The Purpose of the Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is intended to ensure our club’s activities remain welcoming and inclusive for all. It is here to help guide our members on how to be more self-aware of how their words and actions impact others, so any potential conflicts can be resolved quickly and amicably. Where the Spirit of Curling guides an athlete’s on-ice conduct regarding gameplay, this Code of Conduct is intended to complement that, with regards to our members’ behavior and communication towards others (both on and off the ice). It is in that spirit we ask this Code of Conduct be followed and applied.

Where This Code is Applied

This Code of Conduct will be enforced inside all spaces managed or organized by Frogtown Curling. This includes, but is not limited to: on-ice activities, club room socializing before and after curling, off-ice social events organized by the club, FTCC Facebook, FTCC mailing lists, and other forms of media communication. This Code of Conduct also covers events in which you are representing FTCC (e.g., bonspiels).

The Spirit of Curling, from the World Curling Federation

Curling is a game of skill and of tradition. A shot well-executed is a delight to see, and it is also a fine thing to observe the time-honoured traditions of curling being applied in the true spirit of the game. Curlers play to win but never to humble their opponents.

A true curler never attempts to distract opponents, nor to prevent them from playing their best, and would prefer to lose rather than to win unfairly.

Curlers never knowingly break a rule of the game, nor disrespect any of its traditions. Should they become aware that this has been done inadvertently, they will be the first to divulge the breach.

While the main object of the game of curling is to determine the relative skill of the players, the spirit of curl­ing demands good sportsmanship, kindly feeling and honorable conduct.

This spirit should influence both the interpretation and the application of the rules of the game and also the conduct of all participants on and off the ice.

Core Values of Frogtown Curling

Along with the Spirit of Curling, Frogtown Curling Club has core values guiding our behavior both on and off the ice. These principles are grounded in our love of the game and our respect for one another. This list of values and the details that follow are not an exhaustive list of rules, but rather guideposts to help you find your way towards positive and inclusive interactions with everyone in FTCC spaces.

Be Respectful

Respect is a fundamental value of our club. Not all of us will agree all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for poor behav­ior and poor manners. We might all experience some frustration or competitive anger now and then, but we cannot allow that frustration or competitive feeling to turn into a personal attack. It’s important to remember: any community where people feel uncomfortable or threatened does not help grow the sport we all love. Members of Frogtown Curling should be respectful when dealing with other members and non-member participants at FTCC activities.

Be Inclusive

We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not lim­ited to: members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, color, immigration status, social and economic class, educational level, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.

Be Careful in the Words You Choose

We understand players will often socialize among friends and fellow curlers after league or at bonspiels. You are still representing the club, as well as yourself: err on the side of caution when there are any doubts about your words.

Be Kind to Others

Do not insult or put down other participants. Harassment and other exclusionary behavior are not acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Violent threats or language directed against another person
• Discriminatory jokes and language
• Unwelcome sexual attention
• Conduct directed at someone that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety and/or the safety of others, and/or suffer substantial emotional distress
• Sharing sexually explicit or violent material
• Sharing (or threatening to share) other people’s personal information
• Personal insults, especially any using racist or sexist terms, or other such “hate speech”
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior

Repeated harassment of others. If someone asks you to stop, then stop.

Alcohol use is not an excuse for harassment, disrespect, or other inappropriate behavior.

Be Friendly and Patient

We understand everyone has different levels of experience and skill on the ice. We all have areas of our game in need of improve­ment. Frogtown Curling should be a place where people can not only compete, but feel comfortable asking questions and learn­ing along the way. When helping another member grow as a curler, either in their gameplay or their on-ice etiquette, do so with patience, respect, and politeness. Remember: we all were new to the sport at one point, too! If you see someone you think needs help with their curling skills, always ask first before offering advice. Not everyone is always looking for feedback, no matter how well-intentioned. When someone violates the generally accepted etiquette of the game, communicate your concern as politely as possible. If the issue is not urgent, consider discussing the matter after the match or with the player’s skip instead of addressing the player directly.

When We Disagree, Try to Understand Why

Disagreements, both social and competitive, happen all the time. It is important that we resolve disagreements and differing views constructively. Remember: we’re all unique, and there is strength in having a diverse community of people from a wide range of backgrounds. Different people have different perspectives. Being unable to understand why someone holds a certain viewpoint doesn’t mean they’re wrong. To err is human, and blaming each other for a mistake solves nothing. Instead, try to focus on resolv­ing the issue, and learning from it.

Questions?

If you have questions, please see the Code of Conduct FAQ. If you don’t find your answer there, please email the Code of Conduct Committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Acknowledgements

This document draws heavily from the Code of Conduct of the Silicon Valley Curling Club, and both adapted and borrowed text is used with permission. SVCC’s document was influenced by Ecma International’s TC39.

Special thanks go out to our friends at the Silicon Valley Curling Club and the Windy City Curling Club for their inspiration, guidance, and assistance in generating and adapting this Code of Conduct.

11/15/2022 Revision