Code of Conduct

City of Salem Recreation Department
CODE OF CONDUCT
As adopted by the Salem Recreation Board on February 27, 2003

The goal of the City of Salem Recreation Department is to provide positive recreational experiences in which all individuals are welcome and treated with respect.  The City of Salem Recreation Department offers its programs, activities, services, and benefits to all individuals on an equal basis.  Employees of the City of Salem Recreation Department, all program participants, and all users of  City facilities are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times by showing respect for all participants and staff members.  Employees of the City of Salem Recreation Department, all program participants, and all users of City facilities are expected to refrain from using inappropriate language, from threatening or causing bodily harm to others and from defacing or damaging City property, equipment, supplies and facilities.  Employees of the City of Salem Recreation Department, all program participants and all users of City facilities are also expected to adhere to all City of Salem Recreation Department rules.

The City of Salem Recreation Department reserves the right to restrict, suspend, expel or deny participation in any program, event or facility to any person whose behavior interferes with or disrupts the quality of those offerings, the enjoyment of them by other participants, or the ability of staff to conduct or manage the activities or facility.

The following guidelines will be used to address inappropriate behavior by a program participant or spectator or facility user.  The nature and severity of the incident, however, may warrant a meeting, suspension, or expulsion on the first, second or third occasion of inappropriate behavior or referral to local law enforcement authorities.

Inappropriate behavior by a participant:

1st Incident: The participant, or if the participant is under 18 years of age, their parent or guardian, and coach will receive written notification of the first incident.  

2nd Incident: The participant, if under 18 years of age along with their parent or guardian, will be required to appear before the Salem Recreation Board for consideration of reinstatement into the program.

3rd Incident: The participant will be permanently suspended or expelled from the program, event, or facility.

If a participant engages in behavior which poses a threat of bodily harm to himself or others, an immediate meeting may be called or based on the severity of the incident, the individual will be immediately suspended or expelled from the program or facility and local law enforcement authorities notified.

Inappropriate behavior by a non-participant:

1st Incident: The non-participant will receive one verbal warning with a written confirmation.  If the non-participant is a minor, parents will be notified.

2nd Incident: The non-participant will be suspended or expelled from the event or facility.

If a non-participant physically strikes or takes any other action that poses a threat of bodily harm to himself or others, the individual will be immediately suspended or expelled from the facility.  Any violation of common law will result in local law enforcement authorities being notified and legal action will be pursued.\

The severity of the incident or incidents will dictate the severity of the consequences.

Inappropriate behavior is defined as use of inappropriate language; threatening or causing bodily harm to others; harassment (in any manner) of officials, coaches, players, spectators, Salem Recreation Department staff, etc.; defacing or damaging City property, equipment, supplies or facilities.

Adopted by Salem Recreation Board at their regular monthly meeting on February 27, 2003.

Sherry Daniels, Director
City of Salem Recreation Department