Code of Conduct

1. General Athletic Code of Conduct

All participants, coaches, staff, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and responsible manner that allows everyone to enjoy and make use of the property and services provided at our facilities. To that end, all individuals should 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 Following of Instructions: Follow the directions of staff and coaches without disturbing other players, 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.
• Damage-Free: Damage or any behavior that potentially causes damage (including use of glass containers) is prohibited in all areas of our facilities.

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

2. Harassment & Inappropriate Behavior Policy

All individuals are entitled to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. As such, a person may not harass, sexually harass, abuse, threaten, assault, or fight with another individual. These behaviors, whether verbal, physical, or otherwise, will not be tolerated under any circumstance. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Stalking: Following individuals to their vehicles, waiting for them outside facilities, or excessive and unwanted 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.

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, with 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. Any decision to immediately suspend an individual under this section, made at the sole discretion of RippnerTennis or its staff, is final and not subject to appeal.

5. Appeal Process