CODE OF CONDUCT
Effective as of January 1, 2024
Welcome to VETSports, a community dedicated to fostering camaraderie, sportsmanship, and inclusivity among our members. Our success is built on the foundation of mutual respect and positive engagement. This Code of Conduct outlines the principles and expectations we uphold to ensure a welcoming environment both in the VETSports app and during in-person events.
By joining VETSports, you become an integral part of a community that values diversity, sportsmanship, and collaboration. This Code of Conduct serves as a guide to help us create a space where every member feels respected, included, and safe.
We encourage all members to familiarize themselves with these principles and commit to upholding the standards set forth. Together, we can contribute to a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved in VETSports.
Thank you for being a part of our community, and let's engage in the spirit of camaraderie, fair play, and mutual respect as we embark on this shared journey within VETSports.
The Code of Conduct is to be followed and enforced in order to ensure that the VETSports Organization, members, and communities are equally respected.
I. Team Members General Conduct:
a. VETSports Inc. expects its members to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Drinking, gambling, fighting, swearing, and similar unprofessional activities are strictly prohibited while participating in an event/activity as a member of VETSports.
b. Members must not engage in sexual or verbal harassment or conduct themselves in a way that could be construed as such.
II. Conflict of Interest:
a. VETSports Inc. expects that members will participate conscientiously, honestly, and in accordance with the best interests of the organization. Members must not use their positions, or the knowledge gained as a result of their positions for private or personal advantage. Regardless of the circumstances, if members sense that a course of action they have pursued, or are presently pursuing, or are contemplating pursuing may involve them in a conflict of interest with the organization, they should immediately communicate all the facts to the VETSports leadership.
III. Outside Activities and Directorships:
a. All members share a serious responsibility for VETSports Inc.’s good public relations, especially at the community level. Their readiness to help with religious, charitable, educational, and civic activities bring credit to the organization and is encouraged. Members must, however, avoid acquiring any business interest or participating in any other activity outside of VETSports Inc. that would, or would appear to:
i. Create an excessive demand upon their time and attention, thus depriving the organization of their efforts during an event, program, or activity.
ii. Create a conflict of interest: an obligation, interest, or distraction that may interfere with the independent exercise of judgement in VETSports Inc’s best interest.
IV. Donations and Gifts:
a. Members must not accept entertainment, gifts, or personal favors that could, in anyway, influence, or appear to influence, decisions in favor of any person or organization with whom or with which VETSports Inc. has, or is likely to have, business dealings. Similarly, Members must not accept any other preferential treatment under these circumstances because their positions with VETSports Inc. might be inclined to, or be perceived to, place them under obligation to return the preferential treatment.
b. All donations, gifts, etc. are to be directed to VETSports Inc. only, or approved by VETSports’ leadership to direct donations to a specific event, team, program, or activity. Members may not receive payment or compensation of any kind from anyone outside of VETSports Inc. Any breach of this rule will fully result in immediate termination of the program and prosecution of the law.
V. Dealing with Outside People and Organizations:
a. Members must take care to separate their personal roles from VETSports Inc. when communicating on matters not involving VETSports Inc. business. Members must not use organization identification, stationery, supplies, and equipment for personal or political matters or give away any proprietary information.
b. When communicating publicly on matters that involve VETSports Inc. employees and volunteers must not presume to speak for VETSports Inc. on any topic, unless they are certain that the views, they express are those of VETSports Inc. and it is VETSports’ desire that such views be publicly disseminated.
c. All interview and publicity requests are to be directed to VETSports Headquarters for approval before being conducted or released. Email: Braendey.molson@vetsports.org
VI. Non-Compete Clause
a. You are expected to be a loyal member of our organization and all proprietary information shall remain the property of VETSports. You are not allowed to take ideas, members, programs, partners, sponsors, or supporters that work with VETSports for your personal agenda, company, or to compete against us.
VII. Community Engagement
VETSports, a community committed to building a positive and inclusive environment for all its members, whether in the digital realm of our app or during engaging in-person events. Our Code of Conduct is designed to provide a detailed framework that upholds the values we cherish as a community.
1. Respect:
a. Interpersonal Conduct: Interact with fellow members, organizers, and participants with respect, courtesy, and a genuine appreciation for diversity.
b. Inclusivity: Foster inclusivity by embracing and valuing differences. Refrain from any discriminatory behavior, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and respected within our community.
2. Sportsmanship:
a. Behavior Standards:Display good sportsmanship, adhering to high standards of fair play, honesty, and integrity in both the virtual and real-world aspects of VETSports.
b. Positive Competition: Compete with enthusiasm and fairness, recognizing the achievements and efforts of others.
3. Communication:
a. Constructive Dialogue:Utilize respectful and constructive language in all communications within the VETSports app and during events.
b. Harassment Prevention:Prohibit engagement in any form of harassment or offensive behavior, contributing to a positive and supportive communication atmosphere.
4. Safety:
a. Well-being Prioritization:Prioritize the safety and well-being of yourself and others during in-person activities, adhering to guidelines and rules provided by VETSports organizers.
b. Emergency Preparedness:Be vigilant about emergency procedures and act responsibly in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
5. Appropriate Content:
a. Content Standards: Refrain from posting or sharing inappropriate content within the app or during events.
b. Reporting: Promptly report any content that violates community guidelines, contributing to the maintenance of a safe and respectful digital space.
6. Accountability:
a. Personal Responsibility:Take responsibility for your actions and their potential impact on the VETSports community.
b. Issue Reporting: Report any issues or concerns to the appropriate channels within VETSports, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
7. Privacy:
a. Confidentiality: Respect the privacy of fellow members, refraining from sharing personal information without explicit consent.
8. Compliance:
b. Policy Adherence: Adhere to all policies and guidelines set forth by VETSports, both within the app and during in-person activities.
Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in a range of actions, including warnings, suspension, or removal from VETSports activities and the app.
By becoming a member of VETSports, you acknowledge and agree to abide by this detailed Code of Conduct, contributing to the creation of a positive, enjoyable, and supportive community experience for all.