Twin Cities Curling Association Code of Conduct
Purpose of the Code of Conduct:
This Code of Conduct is intended to ensure activities at our affiliate clubs and in our curling community remain welcoming and inclusive for all. It is here to help guide our local curling community on how to be more self-aware of their words and actions as well as the impact they may have on others. This helps identify issues that are occurring within the community and ensure that any potential conflicts may be resolved quickly and amicably. Where the Spirit of Curling guides an athlete’s on-ice conduct regarding gameplay, this Code of Conduct is intended to complement that, with regards to Twin Cities curling community members’ behavior and communication towards others (both on and off the ice). It is in that spirit we ask this Code of Conduct be followed and applied.
Where this code is Applied:
This Code of Conduct will be expected to be followed inside all spaces managed or organized by TCCA affiliate clubs. This includes, but is not limited to: on-ice activities, club room socializing before and after curling, TCCA events and bonspiels, off-ice social events organized by the affiliate clubs, TCCA social media, and other forms of media communication. This Code of Conduct also covers events in which individuals may be representing the Twin Cities curling community (e.g., out-of-town bonspiels, et cetera).
The Spirit of Curling, from the World Curling Federation:
Curling is a game of skill and of tradition. A shot well-executed is a delight to see, and it is also a fine thing to observe the time-honoured traditions of curling being applied in the true spirit of the game. Curlers play to win but never to humble their opponents.
A true curler never attempts to distract opponents, nor to prevent them from playing their best, and would prefer to lose rather than to win unfairly.
Curlers never knowingly break a rule of the game, nor disrespect any of its traditions. Should they become aware that this has been done inadvertently, they will be the first to divulge the breach.
While the main object of the game of curling is to determine the relative skill of the players, the spirit of curling demands good sportsmanship, kindly feeling and honorable conduct.
This spirit should influence both the interpretation and the application of the rules of the game and also the conduct of all participants on and off the ice.
Core Values of Twin Cities Curling:
Along with the Spirit of Curling, the TCCA has core values guiding our behavior both on and off the ice. These principles are grounded in our love of the game and our respect for one another. This list of values and the details that follow are not an exhaustive list of rules, but rather guideposts to help you find your way towards positive and inclusive interactions with everyone in the Twin Cities area curling community.
Be Respectful
Respect is a fundamental value of the TCCA, the curling community it represents, and the affiliate clubs. Not all of us will agree all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for poor behavior and poor manners. We might all experience some frustration or competitive anger now and then, but we cannot allow that frustration or competitive feeling to turn into a personal attack. It’s important to remember: any community where people feel uncomfortable or threatened does not help grow the sport we all love. Twin Cities curlers and members of TCCA affiliate clubs should be respectful when dealing with other members and non-member participants at TCCA and affiliated clubs’ activities.
Be Inclusive
We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to: members of any race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, color, immigration status, social and economic class, educational level, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.
Be Careful in the Words You Choose
We understand players will often socialize among friends and fellow curlers after league or at bonspiels. You are still representing your curling club and the Twin Cities curling community, as well as yourself: err on the side of caution when there are any doubts about your words.
Be Kind to Others
Do not insult or put down other participants. Harassment and other exclusionary behavior are not acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:
Violent threats or language directed against another person
Discriminatory jokes and language
Unwelcome sexual attention
Conduct directed at someone that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety and/or the safety of others, and/or suffer substantial emotional distress
Sharing sexually explicit or violent material
Sharing (or threatening to share) other people’s personal information
Personal insults, especially any using racist or sexist terms, or other such “hate speech”
Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior
Repeated harassment of others. If someone asks you to stop, then stop.
**Alcohol use is not an excuse for harassment, disrespect, or other inappropriate behavior.
Be Friendly and Patient
We understand everyone has different levels of experience and skill on the ice. We all have areas of our game in need of improvement. The Twin Cities curling community and TCCA events/affiliated clubs should be places where people can not only compete, but feel comfortable asking questions and learning along the way. When helping another member grow as a curler, either in their gameplay or their on-ice etiquette, do so with patience, respect, and politeness.
Remember: we all were new to the sport at one point, too! If you see someone you think needs help with their curling skills, always ask first before offering advice. Not everyone is always looking for feedback, no matter how well-intentioned. When someone violates the generally accepted etiquette of the game, communicate your concern as politely as possible. If the issue is not urgent, consider discussing the matter after the match or with the player’s skip instead of addressing the player directly.
When We Disagree, Try to Understand Why
Disagreements, both social and competitive, happen all the time. It is important that we resolve disagreements and differing views constructively. Remember: we’re all unique, and there is strength in having a diverse community of people from a wide range of backgrounds. Different people have different perspectives. Being unable to understand why someone holds a certain viewpoint doesn’t mean they’re wrong. To err is human, and blaming each other for a mistake solves nothing. Instead, try to focus on resolving the issue, and learning from it.
Questions:
If you have questions, please see the Code of Conduct FAQ. If you don’t find your answer there, please email the TCCA leadership at conduct@twincitiescurling.org
Acknowledgements:
The Code of Conduct above draws heavily from the Code of Conduct of the Silicon Valley Curling Club; adapted and borrowed text is used with permission. SVCC’s document was influenced by Ecma International’s TC39.
Special thanks go out to our friends at the Silicon Valley Curling Club, the Windy City Curling Club, and the Frogtown Curling Club, for their inspiration, guidance, and assistance in generating and adapting this Code of Conduct.