GENERAL POLICY PROVISIONS

Those using Park District facilities or who are otherwise participating in Park District programs (the “Participants”) are expected to conduct themselves in a cooperative and respectful manner. Those using Park District facilities or otherwise participating in Park District programs shall avoid engaging in behavior that can either injure or threaten another Participant, supervisors or spectators or otherwise evidence unsportsmanlike conduct that would have a negative impact on others at the facility or other Participants in the program. Each Participant has a responsibility to treat other Participants with respect. Participants shall not conduct themselves in such a manner during the use of Park District facilities or participation in Park District programs that would bring discredit upon the Park District or any Park District program.

Possession or use of illegal drugs, unauthorized alcohol, weapons in violation of North Dakota law, or vandalism or destruction of Park District property is strictly prohibited.

Any user of a Park District facility or Participant in a Park District program, including specific individuals or a team or group, may be removed from the Park District facility or program if they violate not only specific Codes of Conduct herein described, but also the intent of the Codes of Conduct. Such person or organization may be prohibited from using the Park District facility or participating in a Park District program for a period of time determined in the reasonable discretion of the Park District personnel who are supervising the facility or the Park District program. No person removed or otherwise prohibited from using a Park District facility or otherwise participating in a Park District program shall receive a refund for fees by reason of such suspension.

Suspensions or bans exceeding thirty (30) days may be reviewed upon written request to the Director of Recreation/Facilities or the Executive Director.

Any person violating any provision or rule of the Codes of Conduct, to the extent practicable, shall first be asked to correct the behavior, and may be further subject to:

1. Temporary or permanent removal from the program or activity; and/or
2. Removal or expulsion from the Park District facility; and/or
3. Denial or revocation of privileges to participate in other Park District programs; and/or
4. Reimbursing the Park District for all damage caused by or resulting from such violations, and/or
5. Legal action.

In the event of litigation resulting from or arising out of any prohibited conduct, all fines, costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees and penalties allowable under State or local law shall be recoverable by the Park District.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ORGANIZATIONS, STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

1. Consider the physical and emotional well-being and safety of Participants.
2. Develop an appropriate working relationship with Participants, based on mutual trust and respect.
3. Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.
4. Promote the positive aspects of the athletic activity or program, to include relationships with teammates or competitors, fair play and self-confidence.
5. Individually display consistent high standards of behavior and appearance.
6. Never exert undue influence over Participants to obtain personal benefit or reward for yourself or your team.
7. Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibited substances.
8. Encourage Participants to value their performances and not just results.
9. Encourage and guide Participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behavior.
10. Never actively promote anti-social behavior, lewd acts or excessive drinking, or force anyone into taking part in such activities.
11. Do not condone any action which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminate against any other person on the basis of ability, gender, race, disability, age, religious or political belief, sexual orientation, social background, ethnic origin, language, marital or civil partnership status or pregnancy, or any other protected class under federal or state law.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARTICIPANTS

1. Recognize and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, officials, supervisors, parents, or other volunteers and Park District staff in providing the opportunity for the public to participate in the program or game and enjoy the sporting or other program environment.
2. Display consistently high standards of behavior.
3. Play for fun and enjoyment.
4. Acknowledge that the game or program is conducted in accordance with rules and principles of disciplined and respectful behavior. Acknowledge that it is not sufficient to rely solely upon officials to maintain those principles.
5. Learn and play by the rules.
6. Accept and observe the authority and decisions of supervisors or officials and all other disciplinary bodies.
7. Co-operate with supervisors, officials, coaches, teammates, opponents and volunteers.
8. Promote the reputation of the program or game and take all possible steps to prevent it from being brought into disrepute.
9. Recognize and applaud all good play, including other competing Participants.
10. Be a good sport – win with modesty, lose with dignity.
11. Do not use foul language or abusive language or gestures towards supervisors, officials, other coaches, Participants or spectators.
12. Do not do anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminate against any other person on the basis of ability, gender, race, disability, age, religious or political belief, sexual orientation, social background, ethnic origin, language, marital or civil partnership status or pregnancy, or any other protected class under federal or state law.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SPECTATORS

1. Be on your best behavior. Do not use profane language, do not harass, physically or verbally, Participants, supervisors, coaches, officials, Park District staff or other spectators.
2. Applaud all good play by all Participants, your Participant’s team and the other team.
3. Show respect for all opponents. Without them, there would be no game.
4. Do not ridicule or scold a Participant for making a mistake during a game.
5. Do not condone the use of violence and verbal abuse.
6. Do respect the decisions of any supervisor or official. Remember he/she has the same feelings as you and, like you, sometimes makes an honest error.
7. Do not do anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminate against any other person on the basis of ability, gender, race, disability, age, religious or political belief, sexual orientation, social background, ethnic origin, language, marital or civil partnership status or pregnancy, or any other protected class under federal or state law.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES

1. Arrive in plenty of time to set up your activities and ensure safety.
2. Keep yourself informed about sound coaching practices.
3. Be reasonable in your demands on Participant’s time, energy and enthusiasm.
4. Teach your team that honest effort is more important than victory.
5. Do not ridicule or shout at a Participant for making a mistake or losing.
6. Teach players to be fair and to follow the rules.
7. Do divide your time equally between all players.
8. Demonstrate your respect for officials, other Participants, Park District staff and opposing coaches and supporters and require similar conduct of your players or Participants.
9. Follow advice from a qualified health care professional when determining if an injured player is ready to play or train.
10. Do take responsibility for the young people in your care until they have safely left the activity.
11. Do not do anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminate against any other person on the basis of ability, gender, race, disability, age, religious or political belief, sexual orientation, social background, ethnic origin, language, marital or civil partnership status or pregnancy, or any other protected class under federal or state law.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Use of Park District facilities or participation in Park District programs constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of this Code of Conduct. The Park District may post this Code at facilities, on its website, and within program registration materials, and Participants are responsible for complying with its provisions.

Approved by Board of Park Commissioners on 12-8-2025.