Review our Code of Conduct Manual

CONDUCT GUIDELINES

Minnesota Dodgeball is dedicated to fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved in our events and leagues. As a member of our community, we expect you to adhere to the following code of conduct, promoting sportsmanship, respect, and fairness in all interactions. This code applies to all events hosted by Minnesota Dodgeball and at other organizations.

Sportsmanship, Respect and Fair Play

  • Treat all participants with respect, courtesy, and sportsmanship. This includes displaying good sportsmanship in both victory and defeat.
  • Refrain from violence, aggression, disrespectful behavior, taunting, trash-talking, or aggressive gestures.
  • Abide by the rules and regulations of the game as set by Minnesota Dodgeball. Avoid cheating, dishonesty, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
  • Play to the best of your abilities without intentionally causing harm or unnecessary injuries to other players.

Inclusive Environment

  • Embrace and celebrate the diversity of participants, fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Refrain from engaging in any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.
  • Encourage teamwork, cooperation, and camaraderie among all players.

Safety and Equipment

  • Participants are anticipated to partake in responsible and safe play throughout dodgeball matches. Engaging in reckless play is strongly discouraged. It is mandatory for participants to uphold precaution, exercise good judgment, and prioritize safety consistently.
  • Follow the instructions of league officials and staff regarding safety protocols and equipment usage. Utilize the designated and approved equipment provided by  and Minnesota Dodgeball responsibly. Refrain from causing any damage or intentional harm to our equipment.

Alcohol and Substance Policy

  • Refrain from participating in Minnesota Dodgeball events while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or any substances that may impair judgment or physical coordination. Additionally, exercise caution and comply with venue regulations regarding the consumption of substances, refraining from bringing any prohibited substances to league venues or events.

Conflict Resolution

  • If conflicts arise during a game or event, handle them in a calm and respectful manner.
  • Report any instances of misconduct, harassment, or unfair play to league officials promptly.

Compliance with Policies

  • Adhere to all the rules, guidelines, and policies set forth by Minnesota Dodgeball.
  • Comply with any directives or decisions made by league officials or staff.
  • Ensure compliance with facility/venue rules and regulations while participating in Minnesota Dodgeball events.

Integrity, Honesty & Accountability 

  • Represent yourself and your team truthfully and honestly.
  • Avoid engaging in any behavior that could compromise the integrity of the game or the league.
  • Accept responsibility for your actions and conduct while participating in  and Minnesota Dodgeball events.

Responsible Spectating 

  • As a spectator, follow the same code of conduct and respect for all participants.
  • Refrain from interfering with the game or engaging in disruptive behavior.

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

At Minnesota Dodgeball, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and welcoming community for all participants. We strictly prohibit all forms of harassment, including sexual, mental, and physical harassment, within our community spaces. Harassment undermines the inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere we strive to maintain and will not be tolerated in any form.

Sexual Harassment Policy:

Sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, is strictly prohibited in our community. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Unwanted physical contact or advances.
  • Unwanted sexual comments, jokes, or gestures.
  • Displaying sexually suggestive images or materials.

Mental Harassment Policy:

Mental harassment, such as bullying, intimidation, or verbal abuse, has no place in our community. Examples of mental harassment include:

  • Verbal insults, threats, or derogatory remarks.
  • Excluding or isolating individuals from community activities.
  • Spreading rumors or gossip.
  • Using offensive language or gestures.

Physical Harassment Policy:

Physical harassment, including assault, battery, or unwanted physical contact, is strictly prohibited in our community. This includes:

  • Hitting, pushing, or physically threatening others.
  • Blocking someone’s path or otherwise restricting their movement.
  • Damaging personal or community property in a threatening manner.
  • Making gestures or exhibiting behavior that is threatening or intimidating.

Participants who experience or witness harassment are encouraged to report the behavior to community organizers or designated representatives. Reports will be promptly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken to address the situation and prevent recurrence.

Please be aware that while we cannot monitor every aspect of Minnesota Dodgeball events, we encourage our members to act as role models when participating in such events. As members of our leagues and attendees of events, your behavior reflects on our community, and we appreciate your commitment to upholding our values wherever you go.

Any participant found to have engaged in any form of sexual, mental, or physical harassment will face appropriate consequences, including but not limited to removal from community events, suspension of membership privileges, or expulsion from Minnesota Dodgeball events.

    INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

    Below, we outline the process at Minnesota Dodgeball for addressing complaints regarding incidents that violate our anti-harassment policies.

    Reporting: Any individual who experiences or witnesses behavior that violates our anti-harassment policies is encouraged to report the incident to community organizers or designated representatives. Reports can be made in person, via email, or through our anonymous form and should include details of the incident, names of individuals involved, and any supporting evidence.

    Initial Assessment: Upon receiving a complaint, a Minnesota Dodgeball judiciary/admin board will conduct an initial assessment to determine the severity of the incident and the appropriate course of action. This may involve gathering additional information from the parties involved and assessing any immediate safety concerns.

    Investigation: If the complaint warrants further investigation, a thorough investigation will be conducted by trained personnel. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing documentation, and gathering any other relevant evidence. All parties involved will be treated with respect and confidentiality throughout the investigation process.

    Determination of Violation: Based on the findings of the investigation, a determination will be made as to whether a violation of our anti-harassment policies has occurred. If a violation is found, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with our policies and procedures.

    Resolution and Follow-Up: Once the investigation is complete and a determination has been made, the parties involved will be notified of the outcome and any disciplinary measures taken. In addition, steps will be taken to address any underlying issues and prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the future. This may include implementing additional training, providing support resources, or making changes to our policies or procedures as needed.

    Appeals Process: Individuals who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation or disciplinary action may have the option to appeal the decision through an established appeals process. This process will provide a fair and impartial review of the case by an independent party, and the outcome of the appeal will be final.

    Minnesota Dodgeball is committed to ensuring that all complaints of harassment are taken seriously and handled promptly and effectively. We are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive community for all participants, and we appreciate the cooperation of our members in upholding our anti-harassment policies. 

    MEDIA POLICY

    We enthusiastically support our players in capturing photos and videos during their games to document exciting moments. However, we strongly discourage and restrict any footage intended to bully, antagonize, embarrass, or undermine players in our leagues or at any Minnesota Dodgeball event. When utilized appropriately, media becomes a powerful tool for promoting the sport, uplifting one another, and inspiring improvement. We are committed to fostering a positive culture, and the use of media for negative purposes contradicts our media policy.

    Upon joining Minnesota Dodgeball, each player has signed a photo and video release. Nevertheless, we retain the right to remove or ban any filming if we observe it being improperly used. Our goal is to maintain a respectful and supportive environment for all players.