Code of Conduct

Last Updated: June 2025

Purpose

The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to provide guidelines for how individuals are expected to function as members of Swan City Roller Derby. All members of SCRD assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the League’s mission. When an individual participates in any league event, they indicate an understanding and agreement to represent the league in a manner that does not detract from the image of the League. League events include, but are not limited to, home games, interleague games, tournaments, exhibitions, after parties, fundraisers, and benefits. In any situation in which a member is representing the league, they must conduct themselves in a positive manner. This includes times when skaters are wearing team uniforms or the team logo in any situation. 

Display Good Judgment 

All members must remember that this league is run as a business, and all business information needs to remain confidential. All members must conduct business with honesty, fairness, and integrity. All members need to be conscious of Swan City Roller Derby’s image as it pertains to the league as a business. 

There is zero tolerance for alcohol and drug use by skaters and officials before/during practice or a bout. If it is suspected that a skater or official is under the influence of alcohol or drugs while participating in practice or a bout, he/she/they will be asked to remove his/her/their skates immediately (non- skating officials will be replaced for the duration of the event). If this occurs, the individual must meet with the BoD and may be suspended from participating in any league practices or bouts for the remainder of the season. 

Treat All Members with Respect, Dignity, and Fairness 

It is the responsibility of all members of Swan City Roller Derby to treat one another with respect, dignity, and fairness. Members must also treat opposing leagues with the same respect. All members must ensure that SCRD is free of harassment or abuse, and all procedures and policies are followed correctly. This also applies to the league message board and any other forum you belong to when associating with or representing the SCRD. It is important that league members: 

  • Display good sportswomanship 

  • Play by the rules 

  • Have respect for referee calls and decisions 

  • Be a team player 

  • Respect your coach, captains, teammates, league-mates, officials, and opponents. 

The following behaviors will not be tolerated by any member of the league and will result in disciplinary action: 

  • Disrespect towards others (including but not limited to coaches, referees, other skaters, fans, etc.) 

  • Threats of physical violence

Non-Discrimination Policy 

We are an inclusive league, skating with and against transgender women, intersex women and gender expansive participants.  Members[1] should support a welcoming and inclusive environment for all other members, opposing league affiliates, event participants/attendees and members of the public during SCRD events. This includes treating all such persons with equality and respect.

Any action that can or may be considered discriminatory on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national orientation or sexual orientation against or by any member of SCRD will result in appropriate disciplinary action, in accordance with SCRD disciplinary procedures. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Personal insults regarding gender, race, religion, age, national orientation, sexual orientation and more during any SCRD event, social gathering, after party, practice or game.

  • Personal Insults, slanderous comments, malicious gossip, or harassment of any kind posted on SCRD public/private forums, web pages or in the media.

  • Social media posts that may tarnish the organization’s image or violate the privacy of individuals.

  • Wearing clothing against SCRD league values at any SCRD event, social gathering, after party, practice or game. Clothing including discriminatory or disrespectful wording and/or slogans will not be tolerated.

  •  Refusing to shake hands with any SCRD member or opposing league affiliate based on gender, race, religion, age, national orientation or sexual orientation.

  • Refusing to skate against any opposing team skater during an SCRD game or with a team member during an SCRD practice on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national orientation or sexual orientation. SCRD members may decline to skate against individuals whose gender does not fall within the WFTDA policy/statement regarding gender.

Disciplinary Action for Violations of the Code of Conduct 

BoD meets with or communicates with the offender 

  • First time minor infractions: a warning will be given 

  • Second minor/First major infraction: there will be a suspension of 2-6 months based on the severity of the infraction. During this time, the league member must stay current with payment of dues and is barred from participating in home/away games, interleague games, exhibitions, and tournaments. Skater will still be allowed to participate in practices. 

  • Third minor/Second major infraction: there will be a total suspension from all league activity for a period of no less than 3 months. The BoD must review the member’s actions and vote on expulsion from the league. 

  • The BoD have the option of expulsion at the time of any infraction. 

Public Relations and Media Ethics

All members of SCRD are expected to represent the league in a positive manner. Any press, promotion, or interviews on any media source (e.g., radio, television, social media, etc.) must be directed to the Secretary and the head of the Social Media Committee before they occur. League members are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct when representing or working with the league. Admission to league functions by press, photographers, or other media representatives must be approved by the Social Media Committee head prior to the day of the event. All information published by league members to social media sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc) should comply with the SCRD and WFTDA confidentiality and disclosure agreements. This includes comments you may post to other blogs and forums. Additionally, members must be respectful of SCRD, current/past/potential members of SCRD, other leagues, officials, partners, sponsors, and the WFTDA. 

Proprietary Information

As a member of Swan City Roller Derby, you are disclosed confidential information or trade secrets generally regarding: financial conditions of the league, operational aspects of the league, trade secrets or certain Intellectual Property of the League (such as training drills, strategy, etc.). As a member of Swan City Roller Derby, members shall not disclose the information referred to as Intellectual Property of Swan City Roller Derby. If a member is found in violation of this requirement of membership (i.e., sharing proprietary drills, strategies, etc., with outside leagues/skaters) there will be repercussions to be determined by the current Board of Directors.