CODE OF CONDUCT

The York Lions are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in varsity athletics and committed to the development of student-athletes who aspire to become champions at the highest level of academic and athletic performance. Varsity athletics is the most visible face of the University in promoting institutional pride and fostering outreach with the community and alumni.

Participation on a varsity team at York University is a privilege and student-athletes should be aware of the responsibility that comes with representing the institution. Student-athletes are held to a higher code of conduct than other students and are required to comply with the following: 
 

  1. Know and follow the “The Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities.” These rules of conduct apply to all York University students and are found at http://oscr.students.yorku.ca/student-conduct. 
  2. You are a student first and will receive no special treatment as an athlete if you violate this code. 
  3. Know and follow the rules and regulations of your sport as set out by the OUA and USPORTS and the sport governing body, including but not limited to the use of illegal/banned substances, eligibility, and awards. 
  4. Obey team rules and policies. Your coaches have established rules and policies for guiding your success as a member of your team. You are expected to follow the requirements and develop the attitude and behaviour to make a positive contribution to your team. 
  5. You are a representative not only of your team, but of the University. As a student-athlete, you must be committed to behaviour that will reflect positively on the reputation of York University by treating your teammates, opponents, officials, spectators and the public in general with respect and consideration. 
  6. Team members are strictly prohibited from the consumption/use of alcohol or illegal/banned substances while on route to or from (bus or other team transport), or at the site of athletic events/contests, hotels, team housing, competitions, or practices. At all times, team members will not use illegal/banned substances. 
  7. There is zero tolerance from participating in hazing activities of any type. Hazing activities are defined as any action taken or situation created as part of initiation to or continued membership on a team, which produces or could be expected to produce mental or physical discomfort, harm, stress, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule; or which violates York University policy, The Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities, the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct or law. 
  8. This applies to behaviour on or off York University premises. Participation will be deemed to include passive participation or failure to act to end such behaviour by others where one reasonably knew or ought to have known it was taking place. 
  9. Social media policy: As a representative of the York Lions and York University you are expected to portray yourself, your team and York in a positive light at all times. Keep in mind you are responsible for items that are posted on social media outlets and they should comply with the guidelines outlined in your orientation session. 
  10. Click here to access the official Social Media Standards & Guidelines for the Department of Athletics & Recreation. For more information on York University’s Brand Stewardship Policy see the below link. 
 
https://secretariat-policies.info.yorku.ca/policies/brand-stewardship-policy/ 
 
Violations 
Conduct by student-athletes alleged to have violated the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct which is not covered under the Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities will be addressed by the Head Coach and/or the Manager – Varsity Athletics, Director – Varsity Athletics and/or the Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation 
 
Sanctions 
Appropriate sanctions for violations of the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct include, but are not limited to: 
 
  1. A letter of reprimand by the coach copied to the Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation; 
  2. Suspension of the individual or team for one or more competitions; 
  3. Suspension of the individual or team for an entire season;  
  4. Removal of funding from the individual and/or team; 
  5. Community service by the individual or the team. 

 
Note: Because of the time sensitive nature of the varsity season, every effort will be made to render a decision before the team’s next competition. 
 
Appeals 
A sanction imposed under the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct may be appealed to the Director of Office of Student Conflict Resolution. 
 

Student-Athlete Code of Conduct