University of Toronto Athletics

Overview
Safe Sport Code of Conduct and Ethics
Harassment and Discrimination Policy
The Prevention of Sexual Violence
Orientation, Teaming Building & Hazing
Code of Alcohol-Related Behaviour
Anti-Doping Education and Policy
Code of Cannabis-Related Behaviour
Social Media Policy & Guidelines


A) Overview
As a Varsity Blue, each student-athlete is expected to adhere to behaviour that positively represents the Varsity Blues program and the University of Toronto. Student-athletes are representatives of the Varsity Blue program and, as such, are amongst the most visible students on campus and in the University of Toronto community. Participation on an athletic team creates the unique opportunity to be a role model, mentor, and spokesperson. It also brings responsibilities. The social interaction of student-athletes, both on and off campus, can be subject to scrutiny and public knowledge. As a Varsity Blue, student-athletes are expected to be positive role models and ambassadors of the Varsity Blue program and your team and the University of Toronto by demonstrating the pursuit of ethical sport, fair play, honesty, integrity, and respect for others at all times. A Varsity Blue is expected to abide by all University policies, Varsity Blue policies, team rules, and policies and procedures of the Ontario University Athletics (OUA), U SPORTS and/or other sport governing bodies. As a Varsity Blue student-athletes are expected to be responsible citizens, achieving academically and performing athletically.

Other expectations include:

• pursuing academic success while a student-athlete;
• fulfilling all team and athletic commitments throughout the year as prescribed by their head coach;
• exhibiting conduct at all times which complements and enhances the university and team's reputation;
• not engaging in any activity that may be considered unethical or might bring the reputation of the student-athlete, the team, the Varsity Blues program or the university into disrepute;
• refraining from posting or contributing material to any social media platforms that negatively reflects upon the student-athlete, the team, the Varsity Blues program or the University.
• treating everyone with respect regardless of historical and ongoing inequities including but not limited to colonialism, racism, sexism, heterosexism, ageism, classism, ableism, religious-based and gender-based discrimination."
• exhibiting conduct that is free of harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination (as outlined in the University's Policies and Procedures).
• conducting all team welcoming/orientations and social activities that reflect integrity, dignity, safety, and individual rights including the right to participate voluntarily.
• abiding by all OUA, U SPORTS and/or sport governing rules and regulations;
• wearing approved Varsity Blues branded attire when representing the University of Toronto in competition, during award presentations & photos, and any other sanctioned University/Varsity Blues event;
• following the codes of alcohol and cannabis-related behaviour including the prohibition of consumption of alcohol in any chartered, or rented vehicles;
• refraining from all illegal, recreational, or banned drugs and abide by the Anti Doping and Education Policy as outlined
• All Varsity Blues student-athletes must adhere to the University of Toronto's Code of Student Conduct:

Violations of the Varsity Blues student-athlete's expectations of behaviour will result in appropriate sport-related discipline as determined by the Executive Director of Athletics. It may result but not be limited to: student-athlete individual suspension and/or team suspension.

B) Safe Sport Code of Conduct & Ethics
 
(note: definitions can be found at the end of this section)

The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (FKPE) at the University of Toronto acknowledges the recent development of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport ("UCCMS") and the document developed by the Coaches Association of Canada (CAC) outlining the key elements of the UCCMS.  Those responsible for the research and development of both documents are experts in the field of Safe Sport.  The Safe Sport Policy, developed by FKPE Sport and Rec, relies heavily on the UCCMS and the CAC Code of Conduct and Ethics.   While there are some differences in the processes within the post-secondary environment, the principles upon which the UCCMS and the CAC Code of Conduct and Ethics were based provide the same framework for the KPE Sport and Rec Safe Sport Policy
  
Purpose

• To promote, establish, and maintain a safe environment that is free from all forms of Maltreatment and that treats every individual with dignity and respect.
• To provide procedures for investigating and resolving complaints of Maltreatment, as well as remedying situations when instances of Maltreatment occur.

 
Statement
The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (FKPE) will not tolerate, ignore or condone any form of Maltreatment perpetrated by a Participant against another Participant, within the scope of application of this Code. It is a violation of this Code for a Participant to engage in Maltreatment (however described). 
 
FKPE considers all forms of Maltreatment a very serious offense that may result in sanctions up to and including the Participant being removed from an event, suspended, banned from future events, or in the case of Coaches, having their official designation revoked. In appropriate cases, FKPE will contact law enforcement officials or take legal action where necessary.
 
Every individual covered by this Code has a responsibility to help promote a safe environment. This means not engaging in, allowing, condoning or ignoring behaviour that violates this Code.
 
Scope of Application
This Code applies to conduct that occurs within the FKPE sport, recreation and physical activity environment, i.e. during the course of any FKPE related business, activities, events, games, practices, training, seminars, whether in person or virtual. 
 
This Code applies to all Participants, as defined. To be clear, this Code of Conduct also applies to suppliers and members of the public whose behaviour is directed at a Participant, and occurs within the FKPE environment as defined.
 
The physical location(s) where the alleged Maltreatment occurred is not determinative, provided that the Maltreatment occurs within the FKPE environment, as defined above, or because the Participants involved interacted due to their mutual participation in the FKPE environment.

A Participant who violates this Code may be subject to sanctions pursuant to the Reporting Procedures described in this document.
 
Responsibilities
 
Participants have a responsibility to:

• act respectfully towards other individuals while in the FKPE environment.
• be familiar with the UCCMS, this Code of Conduct and Ethics, and any code of conduct sanctioned by FKPE.
• report to the Safe Sport Officer any concerns, incidents and/or knowledge of Maltreatment, including threats of Maltreatment.
• follow the measures and procedures set out in this Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• report possible Maltreatment of a Minor to law enforcement or to child protection agencies, as may be required by relevant provincial legislation.
• cooperate fully with any investigation and discipline process under this Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Review the definitions described at the end of this document.

Reporting Procedure
 
The following outlines the procedures that will generally apply when a complaint relating to Maltreatment is made.
 
Reporting a Complaint

• Any individual who believes they have been subject to Maltreatment, or who witnesses any Maltreatment, must promptly report the incident or complaint to the Safe Sport Officer at the following email address: sportandrec.concernsorcomplaints.kpe@utoronto.ca
• In the event of a violent, emergency or life-threatening situation, 9-1-1 should also be called immediately.
• FKPE may intervene or initiate a complaint under this Code against a Participant wherever it is of the view that a circumstance has arisen which is sufficiently serious and significant as to be of general importance to FKPE and/or of general importance to the overall ability of FKPE to discharge its objectives. In such cases, FKPE will identify an individual to represent and act on behalf of the faculty.
• Complaints must be in writing, dated and signed by the Complainant. Complaints should contain as much information as possible about the conduct which is the subject of the complaint. The Complainant will need to provide details of the dates, times, and locations of the incident(s), names of any witnesses to the incident(s), and a detailed description of the offensive behaviour or misconduct.
• If the Complainant wishes to remain anonymous, it may not be possible for FKPE to conduct an appropriate investigation and/or adequately address the situation. If the Complainant who wishes to remain anonymous wishes to report Maltreatment, they are advised to contact the Safe Sport Officer who will support them in the resolution of a genuine complaint or incident of Maltreatment.
• The Complainant has the right to make the report and to obtain a fair and timely investigation of the report without fear of retaliation.
• Upon review of the complaint, the Safe Sport Officer, must determine whether the complaint is frivolous and/or within the scope of this Code. If the Safe Sport Officer determines that the complaint is frivolous, or outside the scope of this Code, the complaint will be dismissed immediately. A complaint is frivolous where it is readily apparent that the report has little merit or is of a trivial nature, or where to investigate it would be out of all proportion to the seriousness of the issues complained about.
• The Safe Sport Officer may determine that the alleged incident must be reported to an applicable government entity, local police service, or child protection agency, in accordance with the relevant provincial legislation. In such cases, the Safe Sport Officer will inform the Complainant and FKPE.
• The Safe Sport Officer may determine that the alleged incident should be reported to an applicable FKPE. An example of this may be an administrative concern outside the scope of this Code.  In such cases, the Safe Sport Officer will inform the Complainant and FKPE.
• If the Safe Sport Officer accepts the complaint, they will initiate an investigation using an organization outside of the University with expertise in Safe Sport Investigations.
• The investigation will be conducted as quickly as possible, given the circumstances of each case and will be completed as soon as practicable, but normally within 90 days, unless there are extenuating circumstances warranting a longer investigation. Should it not be practicable to complete the investigation within 90 days, Safe Sport Officer will keep both the Complainant and the Respondent informed of the current status and progress.
• The Investigator will separately interview the Complainant and the Respondent as soon as reasonably possible. Parties may be requested to sign their statements. The Investigator must give the Respondent an opportunity to explain their perception of events and to respond to the Complainant's account of events. The Investigator will review the interviews and document any inconsistencies or other questions they may have. The Investigator may conduct further interviews of the parties if needed to clarify any information.
• Throughout the investigative process, the parties have the right to be:
  • a) informed in a timely way once a report or complaint has been made.
  • b) provided with a written summary of the allegation(s).
  • c) afforded the opportunity to respond to the report or complaint.
  • d) represented or accompanied by another (uninvolved) individual of their choice, including legal counsel.
• During the investigation, the Complainant, Respondent and any witnesses will be advised that they are not to discuss the complaint, incident, investigation or their testimony with other individuals except as strictly required for the purposes of any investigation or resolution, to obtain legal or other advice about their rights, or as otherwise compelled by law.
• All individuals involved in the investigation are required to cooperate fully in the investigation and resolution of any concerns, incidents and complaints.
• All individuals involved in the investigation must refrain from any form of reprisal against anyone involved in the investigation. Reprisal includes threatening, intimidating, harassing, coercing or any other conduct that would discourage a reasonable person from engaging or participating in the process. Any individual who has been subject to unlawful reprisal must promptly report the concern to the Investigator and the Safe Sport Officer.
• Once the investigation is completed, the Investigator will determine whether the acts complained of constitute Maltreatment. The Investigator will produce a written report summarizing the investigation and forward the same to the Safe Sport Officer.
• The Investigator may make recommendations for any sanctions or corrective actions to be taken.
• Upon receipt and review of the investigation report, the Safe Sport Officer will determine next steps.
• Where a concern, incident, or complaint is substantiated, the Executive Director – Athletics and Physical Activity will impose appropriate sanctions against the offender. In appropriate situations, FKPE may contact law enforcement officials or initiate legal action.
• Where a concern, incident or complaint is not substantiated, there will be no repercussions against the Complainant as long as the report was made in good faith.
• The Complainant and the Respondent shall be informed in writing of the results of the investigation and of any sanctions that will be imposed as a result of the investigation.

 
Request for Reconsideration

• Both the Complainant and the Respondent have the right to submit a request for reconsideration to FKPE, however a reconsideration can only be requested where the alleged misconduct is considered to be a major misconduct.  All other decisions shall be final and not subject to reconsideration/appea;. In all such cases, either party disagreeing with the decision may contact the Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education to request reconsideration/appeal.
• Upon receipt of a request for reconsideration from either party, or both parties, the Safe Sport Officer will set aside the decision taken following the investigation until the Dean has rendered a decision.
• The Dean's decision is final and may not be reconsidered/appealed. 

 

Type of Complaint	Received By	Referred to	Report and Recommendations to	Implementation of Sanction (if any)	Reconsideration/Appeal	Examples
Maltreatment (as per the Safe Sport Code of Conduct and Ethics)   Violation of Sport and Rec Program Expectations of Behaviour or Code of Conduct	Safe Sport Officer	External Investigator with appropriate expertise.	Safe Sport Officer from the investigator	Executive Director Athletics and Physical Activity	Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education – decision is final.	Coach use of exercise as a corrective measure Captain's use of abusive language to correct violation of team rules. Bullying/disrespectful behaviour
Sexual Violence	Safe Sport Officer	External Investigator with appropriate expertise and/or U of T Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Office	Safe Sport Officer from the investigator	Executive Director Athletics and Physical Activity	Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education – decision is final.	Sharing of intimate photographs on social media.
Sport and Rec administrative concern or issues of participant behaviour within a KPE Sport and Rec program	Safe Sport Officer	Director of program: Intercollegiate and HP Sport Sport and Rec Sport Medicine	Safe Sport Officer from Director	Manager of Particular Program	Executive Director, Athletics and Physical Activity	Allegation of Hazing Inappropriate use of KPE facilities Intramural team rep wants to add a player after the deadline and is told no.

 
  
Sanctions
 
If Maltreatment is proven, one or more of the following disciplinary sanctions may be imposed:
a) verbal or written warning, i.e. a verbal reprimand or an official, written notice and formal admonition that the Participant has violated the Code and that more severe sanctions will result should the Participant be involved in other violations.
b) verbal or written apology
c) additional training or education, i.e. requirement that the Participant undertake specified educational or similar remedial measures to address the Maltreatment.
e) removal of certain privileges
f) suspension, either for a set time or until further notice, or a permanent ban, from participation in any capacity, in any program, activity, or event sponsored by, organized by, or under the auspices of the FKPE. A Participant may be eligible to return to sport, but reinstatement may be subject to certain restrictions or contingent upon the Participant satisfying specific conditions noted at the time of suspension or permanent ban.
 
Other sanctions for Maltreatment may be imposed, including, but not limited to, other loss of privileges, no contact directives, a fine or a monetary payment to compensate for direct losses, or other restrictions or conditions as deemed necessary or appropriate.
 
 
Considerations
Any sanction imposed against a Participant must be proportionate and reasonable, relative to the Maltreatment that has occurred, and considering previous disciplinary actions. However, progressive discipline is not required as a single occurrence of Maltreatment can lead to a very significant sanction.
 
Factors relevant to determining appropriate sanctions for a Respondent include, without limitation:
a) The nature and duration of the Respondent's relationship with the Complainant, including whether there is a Power Imbalance.
b) The Respondent's prior history and any pattern of inappropriate behaviour or Maltreatment.
c) The ages of the individuals involved.
d) Whether the Respondent poses an ongoing and/or potential threat to the safety of others.
e) The Respondent's voluntary admission of the offense(s), acceptance of responsibility for the Maltreatment, and/or cooperation in the investigation.
f) Real or perceived impact of the incident on the Complainant, sport organization, or the sporting community as a whole.
g) Circumstances specific to the Respondent being sanctioned (e.g. lack of appropriate knowledge or training; addiction; disability; illness.
h) Whether, given the facts and circumstances that have been established, continued participation in the sport community is appropriate.
i) Other mitigating and aggravating circumstances.
 
Any single factor, if severe enough, may be sufficient to justify the sanction(s) imposed. A combination of several factors may justify elevated or combined sanctions.
 
Presumptive Sanctions
The following sanctions are presumed to be fair and appropriate for the listed Maltreatment, but the Respondent affected may rebut these presumptions:
a) Sexual Maltreatment involving a Minor Complainant shall carry a presumptive sanction of permanent suspension.
b) Sexual Maltreatment, Physical Maltreatment with contact and Maltreatment related to Process shall carry a presumptive sanction of either a period of suspension or eligibility restrictions.
c) While a Respondent has pending charges or dispositions in violation of the criminal law, the presumptive sanction shall be a period of suspension.
 
Record Keeping
Records of all investigations and decisions will be maintained by FKPE. All records will be kept confidential to the extent possible and except as required by law. The records will not be disclosed unless necessary to investigate a complaint, take corrective action or otherwise as required by law.
 
Criminal Convictions
A Participant's conviction for a Criminal Code offense, as determined by FKPE, will be deemed an infraction under these Procedures and will result in a permanent suspension.
 
Criminal Code offences may include, but are not limited to:
a) Any child pornography offences
b) Any sexual offences
c) Any offence of physical violence
d) Any offence of assault
e) Any offence involving trafficking of illegal drugs
 
In appropriate situations, the Safe Sport Officer may, upon receiving a complaint, contact law enforcement officials.
 
Records and Distribution of Decisions
Other individuals or organizations, including but not limited to, national sport organizations, provincial sport organizations, sport clubs, etc. may be advised of any decisions rendered in accordance with these Procedures.
 
Definitions
 
Participant: Every individual who is subject to the Kinesiology and Physical Education Safe Sport Policy (KPESSP) as informed by the UCCMS and CAC. Participants may become subject to the KPESSP by various means. Student-athletes through participation in KPE programs/services, students through the payment of ancillary fees, and coaches, volunteers, doctors, trainers, administrators, directors, etc. by signing an express contract accepting the jurisdiction of the KPESSP.
 
Complainant: A Participant or observer who makes a report of an incident of Maltreatment or suspicions of an incident of Maltreatment.
 
Safe Sport Officer: An independent individual (or individuals) appointed by KPE to receive and administer complaints.
 
Duty to Report under Child Protection Legislation: A legal duty to report that is mandated by law, depending on provincial legislation. Everyone has a duty to report child abuse and neglect under Canadian child welfare laws. Professionals who work with children and youth have an added responsibility to report. Adults are obliged to report child Maltreatment if there is knowledge or suspicion that it is occurring. Known or suspected abuse or Neglect of a child must be reported to: local child welfare services (e.g., children's aid society or child and family services agency), or provincial/territorial social service ministries or departments, or local police.
 
Reporting (or Report): The provision of information in writing by any person or a Participant to a relevant independent authority (the independent person or position charged with receiving a report and determining next steps) regarding Maltreatment. Reporting may occur through either: (i) the Complainant (of any age) or the one who experienced the Maltreatment, or (ii) a witness – someone who witnessed the Maltreatment or otherwise knows or suspects Maltreatment. In either case, the intention of Reporting is to initiate an independent investigative process, which could result in disciplinary action being taken against the Respondent.
 
Respondent: A Participant who is alleged to have engaged in Maltreatment and thereby to have violated the KPESSP.
 
Consent by a Person over the Age of Majority: Consent is defined in Canada's Criminal Code as the voluntary agreement to engage in the sexual activity in question. The law focuses on what the person was actually thinking and feeling at the time of the sexual activity. Sexual touching is only lawful if the person affirmatively communicated their consent, whether through words or conduct. Silence or passivity does not equal consent. Sexual activity is only legal when both parties consent. The Criminal Code also says there is no consent when: Someone says or does something that shows they are not consenting to an activity; Someone says or does something to show they are not agreeing to continue an activity that has already started; Someone is incapable of consenting to the activity, because, for example, they are unconscious; The consent is a result of a someone abusing a position of trust, power or authority or someone consents on someone else's behalf. A person cannot say they mistakenly believed a person was consenting if: that belief is based on their own intoxication; they were reckless about whether the person was consenting; they chose to ignore things that would tell them there was a lack of consent; or they didn't take proper steps to check if there was consent.2 For further information, please see the comment below. Sexual activity with a minor is a criminal offence as is sexual activity with a person under the age of 18 years when the other person is in a position of trust or authority.
 
Disclosure: The sharing of information by a Participant regarding an incident or a pattern of Maltreatment experienced by that Participant. Disclosure does not constitute a formal report that initiates a process of investigation to address the Maltreatment.
 
Minor: An individual who is under the age of majority at the time and in the jurisdiction where the alleged Maltreatment occurred. It is the responsibility of the adult to know the age of a minor. The definition of a child in the Province of Ontario is under 18 years old and children with disabilities are eligible for protective services until age 19.
 
Power Imbalance: A Power Imbalance may exist where, based on the totality of the circumstances, a Participant has supervisory, evaluative, a duty of care, or other authority over another Participant. A Power Imbalance may also exist between participant and others involved in sport in positions such as high-performance directors, athletic directors, sport specific health-care providers, sport science support staff, care or support persons, guides or pilots. Maltreatment occurs when this power is misused. Once a coach-Athlete relationship is established, a Power Imbalance is presumed to exist throughout the coach-Athlete relationship, regardless of age, and is presumed to continue for Minor Athletes after the coach-Athlete relationship terminates or until the Athlete reaches 25 years of age. A Power Imbalance may exist, but is not presumed, where an intimate relationship existed before the sport relationship commenced (e.g., a relationship between two spouses or life partners, or a sexual relationship between consenting adults that preceded the sport relationship).
 
A Power Imbalance may arise whether the Participants are in:
 
1) an authority-based relationship in which one person has power over another by virtue of an ascribed position of authority, such as between an athletic director and coach; employer and employee; technical official and Athlete;
 
2) a dependency relationship in which the person in a position of lesser power is dependent upon the other person for a sense of security, safety, trust, and fulfillment of needs, conducive to intimate physical or psychological connections, such as between parent and child; teacher and student; coach and Athlete; athletic director and Athlete, sport science and medical support staff and Athlete; billet or host family and Athlete; 
 
3) a peer-to peer relationship, including but not limited to teammate-teammate, athlete-athlete, coach-coach or official-official relationships. Power may be represented by seniority, ability, physical size, public profile, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethno-racial identity, level of physical and intellectual disability, and their intersections, as some examples. Maltreatment occurs when this power is misused. Moreover, it is recognized that those from traditionally marginalized groups have experienced positions of lesser power.
 
Maltreatment: A volitional act that results in harm or the potential for physical or psychological harm and includes any of the following behaviours or conduct:
 
Psychological Maltreatment: Any pattern or single serious incident of deliberate conduct that has the potential to be harmful to the psychological well-being of an individual. Psychological Maltreatment is determined by the objective behaviour, and not whether harm is intended or results from the behaviour. It includes, without limitation:
 
a. Verbal Acts: Verbally assaulting or attacking an individual, including but not limited to unwarranted personal criticisms; body shaming; derogatory comments related to an individual's identity (e.g., race, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, Indigenous status, or ability/disability); comments that are demeaning, humiliating, belittling, intimidating, insulting or threatening; the use of rumours or false statements about an individual to diminish their reputation; using confidential information inappropriately. Verbal Maltreatment may also occur in online forms.
b. Non-assaultive Physical Acts (no physical contact): Physically aggressive behaviours, including but not limited to throwing objects at or in the presence of others without striking another; hitting, striking or punching objects in the presence of others.
 
c. Acts that Deny Attention or Support: Acts of commission that deny attention, lack of support or isolation including but not limited to ignoring psychological needs or socially isolating an individual repeatedly or for an extended period of time; arbitrarily or unreasonably denying feedback, support or attention for extended periods of time and/or asking others to do the same.
 
Physical Maltreatment: Any pattern or single serious incident of deliberate conduct that has the potential to be harmful to the physical well-being of an individual. Physical Maltreatment is determined by the objective behaviour, and not whether harm is intended or results from the behaviour. It includes, without limitation:
 
a. Contact behaviours: Deliberately punching, kicking, beating, biting, striking, strangling or slapping another, deliberately hitting another with objects.
 
b. Non-contact behaviours: Isolating an individual in a confined space; forcing an individual to assume a painful stance or position for no purpose, withholding, recommending against, or denying adequate hydration, nutrition, medical attention or sleep; denying access to a toilet; providing alcohol to an individual under the legal drinking age; providing illegal drugs or non-prescribed medications to an individual.
 
Sexual Maltreatment: Any act targeting an individual's sexuality, gender identity or expression, that is committed, threatened or attempted against that person, and includes but is not limited to the offences of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, indecent exposure, voyeurism and non-consensual distribution of sexual/intimate images under the Criminal Code of Canada. Sexual Maltreatment also includes sexual harassment and stalking, cyber harassment, and cyber stalking of a sexual nature. Sexual Maltreatment can take place through any form or means of communication (e.g. online, social media, verbal, written, visual, hazing, or through a third party). Examples of Sexual Maltreatment include, but are not limited to:
 
a. Any penetration of any part of a person's body, however slight, with any object or body part by a person upon another person, including but not limited to:
 
1. vaginal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger; and
2. anal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger.
 
Any intentional touching of a sexual nature of any part of a person's body, however slight, with any object or body part by a person upon another person, including but not limited to:
1. kissing; 2. intentional touching of the breasts, buttocks, groin or genitals, whether clothed or unclothed, or intentionally touching of another with any of these body parts; 3. any contact, no matter how slight, between the mouth of one person and the genitalia of another person; 4. making a person touch themselves or someone else with or on any of the body parts listed in 2); 5. any intentional touching in a sexualized manner regardless of the relationship, context or situation.
 
Neglect: Any pattern or a single serious incident of lack of reasonable care, inattention to an individual's needs, nurturing or well-being, or omissions in care. Neglect is determined by the objective behaviour but the behaviour must be evaluated with consideration given to the individual's needs and requirements, not whether harm is intended or results from the behaviour.
 
Neglect, or acts of omission, include without limitation, not being aware of and not considering an individual's physical or intellectual disability, or subjecting individuals to the risk of Maltreatment.
 
Grooming: Often a slow, gradual and escalating process of building trust and comfort with a young person which includes, without limitation, deliberate conduct by a Coach or Participant to sexualize a relationship with a Minor, and which includes making inappropriate behaviour seem normal and gradually engaging in "boundary violations" which have been professionally identified to Canadian standards (e.g., a degrading remark, a sexual joke, sexualized physical contact; Adults sharing rooms with a Minor who is not an immediate family member; private social media and text communications; sharing personal photographs; private meetings; private travel, and providing gifts).
 
Maltreatment Related to Process: The behaviours identified below also constitute Maltreatment. 

1. Interference With or Manipulation of Process: A Participant violates the Code by directly or indirectly interfering with a process instituted pursuant to this Code:

1. Falsifying, distorting, or misrepresenting information, the resolution process, or an outcome;       
2. Destroying or concealing information;
3. Attempting to discourage an individual's proper participation in or use of the Code's processes;
4. Harassing or intimidating (verbally or physically) any person involved in the Code's processes before, during, and/or following any proceedings;
5. Publicly disclosing an individual's identifying information, without that person's agreement;
6. Failing to comply with any temporary or provisional measure or other final sanction;
7. Distributing or otherwise publicizing materials a Coach gains access to during any investigation or hearing, except as required by law or as expressly permitted; or
8. Influencing or attempting to influence an individual to interfere with or manipulate the process
 

2. Retaliation: Retaliation is prohibited. A Participant shall not take an adverse action against any individual for making a good faith report of possible Maltreatment or for participating in any process under the Code. Retaliation includes threatening, intimidating, harassing, coercing or any other conduct that would discourage a reasonable person from engaging or participating in the Code's processes. Retaliation after the conclusion of investigation and sanction processes is also prohibited. Retaliation may be present even where there is a finding that no Maltreatment occurred. Retaliation does not include good-faith actions lawfully pursued in response to a report of possible Maltreatment.
3. Aiding and Abetting: Any act taken with the purpose of facilitating, promoting, or encouraging the commission of Maltreatment. Aiding and Abetting also includes, without limitation, knowingly:

• allowing any Participant who has been suspended or is otherwise ineligible to be in any way associated with sport or to coach or instruct sport participants;
• allowing any Participant to violate the terms of their suspension or any other sanctions imposed.

Maltreatment Related to Reporting:
a. Failure to Report Maltreatment of a Minor: The failure to report is in and of itself a violation of the Code. An adult Participant who fails to report actual or suspected Psychological Maltreatment, Sexual Maltreatment, Physical Maltreatment or Neglect involving a Minor Participant pursuant to the Code's processes and to law enforcement or child protection services (when applicable) shall be subject to disciplinary action under the Code.
 
This obligation is ongoing and is not satisfied by making an initial report; instead, this obligation includes reporting, on a timely basis, all relevant information that the adult is or becomes aware of, and requires making a direct report. Any report shall include personally identifying information of the potential Minor Complainant (to the extent known), as well as a duty to reasonably supplement the report as to identifying information learned at a later time.
 
b. Failure to Report Inappropriate Conduct: Not all inappropriate conduct meets the threshold for constituting Maltreatment. However, such inappropriate conduct may represent behaviour that runs the risk of escalating to Maltreatment. Any Participant who suspects or becomes aware of another Participant's inappropriate conduct, even if it is not defined as Maltreatment, has a duty to report such inappropriate conduct through the internal procedures identified in this Code.
Participants in positions of trust and authority who become aware of another Participant's inappropriate conduct have a responsibility for reporting the concern within the procedures herein. The person making the report does not need to determine whether a violation of the Code took place. Instead, the responsibility lies in reporting the objective behaviour.
 
c. Intentionally Filing a False Allegation: Filing a knowingly false allegation or influencing others to file a knowingly false allegation that a Participant engaged in Maltreatment shall be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the Code. An allegation is false if the events or conduct reported did not occur and the person making the report knows that the events or conduct
did not occur.
A false allegation is different from an unsubstantiated allegation; an unsubstantiated allegation means there is insufficient supporting evidence to determine whether an allegation is true or false. Absent demonstrable bad faith, an unsubstantiated allegation alone is not grounds for a violation. Any person found to have made mischievous, intentionally false or malicious complaints will render themselves liable to appropriate disciplinary action.
 

C) Harassment and Discrimination Policy

Diversity, equity and inclusion are integral in U of T Sport & Rec's commitment to cultivating student physical health, wellness and success. We acknowledge the value of student diversity and recognize individual differences in our creation of opportunities within physical activity and sport. We understand that disparities in opportunity within sport and recreation are rooted in historical and contemporary injustices regarding race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, ability and age, and work to change these. It is required that all student athletes are treated equitably within their sport activities regardless of the above.

Varsity Blues does not support any form of discrimination or sexual violence towards student athletes. This includes, racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, body shaming, violence (in any form), or anything else discriminatory in nature. This type of behaviour is not acceptable from students or coaching staff, and should be reported to Mary Beth Challoner, Director of Intercollegiate and High Performance Sport, even if addressed immediately, to determine if further follow up is required such as more in-depth intervention, personal support, and training. More information on University of Toronto policies and guidelines regarding equity issues, discrimination, and sexual violence can be found here. 

Reporting an Instance of Discrimination

*A note about "Creed" — The term creed is interpreted to mean "reli- gious creed" or "religion" by the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Confidentiality
The ARCDO will, as much as possible, preserve confidentiality as legally required or permitted. You may contact us for details and exception.

Who can contact the ARCDO?

Any member of the U of T tri-campus community (University of Toronto Scarborough, St. George Campus and University of Toronto Mississauga) may contact the office for confidential advice, information and assistance with concerns and/or complaints based on the human rights protected grounds mentioned above.

When should I contact the ARCDO?
You may contact the ARCDO when you:
•    have questions about discrimination and harassment relating to race, ancestry, ethnicity, colour, citizenship or your faith;
•    want information about the application of the University's Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment;
•    are looking for ways to respond to or resolve an issue of harassment or discrimination based on any of the aforementioned grounds;
•    have concerns that a practice, policy or procedure could be discriminatory based on any of the aforementioned grounds.'

How will the ARCDO assist me with my concern or complaint?
The ARCDO receives, responds to, resolves conflict and manages complaints under the University's Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment. It provides:
•    guidance and assistance to all members of the University commu- nity including students, faculty and staff, administrators, managers, recipients of University services, including visitors, who have ques- tions about possible harassment and discrimination;
•    information and advice to any member of the U of T community and staff on policy interpretation including on matters of religious accommodation in the scheduling of classes and examination and for religious observances; and
•    provides referrals to other offices and resources as appropriate.

Contact Information
Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO Email: antiracism@utoronto.ca
Phone: (416) 978-1259
Support for Students Support for Employees

How to address and report instances of discrimination.

D) The Prevention of Sexual Violence

What is Sexual Violence?
As defined by the University's Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment, sexual violence is "any sexual act or act targeting a person's sexuality, gender identity or gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without the person's consent".

The scope of sexual violence is broad and includes a range of behaviours. For example, it can be physical in nature such as forced kissing or it can be non- physical, such as harassing someone because of their gender identity.

Sexual violence can occur in private, in public or online, and among any two or more people regardless of their gender or sexuality.

A defining feature of sexual violence is the absence of consent. This means that the behaviour has not been discussed or agreed to by all parties, and that there is at least one person in the situation who has not said yes, either verbally or through physical gestures and behaviour, to the act in question.

What constitutes sexual violence depends on the circumstances and there are many possible examples. For example, sexual violence can include:
•    inappropriate and unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature
•    sexual harassment
•    sexual abuse
•    sexual assault (including assault by a partner or marital partner)
•    stalking
•    indecent exposure
•    degrading sexual imagery
•    voyeurism
•    cyber sexual harassment
•    stealthing (removing a condom without consent during sex)
Student-athletes are expected to adhere to the policy guidelines regarding harassment and discrimination outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment.

What is Consent?
Understanding consent is critical to recognizing and addressing sexual violence. Consent is defined in the University's Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment as: "The voluntary agreement of an individual to engage in a sexual act. Consent is positive, active and ongoing, and can be revoked at any time.

Consenting to one kind of sexual act does not mean that consent is given for another sexual act or kind of activity.

Consent is NOT obtained where a person is incapable of consenting – for example due to intoxication, or where a person is induced to engage in the activity by someone abusing a position of trust, power or authority."

Understanding consent is an important step in creating a culture of consent on campus and in society. A culture of consent is one where communication and consent are the norm. In such a culture, individuals are respected and not objectified, and have autonomy over their bodies. Incidents of sexual violence are not trivialized.

Contact Information
On the St. George campus, the Tri-Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre is located at 140 St. George St. and is currently open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The UTM Health Centre and UTSC Health & Wellness Centre will help direct people to services until the centre opens its locations on those campuses next month.

Individuals can also call Campus Police to make a report at 416-978-2222.

After hours support is available at:

Women's College Hospital SAAC
(416-323-6040)

Scarborough Grace Sexual Assault Care Centre
(416-495-2400)

Trillium Hospital Sexual Assault Care Centre
(905-848-7100)

What to Do if You Have Experienced Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is broad and includes a range of behaviours, such as sexual assault, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism, sexual exploitation, and others. Different experiences may suggest different courses of action. Contact the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre for help understanding your options and next steps, and for assistance in navigating the supports and services available to you.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED:

1. GO TO A SAFE SPACE: Go somewhere you can feel safe and comfortable, like your own home, a friend's place or with family. You can also go to the hospital or a shelter, or contact the Centre for support. You may also want to consider contacting the municipal police.
2. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: Even if you do not see or feel any injuries, it is important to get medical attention. Specialized care is available at local Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centres.

For evidence collection:
•    It is best to visit a Care Centre within 72 hours.
•    Try to refrain from changing or taking a shower to preserve evidence.

It may still be possible to collect some evidence even if more than 72 hours have passed or you have showered and changed. Care Centres can also collect forensic evidence. Evidence collection will not initiate a report to police or the University.

SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION & SUPPORT CENTRE CONTACT AND NEXT STEPS:

1. Learn more about support and resources available to you here.
2. Request an appointment to receive confidential, non-judgmental consultations by phone, e-mail, & video conferencing.
3. Contact the Centre if you have been affected by sexual violence or harassment.

Phone: 416-978-2266 (all locations – leave a voicemail and get a call back)
Email:   svpscentre@utoronto.ca
 
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (September – June) 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (July & August)
If you require an appointment outside of these times, please e-mail or call to discuss further.
 
Locations:
University of Toronto St. George campus | Gerstein Science Information Centre (Gerstein Library), Suite B139
University of Toronto Mississauga | Davis Building, Room 3094G
University of Toronto Scarborough | Environmental Science & Chemistry Building, EV141

HOW TO DISCLOSE OR REPORT SEXUAL VIOLENCE:

Understanding the Difference

The University of Toronto's Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment distinguishes between a disclosure and a report of sexual violence or harassment. Disclosing or reporting are separate decisions that result in different levels of response or action by the University.
 

	DISCLOSURE: Telling a Member of the University Community about an Incident of Sexual Violence	REPORT: Telling a Designated Member of the University Community about an Incident of Sexual Violence to Initiate a Formal Process
What is it and does it launch a formal process?	Disclosure is simply sharing your experience of sexual violence. A disclosure does not launch any kind of formal process, and it does not have to include significant or specific detail.	A report must be made to initiate a formal process, such as a disciplinary process through the University. A report includes specific details of what happened, when, where and who was involved.
Who do I tell?	You can disclose to anyone – a friend or fellow student, colleague, faculty member, staff member, teaching assistant. You can also disclose to the Centre.	You can report an incident of sexual violence to the University through the Centre. It is up to you whether, when, how, and to which body you want to report an incident of sexual violence. You may want to seek independent legal advice as part of your decision-making process.
What happens after?	When you disclose to the Centre, they will make available support and services, and can discuss whether counselling, access or referrals to medical services, and academic and other accommodations may be appropriate. You do not have to make a report to access these services.	Reporting to the Centre about an incident involving a member of the University community may trigger an independent internal investigation or other process that can ultimately result in academic or workplace accommodations, suspension, expulsion, or other forms of disciplinary action. The University may impose interim measures to keep the complainant and the respondent separate, such as: Changes to class, academic or work schedules Changes to residence accommodations Other measures provided for under the Code of Student Conduct, collective agreements, employment agreements, or human resources policies, depending on whether the respondent is a student, staff, or faculty member
Are there any additional options?	A disclosure does not lead to a report, unless you want it to. To learn more about support options, visit: https://www.svpscentre.utoronto.ca/support	You also have the option to make a report to Campus Police and local police. A report made to the police is separate from a report made to the University. Reporting to Campus or local police may trigger a police investigation and may result in criminal proceedings. If Campus Police receives a report they will also inform the Centre that a report of sexual violence has been made. You can speak to the Centre, Campus Police or review this website to learn more about reporting to the police.

E) Orientation, Team Building and Hazing
Varsity Blues coaches, staff and student leaders are committed to ensuring student-athlete orientations and transition experiences are welcoming. Part of this commitment is an effort to introduce positive team building orientation activities for student-athletes who are new to the Varsity Blues intercollegiate program.

The Varsity Blues intercollegiate program supports only those team building activities which are constructive, educational and contribute to the intellectual and personal development of student-athletes. It unequivocally opposes hazing and any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.

Any act committed against someone joining or becoming a member or maintaining membership in any organization that is humiliating, intimidating or demeaning, or endangers the health and safety of the person. Hazing includes active or passive participation in such acts and occurs regardless of the willingness to participate in the activities! Hazing creates an environment/climate in which dignity and respect are absent.

The Varsity Blues program follows the Code of Student conduct for all reported incidents of hazing.
 
The Varsity Blues program encourages positive team building activities that are team experiences and promote team unity and growth through exercises that support the dignity of all members of the team.

Hazing vs. Team Building
 

Hazing	Team Building
humiliates and degrades tears down individuals creates division creates lifelong nightmares is shameful and secretive is a power trip	promotes respect and dignity supports and empowers creates real teamwork creates lifelong memories creates pride and integrity is a shared positive experience

 

Hazing incidents have resulted in:

• suspension of student-athletes, a team's program and/or cancellation at various U SPORTS institutions;
• a student-athlete's institutional eligibility to be taken away;
• student-athletes to be arrested, including having to appear in court at their own expense;
• teams to be torn apart and fragmented; and,
• serious physical and psychological injuries and even death.

Definitions of Hazing

Subtle Hazing: Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members and veterans of the group or team. Too often they are mistakenly accepted as harmless. Most often they involve ridicule, embarrassment and humiliation, and could even be considered as harassment. Some new members seem to expect such treatment and endure it for the sake of acceptance.

Some examples include, but are not limited to: Deprivation of privileges granted to other team members; requiring new members to perform duties not assigned to other members; socially isolating new members; identifying, or classifying new members as a "rookie" on clothing or other identifiers; name calling; implied use of alcohol required; requiring new members to refer to other members with titles (e.g., Mr., Miss), while they are identified with demeaning terms (rookie, fresh meat, dogs); expecting certain items to always be in one's possession; deception; use of sexually explicit language
 
Harassment Hazing: Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort that puts unnecessary stress upon the victims (e.g., verbal abuse and threats, etc.). Some examples (but not limited to): Consumption of alcohol and/or illegal drug substances required; verbal abuse and/or threats or implied threats; asking new members to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire; stunt or skit nights with degrading, crude or humiliating acts; expecting new members to perform personal service to other members, such as carrying books, errands, cooking, cleaning, etc.; sleep deprivation; sexual simulations; expecting new members to be deprived of maintaining a normal schedule of bodily cleanliness; expecting new members to harass others.

Violent Hazing:
Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional harm. Some examples (but not limited to): Forced or coerced alcohol or other drug consumption; beating, paddling or other forms of assault; forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions; burning; water intoxication; expecting abuse or mistreatment of animals; public nudity; expecting illegal activity; exposure to cold weather or extreme heat without appropriate protection.

Initiations are defined as an induction to a team/group through special ceremonies that hold meaningful relevance. An initiation that asks the student-athlete to sacrifice their values and participate in humiliating and endangering activities is misguided. Initiations are prohibited in the Varsity Blues program.

Perpetrators: Individuals who exercise their power and control over the newest members through subtle harassing or violent hazing that humiliates, degrades and/or endangers.

Passive Participant: An individual member of the hazing group who stands by and watches the hazing activity perpetrated upon another victim and chooses not to do or say anything that would or could change the course of action. The passive participant becomes as much of the problem as the perpetrators themselves, contributing to the hazing culture.

The Role of Student-Athletes in Hazing Prevention:

Team Discussion Questions
Hazing vs. Team Building
1.    What makes you feel accepted by your teammates and coach?
•    Is it playing time?
•    Is it being socially included at all times?
•    Is it interest in you as a person from upper-class teammates, aside from being an athlete?
•    Is it having your coaches give you "the time of day"?
•    Do you need to have your coaches and teammates talk to you off the field or court?
•    Do you feel respect from the rest of the institution, or are you looked at as a non-contributing student?

2.    Why is it that you chose to participate in athletics? You chose to be involved with athletics to:
a.    Challenge yourself physically and emotionally.
b.    Enjoy the excitement of competition.
c.    Develop friendships and the camaraderie of teammates.
d.    Set goals and work toward accomplishment.
e.    Enhance one's self-confidence and pride.
f.    Build on the value of community.
g.    Enjoy the experience and have fun!

3.    What do you think will be the most positive outcome of your participation?
•    The most positive, lasting outcomes of athletics are the relationships established through mutual respect with teammates and coaches, which last a lifetime!

4.    What do you know about traditions and why do they exist?
•    Traditions are time-honored acts that repeat the customs and beliefs of a culture. They are honorable and instill a sense of pride in its members!

5.    What purpose does an initiation serve and what place does it have in athletics?
•    Initiations are designed to instruct new members in the principles of an organization. They are ceremonial in nature and often carry a spiritual significance, and should be instructive. By joining an athletic team, one should expect to learn customs and procedures, but should never have to prove his or her right to be respected and treated with dignity at all times.

6.    What do you believe that the hazing of a teammate or yourself accomplishes?
Hazing does not bond a team, quite the opposite it tears it apart!
•    Hazing does not instill pride in the team ... it humiliates the victims and the team!
•    Hazing does not allow freedom of choice to participate; it creates an environment of expectations, leaving the victim powerless to choose!
 

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT HAZING AMONG YOUR TEAMMATES:

1. Review the list of questions that would clarify if activities are hazing. 
2. Understand what constitutes hazing and insist that this is discussed with coaches and teammates. 
3. Plan alternative activities for your team that will enhance team bonding and be sure that all players and coaches are involved.
4. Make caring about one's teammates a high priority for success and be conscious of any potential hazing incidents that may occur within your team! Talk about what it means to care!
5. Discuss among your coaches and teammates how and who you would report potential incidents that could be considered, or lead to, hazing. Any team's problems will reflect poorly on your institution!
6. Seek advice from your coaches, administrators, athletic trainers, professors, student affairs officers, Life Skills personnel or even your parents!

How to report an incident of hazing:
If you suspect, or were involved with, in a hazing incident, can be a very difficult situation. Using your comfort level as the barometer, you can share your concerns with:
i) your team captain
ii) your coaches
iii) athletic department staff

Creating New Traditions: Orientation and Team Building Alternatives:
Traditions are important, and are intended to hand down honourable customs. They instill a sense of value and pride in the existing members. It is imperative for coaches and team leaders to establish meaningful traditions that are time-honoured through positive team building events. Suggestions include:
•    Establish mentors for new student-athletes.
•    Have the team together adopt an elementary class.
•    Design and complete a community service project during the preseason.
•    Attend a team-building ropes course to build unity among new and veteran players.
•    Establish a ceremonial presentation of game uniforms to new players before the first contest.
•    Hold a "Meet the Parents and Families of New Players Day" before the first contest.
•    Establish a tradition of recognizing each new student-athlete's birthday with a pizza party.
•    Have veterans call new players before they arrive on campus as a welcoming gesture.
•    Have holiday-time phone calls from the captain to all new first-year players.
•    Take the team hiking, canoeing, rafting or bowling.
•    Compete with each other in other team games, such as skiing, basketball, hockey and swimming, splitting the team equally between new members and returning members.
•    Go to a Blues Game with your team! Blues supporting Blues!
•    Have your team visit the children's ward in a hospital, a nursing home or a homeless shelter.
•    Share your team building experience with other Varsity Blues teams and swap ideas.

E) Code of Alcohol-Related Behaviour:
In order to develop a positive culture at the University of Toronto regarding alcohol, student-athletes need to be leaders with regards to educating themselves and others about the use of alcohol. Research has shown that it takes 90-120 minutes for the liver to metabolize each ounce of alcohol consumed. Furthermore, there is evidence that the performance-degrading effects of alcohol persist for some time after it has been completely metabolized. Hence, in the quest for excellence both on and off the playing field, student-athletes need to make smart choices and realize the long-term athletic, career and health benefits of choosing not to drink alcohol or to drink responsibly after the legal age of 19 in Ontario. The following activities are unacceptable for all Varsity Blues program members (coaches, support staff, and student-athletes):

• The consumption of alcohol prior to HOME Varsity Blues recognized athletic events is prohibited within 24 hours of competition or, as defined by each team's team code (whichever is greater).
• The consumption of alcohol at AWAY Varsity Blues recognized athletic events is prohibited a minimum of 24 hours prior to competition time or from the time the team departs campus (whichever is greater) to the time the team arrives back to campus.
• Consumption of alcohol in any University of Toronto athletic facility, including but not limited to: team rooms, classrooms, labs.    
• When the use of alcohol interferes with scholastic success, athletic performance, personal relationships or finances.
• Irresponsible use and/or being intoxicated in a public place (e.g., downtown University campus, restaurants, etc.); and,    
• Drinking at team building/orientation events.

It is understood that there are social norms and special circumstances that would be allowable for coaches to use discretion. These special circumstances would be discussed with the Mary Beth Challoner and Steve Manchur. 

F) Anti-Doping Education and Policy 
The Varsity Blues program adheres to the WADA Code, Canadian Anti- Doping Program, and U SPORTS regulations regarding doping and anti- doping education and policy. This includes:
•    Unequivocal opposition to the use of any substance or methods prohibited in contravention by applicable anti-doping rules (WADA List of Prohibited Substances and Methods and U SPORTS rules);
•    A mandatory anti-doping education webinar for all student-athletes participating in the Varsity Blues program (U SPORTS, University, and Toronto divisions only);
•    Prohibition of the use of such substances and/or methods by individuals in positions of leadership in university sport (coaches, athletic staff, medical practitioners, sports scientists, administrators).

G) Code of Cannabis-Related Behaviour
Cannabis is a performance-degrading substance that, like alcohol, is widely-consumed for its psychotropic effects. While it is no longer illegal to consume non-medical cannabis in Canada, it has remained against the anti-doping rules of WADA and most sport organizations.

Like alcohol, cannabis is performance degrading. It impairs mental concentration, short-term memory, and motivation. It can interfere with both academic and athletic success, and may pose a mental health risk for some users.

 However, its widespread use, and changes in regulatory status in many jurisdictions has led to a situation not unlike that for alcohol, in which, despite its obvious undesirability from a sport performance perspective, it may not be appropriate for sport organizations to completely prohibit its use, or attempt to enforce such complete prohibition.

As of the 2020-21, CCES will no longer be registering Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) for cannabinoids, and accordingly, no Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) shall occur for student-athletes who participate EXCLUSIVELY within U SPORTS. However, student-athletes who do participate in another jurisdiction's event (e.g.: an NSO or FISU event), or those who are included in their sport's National Athlete Pool (NAP), would be subject to the more restrictive testing protocols -even if tested at a U SPORTS event-, which would include in-competition samples being analyzed for cannabinoids, along with all other prohibited substances.

What does this mean for a Varsity Blues athlete competing and training in U SPORTS sports?

• The use of cannabis is still restricted for Varsity Blues athletes representing the University of Toronto, as follows:
• The use of cannabis is prohibited within the 24 hours prior to a HOME competitive event, or as specified by any other team code in effect (i.e. some teams may choose to prohibit cannabis use more extensively), whichever is greater.
• The use of cannabis is prohibited before and after AWAY Varsity Blues recognized athletic events -from 24 hours prior to the competition event time or the time the team departs from campus (whichever is greater) until the team arrives back on campus.
• The use of cannabis at University of Toronto athletic facilities, including but not limited to: training and competition spaces, team rooms, classrooms, and labs is prohibited.
• When the use of cannabis interferes with scholastic success, athletic performance, personal relationships or finances.  
• Irresponsible use and/or being intoxicated in a public place (e.g.., University campus, restaurants, etc.) is prohibited; and,  
• Using cannabis at team building/orientation events is strictly prohibited.

H) Social Media Policy & Guidelines

The University of Toronto athletic department recognizes that most student-athletes wish to participate in networking and social opportunities on various forms of social media.
 
Student-athletes may not be aware of the ease that third parties, including the media, faculty, future employers and officials can access their profiles and view all personal information. This includes all pictures, videos, comments and posts. Inappropriate material found by these third parties affects the perception of not only the student-athlete but also the athletic department and the University. This can also be detrimental to a student-athlete's future employment options, whether in professional sports or in other industries. It is important that student-athletes exercise appropriate caution if they choose to participate.

Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors that fall under the student-athlete expectations of behaviour include but are not limited to, the following:

• Photos, videos, comments or posts showing the personal use of alcohol & tobacco e.g., no holding cups, cans, shot glasses etc.
• Photos, videos, comments or posts that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a pornographic nature and other inappropriate material.
• Pictures, videos, comments or posts that condone drug-related activity. This includes but is not limited to images that portray the personal use of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
• Content online that is unsportsmanlike, derogatory, demeaning or threatening toward any other individual or entity (examples: derogatory comments regarding another institution; taunting comments aimed at a student-athlete, coach or team at another institution and derogatory comments against race and/or gender). No posts should depict or encourage unacceptable, violent or illegal activities (examples: hazing, sexual harassment/assault, gambling, discrimination, fighting, vandalism, academic dishonesty, underage drinking, or illegal drug use).
• Information that is sensitive or personal in nature or is proprietary to the Varsity Blues athletic program or the university, which is not public information (examples: tentative or future team schedules, student-athlete injuries and eligibility status, travel plans/itineraries or information).

For your own safety, please keep the following recommendations in mind as you participate in social media websites:

• Set your privacy settings to limit all public access to your profile and do not post personal identifying information such as phone numbers, class schedules, home address or other information as it could lead to unwanted attention, stalking, identity theft, etc.
• Be aware of who you add as a friend – many people are looking to take advantage of student-athletes or to seek connection with them.
• Student-athletes should remember that they are ambassadors of the University of Toronto and are always in the public eye.

Team Social Media

If a coach and/or a student-athlete(s) wishes to create a public team account on any social media platform, with the purpose of promotions and/or dissemination of information related to the University of Toronto and Varsity Blues program, and in doing so use the brand, likeness or name of the University, the Varsity Blues or of the specific team, they will need to contact Jill Clark, Manager, Events and Marketing for approval and set- up.

All new and existing team-managed social media accounts are considered the property of the University of Toronto, and the Varsity Blues department must maintain administrative access to all accounts.

Contact Information & Next Steps:
Questions regarding acceptable content may be directed to: Jill Clark, Manager, Events, Marketing & Communications at jill.clark@utoronto.ca