Behavior Policy

A .PDF copy of this policy is available at this link

Section 1: Behavior Policy

Charleston Curling Club – Behavior Policy

1) Purpose
The Charleston Curling Club (“CCC” or “the Club”) is committed to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, volunteers, officials, spectators, and guests at any Club-sponsored activity. This policy sets expectations for conduct and authorizes Club leaders to act swiftly to protect health, safety, and the integrity of events.

2) Scope & Applicability
This policy applies to all persons present at CCC activities, including but not limited to leagues, learn-to-curl events, practices, meetings, clinics, socials, fundraisers, bonspiels, and travel events, whether held at our home facility or any rented/host facility.

“Club Leader” means any person serving as a Board member or officer, League Commissioner, Bonspiel Chair, event lead, coach/instructor, or their designee while on duty.

3) Code of Conduct – Core Expectations
All participants and guests must:

• Treat others with respect; refrain from harassment, bullying, intimidation, and abusive language, including but not limited to following all SafeSport guidelines and requirements.
• Follow instructions from Club Leaders and facility staff.
• Comply with all posted safety rules, this policy, the host facility’s rules (See Section 1.7), and applicable laws.
• Use Club and facility property responsibly; keep ice and common areas clean and safe.
• Compete and socialize in the spirit of curling—honesty, sportsmanship, and fair play.

4) Prohibited Conduct (Examples, not exhaustive)

• Harassment or discrimination based on any protected characteristic.
• Physical aggression, threats, stalking, or inciting violence.
• Disorderly, disruptive, or lewd conduct, regardless of whether the individual is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substances (see Section 1.5).
• Vandalism, theft, or misuse of property.
• Dangerous play or ignoring safety instructions.
• Possession or use of weapons (including firearms, knives, explosives) except as allowed by facility policy and applicable law.
• Filming/photography that invades privacy, targets individuals, or violates facility rules.
• Interference with Club operations, instruction, officiating, or event management.

5) Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment

• Persons appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or any intoxicating or impairing substance may be refused participation or removed.
• Illegal drugs and unlawful possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances are prohibited.
• Alcohol may be consumed only where expressly permitted by the facility and applicable law; under-21 consumption is prohibited.
• The Club may conduct non-invasive, reasonable safety checks consistent with facility rules.

6) Minors & Vulnerable Participants

• Parents/guardians remain responsible for minors unless a program explicitly assumes custody.
• Two-adult rule and appropriate boundaries apply to youth programming.
• Any suspected abuse or neglect will be reported consistent with law.

• SafeSport guidelines will be followed with respect to investigations, reporting, and response.

7) Facility & Host Rules
All participants must follow the host rink’s policies (including dress code, food/beverage, locker rooms, and emergency procedures). Where this policy differs, the more restrictive rule applies.

8) Enforcement & Removal Authority

• Any Club Leader may, in their reasonable judgment, deny entry to, suspend, or remove any person at any time for any lawful reason.
  
  
• Fees may be forfeited upon removal or suspension at the Club’s discretion.
• The Club may request law enforcement assistance.
• Progressive discipline (warnings, suspensions, bans) may be used, but immediate removal may occur when necessary.

9) Non-Discrimination & Equal Opportunity
The Club provides equal opportunity and does not exclude or discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Enforcement decisions must be based on behavior, safety, or rule compliance—not on protected characteristics.

10) Reasonable Accommodations
The Club will provide reasonable modifications to enable participation by individuals with disabilities or religious needs, unless doing so would fundamentally alter the program or create an undue safety risk.

11) Reporting, Review, and Appeals

• Concerns may be reported to any Club Leader or to the Board.
• Leaders will document incidents.
• Appeals of suspensions/bans may be submitted in writing within 7 days. The Board will review and issue a final decision.
• Retaliation for good-faith reporting is prohibited.

12) Reservation of Rights
Participation in Club activities is a privilege, not a right. The Club may modify or interpret this policy consistent with law and facility agreements.

13) Acknowledgment
Participation in any Club activity constitutes acknowledgment of, and agreement to comply with, this policy.

Section 2: Forms

Incident Report Form

Appeal Request Form

Accommodation Request Form

Section 3: Template Letter

Permanent Ban Notification Letter

[Date]

[Participant Name]
[Address or Email]

Dear [Participant Name],

This letter is to inform you that, following review by the Charleston Curling Club Board of Directors, your participation in all Charleston Curling Club activities is permanently revoked effective immediately.

This action has been taken due to violations of the Club’s Behavior Policy. The Board has determined that your conduct created an unsafe, disruptive, or otherwise inappropriate environment inconsistent with the standards expected of our members and guests.

Accordingly, you are prohibited from attending or participating in any Club activities, including leagues, practices, bonspiels, social events, or instructional programs. Should you enter Club events or host facilities during Club activities, you will be considered trespassing and law enforcement may be contacted.

Your league Skip, [Skip Name], has also been notified of this decision. Any team adjustments required will be managed by the appropriate club Leader in the future.

You have the right to submit a written appeal to the Board within seven (7) days of the date of this letter. Instructions for filing an appeal are provided in the Behavior Policy.

We regret that this action has become necessary but remain committed to ensuring a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all participants.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title, on behalf of the Charleston Curling Club Board]

Section 4: Website & Social Media Notices

Long Version (for website/newsletter):
The Charleston Curling Club has adopted a new Behavior Policy to help ensure our events remain safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all participants and guests. This policy sets clear expectations for conduct, empowers Club leaders to act when necessary, and emphasizes our commitment to inclusivity and respect. The full policy and related forms are available on our website. We look forward to continuing to grow our community in the spirit of curling—sportsmanship, fellowship, and fun on the ice.

Short Version (for Facebook/Instagram/X):
Charleston Curling Club has adopted a new Behavior Policy to ensure our events remain safe, welcoming, and fun for everyone. The policy emphasizes respect, inclusivity, and sportsmanship—values at the heart of curling. Full details are available on our website.

Document Control

• Version: 1.0
• Effective Date: October 22, 2025
• Owner: Board of Directors
• Next Review Date: October 2026