions, work assignments outside the WSWO office, work-related travel, and work-related conferences or training sessions,WSWO competitions, tournaments, practices, tryouts, training camps, travel associated with WSWO, the WSWO office environment and any meetings.

2 Purpose

The purpose of this Code is to ensure a safe and positive environment (within the WSWO Sport Environment) by making Individuals aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with the WSWO s mission and objectives. WSWO supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.

To read more, click the downloadable PDF icon below:

Water Ski and Wakeboard Ontario have taken steps to create indepth concussion policies and procedures to bring clarity and guidance to our athletes on concussion management.

To read more, click the downloadable PDF icon below:

Preamble

Water Ski and Wakeboard Ontario (WSWO) supports the principles of alternative dispute resolution and is committed to the techniques of mediation and arbitration as effective ways to resolve disputes and to avoid the uncertainty and cost associated with litigation. WSWO shall consider mediation and arbitration processes as outlined below.

Mediation

Opportunities for mediation may be pursued at any point in a dispute where it is appropriate and where the disputing parties agree that such a course of action would be mutually beneficial.

Arbitration

In the event that a dispute persists after internal avenues of decision-making, appeals and/or mediation have been exhausted, opportunities for final binding arbitration may be pursued.

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.

Should a dispute be referred to arbitration, all parties to the original appeal will be parties to the arbitration.

The parties to the arbitration will enter into a written Arbitration Agreement that will specify that 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.

No Legal Action

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

For a downloadable copy of WSWO's Emergency Action plan, click the PDF icon below:

For a downloadable copy of WSWO's Officials Certification and Ratings Criteria, click the PDF icon bleow:

The Class I Tournament sanction fee is a $50 flat fee applied to each Class I Tournment, for each discipline, withing that tournament. All contestants must be WSWC members through their region. Prospective Class I tournament organizers must duly complete a WSWC Sanction Application Form. Applications must be received in the WSWC National Office no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of the tournament. Applications received between 6-3 days prior to the start of the tournament may be considered upon payment of a late penaltyfee of $50.00. Applications received 2 days or less prior to the start of the tournament will not be considered.

The sanction application for a WSWC Record Capability tournament must be submitted directly to the WSWC National Office no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled start to the tournament. Applications received 29-15 days prior to the start of the tournament may be considered upon payment of a late penalty fee of $150.00. Applications received 14 days or less prior to the start of the tournament will not be considered.

A minimum sanction fee of $150.00, payable to the Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada, must accompany the sanction application. The sanction fee is $10.00 per skier. The balance of the sanction fee (# of skiers x $10.00, less the minimum already paid), must be submitted to WSWC within 7 days of the end of the tournament.

Purpose

1. WSWO is committed to providing an environment in which all WSWO Members are treated with respect and characterized by the value of fairness, integrity and open communication. Membership in the WSWO, as well as participation in its activities, brings with it many benefits and privileges. At the same time, members and participants are expected to fulfill certain responsibilities and obligations including, but not limited to, complying with the policies, bylaws, rules and regulations and Code of Conduct and Ethics of the WSWO.

2. Irresponsible behavior by WSWO members can result in severe damage to the integrity of WSWO. Conduct that violates these values

may be subject to sanctions pursuant to this policy. Since sanctions may be applied, it is only fair to provide WSWO Members a mechanism so complaints and discipline is dealt with fairly, expeditiously and affordably.

To read more, click the downloadable PDF icon below:

For a downloadable copy of the WSWO Certificate of Insurance, click the PDF icon below: