Cranes Volleyball is committed to providing a safe, positive, inclusive, and respectful environment in which all participants—players, coaches, parents/guardians, officials, volunteers, and administrators—are treated with dignity. This document outlines expectations, responsibilities, behaviours, and procedures for handling conflicts or policy breaches. All members affiliated with Cranes Volleyball are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct & Club Policy, as well as Volleyball Alberta, Volleyball Canada, and all related policies. Those policies can be found at: Volleyball Alberta Policies. By joining Cranes Volleyball Club, all players, parents/guardians, and coaches agree to uphold this code of conduct and work together to create a safe, supportive, and positive volleyball community. 

Core Values / Principles 

• Respect and fairness
• Integrity and honesty
• Safety and well‐being of all participants
• Inclusiveness and equity
• Excellence and personal growth
• Accountability and good sportsmanship 

Coaches Code of Conduct

As people in positions of authority, coaches must follow code of conduct policies set by Volleyball Alberta as well as NCCP.

Professionalism Leadership

• Serve as positive role models for players, demonstrating respect, fairness, and integrity. 
• Promote the club's values both on and off the court.
• Understand the inherent power imbalance in coach‐athlete relationships and act to avoid misuse of power or trust.
• Dress and present themselves appropriately, model positive behaviour, sportsmanship, and respect for others (teammates, opponents, referees, volunteers).
• Respect the athlete’s development as a whole person—not just performance—recognizing individual differences in ability, maturity, wellness, and background.
• Follow training, screening, certification, and membership requirements as set by Volleyball Alberta and Cranes (e.g. safe sport training, first aid, coaching credentials).

Ensure safety and well being of athletes

• Place the physical and emotional safety of players as the highest priority in practices, games, travel, and other club activities.
• Focus on developing skills, teamwork, and a lifelong love for the sports.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive issues (health, personal matters, disciplinary issues) except when disclosure is required for safety or by policy.
• Prohibit and not condone the use of performance‐enhancing drugs, or non‐medical substance abuse; for minors, also alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, etc.

Communication and fairness

• Communicate clearly, consistently, and respectfully with players and parents.
• When meeting with parents to discuss concerns, at least two coaches must be present.
• Treat all players fairly, without favoritism or bias.
• Use fair, constructive feedback; avoid public criticism of players, parents, officials.

Players/Athlete Code of Conduct

All Cranes athletes are expected to follow the Code of Conduct and Ethics policy outlined by Volleyball Alberta.

Respect

• Treat teammates, coaches, referees, opponents, and staff with respect at all times.
• Use positive and encouraging language; bullying, discrimination, or exclusion will not be tolerated.
• Follow direction of coaches and respect decisions made in the interest of the team.
• Abide by all applicable rules (club, Volleyball Alberta, competition rules).

Effort & Attitude

• Participate with a positive attitude; come to practices, games, tournaments ready to learn, to give their best, and to respect teammates, coaches, and officials.
• Accept coaching, stay open to learning, and strive to improve.
• Be punctual and committed; notify coaches in advance of absences or inability to attend.

Teamwork & Responsibility

• Put team goals above personal goals, support each other on and off the court.
• Represent the team and the club with pride and responsibility.
• Wear the required training and competition gear.
• Report injuries, medical issues, or circumstances that may affect performance or safety.
• Help maintain the facilities and equipment; respect property.
• Use social media responsibly, avoiding harmful behaviour (harassment, bullying, negative comments).
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship: no profanity, abusive language or gestures; treat opponents, officials, spectators with respect.

Parents / Guardians & Spectators Code of Conduct

Parents / guardians and spectators have a key role in supporting a positive, safe environment. They must follow the Code of Conduct and Ethics policy outlined by Volleyball Alberta.

• Encourage your child’s effort, growth, and enjoyment of the game, not just winning.
• Be a positive supporter from the stands and cheer respectfully for all players.
• Provide necessary support—logistics, encouragement, etc.—for their athlete to fulfill team commitments.
• Volunteer where required (scorekeeping, team manager, fundraisers, etc.).
• Show respect toward all players, coaches, referees, and other parents.
• Avoid giving instructions or criticizing your child during practices or games.
• Trust that coaches and club leadership make decisions with athlete best interest in mind. Avoid undermining those decisions publicly.
• Respect officials’ decisions during games; refrain from criticizing referees, coaches, or players during competition.
• Show good sportsmanship - cheer positively, avoid shouting, negative remarks, or intimidation.
• Follow the 24-hour cooling-off period before approaching a coach regarding concerns about a game, practice, or playing time.
• Bring questions or concerns to coaches in a respectful and constructive manner.

Breaches of the Code

Any violations of the code of conduct may results in actions by the club, including:

• Verbal or written warning
• Temporary suspension from practices or competitions
• Contact Volleyball Alberta and request a release from the club. 

Conflict Resolution & Discipline

Cranes Volleyball Club acknowledges that conflicts and concerns can occur in a competitive environment. We are committed to hear, address, and resolve when they occur. To ensure these matters are handled fairly and respectfully, we follow a structured process. Unless the situation directly affects the immediate safety or well-being of an athlete, parent, or coach, we ask that everyone observe a 24-hour cooling-off period before raising a concern.

Step 1: Athlete to Coach

After 24 hours, athletes are encouraged to: 

• Speak directly with their coach asking for a in person meeting. 
• Explain and outline things both sides would like to discuss.
• Meetings must be scheduled outside of regular practices and game times.

If a resolution is reached , no further action required.

Step 2: Parent to Coach

If the issue is not resolved, parent(s) of the athlete should be reaching out to the coach by:

• Email the coach to request a meeting, outlining the concern and the outcome they are seeking, and proposals of how they would like to see the concerns to be resolved. 
• Coach to follow up to schedule meetings outside of regular practices or game times.
• Coaches will notify the club directors that a meeting has been arranged.

If a resolution is reached , the coach will update club directors, the matter will be considered closed, and no further action required.

Step 3: Parent to Director

If the concern is not resolved or if the coach is the club director, parent(s) of the athlete may escalate the matter to club leadership by:

• Email the club director, outlining the issue, what steps have already been taken, and what resolution they are hoping for.
• A meeting will then be arranged with the Club director.
• If a resolution is reached, the club director will update the coach.
• If a resolution is still not possible, the club director will consult with the coach and make a final decision on behalf of the club.