Code of Conduct

ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT AND SAFETY POLICIES

At RippnerTennis, we are committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all participants, staff, and spectators. To ensure the integrity and security of our athletic programs, we have established the following policies regarding acceptable behavior, harassment, consequences for violations, and an appeal process.

1. General Athletic Code of Conduct

All participants, coaches, staff, and spectators are expected to uphold the following standards while engaging in any athletic activity at our facility:

• Courtesy, Sportsmanship, and Respect: Always demonstrate kindness, fairness, and respect towards everyone involved, including staff, coaches, and fellow participants.
• Responsible Behavior: Exhibit self-control and act responsibly at all times, ensuring your actions are respectful and considerate.
• Compliance with Rules and Regulations: Adhere to all facility and program rules, regulations, and guidelines to maintain a positive environment for all participants.
• Respect for Personal Boundaries and Privacy: Recognize and respect the personal boundaries and privacy of others, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
• Appropriate Behavior: Avoid disruptive actions such as excessive noise, aggressive confrontation, unwanted coaching, or any conduct that negatively affects others’ experience.
• Respectful Adherence to Instructions: Listen to and follow the guidance of staff and coaches, maintaining focus and respect for fellow participants while demonstrating cooperation and discipline.
• Prohibition of Inappropriate Language and Actions: Refrain from using profanity, obscene gestures, or making inappropriate remarks that could offend or harm others.
• Taking Responsibility for One’s Own Behavior: Participants are expected to uphold high standards of conduct, self-policing their behavior, and maintaining the integrity of the sport.
• Substance-Free: The use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products is prohibited in all areas of the tennis centers.

Failure to comply with these standards may result in warnings or disciplinary action as listed below.

2.  Harassment and Inappropriate Behavior Policy

Harassment in any form will not be tolerated. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Stalking: Following individuals to their vehicles, waiting for them outside facilities, or presenting excessive and unwanted attention or presence.
• Unwanted Interactions: Repeated verbal, physical, or other interactions (e.g., texting, emailing, or social media messaging) that is intrusive, inappropriate, or unwelcome.
• Unsolicited and Unwanted Gifts & Advances: Attempting to give unsolicited and unwanted gifts, notes, or letters of a personal or romantic nature to staff or participants.
• Threats & Intimidation: Direct or indirect threats against any individual, including verbal or written threats.
• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for favors, or any other conduct that creates a hostile environment.
• Discrimination: Engaging in any behavior that discriminates on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or any other protected status under local, state, or federal law.
• Behavior That Endangers Others: Engaging in any behavior, outside of normal participation in programming, that could endanger the health, safety, or well-being of any player or coach.

Anyone engaging in these behaviors will be subject to immediate review and disciplinary action.

3.  Reporting a Violation

If you experience or witness a violation of these policies, please report it to facility management (in person or via email: [email protected]) or a designated staff member immediately. All reports will be handled confidentially and taken seriously to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

These policies are in place to create a positive and respectful environment where everyone can enjoy athletics safely. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and welcoming space for all.

4. Consequences for Violations

Violations of the Athletic Code of Conduct or the Harassment Policy will result in progressive disciplinary actions. Depending on the severity and frequency of the offense, any or all of the following consequences may be applied:

• First Violation
  • Immediate dismissal from the facility for the day.
• Second Violation
  • Two week suspension from all RippnerTennis facilities.
• Third Violation
  • One-month suspension from all RippnerTennis facilities.
• Fourth Violation
  • Three-month suspension from all facilities.
  • Consideration for an extended or permanent ban from all facilities.

Discretionary Immediate Ban:  Any individual who poses an immediate threat to the emotional or physical safety of others, in the sole discretion of RippnerTennis or its staff, may be immediately dismissed from the premises and banned indefinitely from any and all RippnerTennis activities or locations.

5. Appeal Process

• Submission of Appeal
  • Timeframe: Appeals must be submitted within 7 days of the decision.
  • Format: The appeal should be written, including: reasons for believing the decision is unjust; relevant evidence (e.g., witness statements, photos, video, etc.); understanding of facility rules and why the decision is misaligned; and desired outcome from the appeal.
• Initial Review by Facility Management
  • Initial Review: Managers will review the appeal, incident reports, and any supporting documents.
  • Provision to City: The appeal and documents will be forwarded to city officials for feedback and guidance.
  • Timeline: This process will depend on the availability of City of Austin representatives, but will generally take 7-10 business days.
• Final Decision
  • Decision: The appeal decision will be based on the feedback and guidance from the City of Austin.
  • Format: The final decision will be communicated through [email protected].
  • Finality of Decision: The decision after city review is final, and players must comply with the outcome.
• Additional Notes
  • Confidentiality: The appeal will be handled confidentially.
  • Behavior During Appeal: Players must maintain respectful conduct. Misconduct during the appeal may result in additional penalties

Revised March 22, 2025