Harassment Statement

 

The Guelph Rugby Football Club (Guelph RFC) is committed to developing, maintaining, and supporting a culture where all participants can learn, play, and share in the game of rugby in a safe and inclusive environment. 

 

The Guelph RFC recognizes and adheres to  Rugby Ontario (RO) Operations Manual Policies, including section 1.13 Harassment. 

 

What is Harassment?

 

Harassment – is a form of discrimination which is prohibited by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and by human rights legislation in Ontario.

There are many types of harassment including: 

·       Comments, actions or gestures which are insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive; on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or disability 

·       Actions that disturb persistently, torment, bother continually, persecute or trouble by repeated attacks and hostilities; 

·       Unwelcome advances (e.g. for sexual favours) or other physical conduct (e.g. sexual touching) when submitting to or rejecting this conduct is used as the basis for making decisions which affect the individual; 

·       When such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s performance; creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment; or ought to be reasonably known to be unwelcome. 

Harassment can occur with teammates, coaches, club members, board members, opposing teams, and referees. 

What should I do if I experience harassment?

 

If you are experiencing harassment, we want to support you. Below is a list of options.

1)    Seek support from your coach, trusted Guelph RFC representative, or our Ombudsperson.

Ombudsperson: A confidential and impartial club appointed individual to support individuals with complaints and concerns safely. An Ombudsperson can help in decision making for next steps, supply resources, and provide an outlet, especially when concerns involve coaches or board members. 

Current Guelph RFC Ombudsperson – Kelly Shaw (he/him) ombudsman@guelphrugby.com

2)    If you feel safe and confident in doing so, make it known to the harasser that the behavior is unwelcome, offensive, and contrary to Rugby Ontario’s policy. 

3)    Seek the confidential advice of a Provincial Harassment Officers (PHO) through the Rugby Ontario CEO or his designate. 

4)    File a harassment complaint. The complaint must be lodged with Rugby Ontario using the Rugby Ontario Harassment Report Form within 60 days of the incident unless there are exceptional circumstances. The RO Office will forward the complaint to the appropriate PHO for investigation and follow-up as appropriate. Any registrant who has encountered any form of harassment may file a formal written complaint to the RO office. 

Reporting is your choice
It is your decision whether to file an official report with RO about sexual violence or harassment. We understand that this decision may be difficult, and no intervention will be made without your consent and willingness to proceed.

 

AIR QUALITY POLICY – Directive from Rugby Ontario

Hello Rugby Community,
 

In light of the current air quality situation resulting from the forest fires across Ontario and Quebec, Rugby Ontario recognizes the potential short- and long-term health effects of engaging in physical activity outdoors when the air quality is poor.  In response to this evolving situation, our team at Rugby Ontario has developed an Air Quality Monitoring Guidelines document. 
 

While the air quality evolves day-to-day, we feel it is important we equip our members with resources that can help guide their decision making on whether to proceed with planned programming.  It is a dynamic situation, and we anticipate there may be requests for postponements / rescheduling of league matches, competitions and other events.  Rugby Ontario encourages all clubs, players and community members to refer to our Air Quality Monitoring Guidelines document. It can be found on our website and serves as a blueprint for all decision making surrounding practices, games and events. Also, it includes information on the Air Quality Health Index, how to interpret and plan for safe outdoor activity during different conditions.
 

We recognize the time sensitivity as the weekend approaches and the potential impacts on planned programming. We kindly ask that all clubs follow the instructions on communication to the relevant stakeholders should there be a need to cancel / reschedule matches or events.
 

Rugby Ontario will continue to monitor the Environment Canada advisories over the coming days and will provide further updates and information as required.  Thank you for your support. 
 

Sincerely,
Rugby Ontario