Article I: Purpose

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to maintain a quality and successful relationship with the owners, managers, and employees of the establishments that host League events, and with fellow teams and players. This Code of Conduct sets standards for the conduct of individuals and teams before, during and after scheduled League events, and on any public platforms or media that can be viewed by League members.

Article II: Administration

Section 2.1

The Code of Conduct Committee; hereafter referred to as the Committee, will be comprised of five members of the Board of Directors and the League Executive Director. The Committee will administer the Code of Conduct and determine sanctions for violations.

Section 2.2

Any possible violations of the Code of Conduct that are reported during League play will be assessed by the Committee on site. The Committee will assess the complaint, determine whether a violation occurred, and determine possible sanctions. At least two Committee members must be on site to adjudicate the complaint. If fewer than two Committee members are on site, a member of the board may act as a committee member to adjudicate the complaint.

Section 2.3

Any possible violations of the Code of Conduct that are reported outside of League play will be assessed by the Committee at the earliest possible convenience.

Section 2.4

Any Committee members involved in a complaint must recuse themselves from discussions pertaining to the possible violation.

Article III: Violations

Section 3.1

If a player suspects a violation has occurred it is that player’s responsibility to report it to their Team Captain. It is the Team Captain’s responsibility to report the possible violation to the Committee.

Section 3.2

Examples of possible violations of the Code of Conduct include:

• Physically touching or pushing another player in an aggressive way
• Pushing, threatening or intimidation of a referee
• Raising a fist, cue or any object as a weapon
• Turning over tables or chairs in anger
• Threatening language
• Being addressed by an owner, manager, or employee of any establishment concerning unbecoming or aggressive behaviour
• Intentionally distracting an opponent or interfering with an opponent’s shot
• Throwing any item in a hostile fashion for the purpose of injury or intimidation
• Forcibly altering the position of the balls during a match
• Destruction of any property before, during or after any match
• Refusal to follow the instructions of the referee
• Abusive language
• Harassment of another individual
• Walking out of a match

3.3

Other actions not described herein will be considered by the Committee on a case by case basis.

Article IV: Discipline

4.1

If the Committee determines a violation has occurred either during or outside of League play it is the responsibility of the Committee to determine the appropriate sanction for the team or individual in question.

4.2

Violations can result in the following sanctions:

• The forfeiture of an individual’s game, or all match games
• The forfeiture of a team’s match
• An individual’s suspension for a number of matches
• A team’s suspension for a number of matches
• The expulsion of an individual or team for a period of time
• Loss of eligibility for post season awards
• Loss of eligibility for playoffs and other league sanctioned events

4.3

If the committee determines a violation has occurred during league play and an individual or teams is penalized a number of games or matches there shall be no points scored or awarded. There shall also be no opportunity for rematch. These losses of games or matches shall be scored in the same way as forfeits.

4.4

If a violation occurs not during League play, but when a player or a team are at an establishment because of League play, at a League sponsored event, or are communicating on an electronic public platform that can be viewed by League members, then the player or team is deemed to still be a representative of the League and so falls under this Code of Conduct and review by the Committee.

4.5

Players or teams that are found to have violated the Code of Conduct and are suspended from League play are not entitled to receive any fees paid to the League in advance of the violation such as team registrations, player registrations or nightly fees.

Appendix A:

Further information on good sportsmanship

League and tournament play is supposed to be fun. For nearly everyone, it’s a hobby, entertainment, or just a fun night out. At the same time teams and players are competing for prizes, so respect for the rules and for other players is paramount.

In general it is important to:

Know the rules;

Give your best game;

Win on merit, not gamesmanship or “sharking”;

Be respectful of your opponent, the opposing team, other teams, and especially players on your own team.

Some examples of respectful behaviour include: 

• Shaking hands immediately before and immediately after a game or match
• Paying attention to the game
• Being gracious in victory and defeat
• Acknowledging a well-played shot or game or match without creating a distraction for your opponent
• Displaying good sportsmanship even when your opponent is conducting themselves poorly

Some examples of disrespectful behaviour include: 

• Using excessive profanity
• Aggressive actions toward another player
• Making rude or sarcastic comments (Don’t miss)
• Smashing or throwing your cue around, slamming chalk down, etc
• Refusing to acknowledge an obvious foul or objecting to a shot being refereed
• Insisting on unnecessary repeated re-racks
• Deliberately and excessively slowing the pace of the game
• Making reference to a likely loss of game
• Seeing whether your opponent’s next shot is makeable even when there is little chance of a foul and/or even before they’ve had a chance to look
• Asking your opponent their shot when it’s completely obvious; or before they’ve decided; or even worse…just before they are about to shoot
• Loud complaints
• Standing close to the table in your opponent’s vision
• Standing over the shoulder of the player as they are shooting
• Causing a sudden or distracting movement or sound during a shot
• Talking to your opponent while they’re shooting
• Talking loudly to others about the game or the opponent while your opponent is at the table

It is extremely important that players and Team Captains handle disputes the right way. The Code of Conduct provides a mechanism for filing complaints, and all complaints must come from Team Captains.