Code of Conduct
ALL PLAYERS MUST AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING CODE OF CONDUCT STATEMENT BEFORE THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WASHINGTON DC GAY BASKETBALL LEAGUE.
I agree to abide by the general rules of conduct prescribed for participation in the Washington DC Women’s Basketball League (“WDCGBL/WDCWBL”). I understand that among these rules are prohibitions against abusing officials, any intoxicated condition, league organizers, players, repeated profanity, flagrant fouls, throwing equipment and any other unsportsmanlike behavior. I further understand that violations of these rules will result in game ejections, suspensions and/or possible permanent dismissal from the league.
Washington DC Women’s Basketball League (“WDCGBL/WDCWBL”) Code of Conduct is the organization's statement of expected behavioral standards that all players are required to read and follow. The Code of Conduct, intended to reflect the stated goals of the WDCGBL/WDCWBL (see Mission Statement), clarifies the expectation that WDCGBL/WDCWBL players have responsibility for their actions both on and off the court, at sponsored events, while traveling and at home games, and have accountability for those actions when WDCGBL/WDCWBL standards are violated.
WDCGBL/WDCWBL provides an environment free of harassment and discrimination for members and friends of the LGBT community to play basketball and fulfill their athletic aspirations.
Threatening language and verbal threats, slurs against race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, or national origin will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Sportsmanship is defined as: fairness and respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing. All players are expected to conduct themselves with the highest level of sportsmanship. Any player who deliberately tries to harm or intimidate another player through the use of force will be subject to the consequences described below.
If an WDCGBL/WDCWBL member is found to be behaving outside of the Code of Conduct, he or she will receive a warning via email from the Executive Committee of the Board. If the offender continues to behave in a manner that violates the WDCGBL/WDCWBL Code of Conduct, he or she will be suspended for the following two games. Players will be notified via email. A player who is suspended is not eligible for a refund of any season fee nor are they allowed to sit on the bench during the two games for which they are suspended. This applies to all players.
As representatives of the WDCGBL/WDCWBL and "spokespersons" for their individual team, it is very important that captains and alternate captains be held to the highest level of conduct as they set the example for the team. If a captain or alternate captain is suspended, he or she will be removed from their position. The Executive Committee of the Board will then appoint a new captain or alternate captain for their specific team.
If a player who has been suspended continues to behave in a manner that violates the WDCGBL/WDCWBL Code of Conduct, the player will be removed from the team's roster immediately. When a player is expelled, the unused portion of their league fee will be refunded. An expelled player may apply for probationary reinstatement to his or her team after two seasons.
Code of Conduct violations can be reported by any player to any member of the Executive Committee of the Board. All reports will be confidential and investigated in a timely manner. Other reports of Code of Conduct violations may come from GW Sports Center staff, officials and from teams outside the WDCGBL/WDCWBL.
In addition, an WDCGBL/WDCWBL team captain can decide that a member of his team has violated the Code of Conduct and can choose to take action upon receiving approval from the Executive Committee of the Board.
In either of these instances, no investigation by the WDCGBL/WDCWBL Executive Committee of the Board is necessary for the player to receive the consequences designated
To issue warnings, suspensions or expulsions, a majority vote of the WDCGBL/WDCWBL Executive Committee of the Board is required. In addition, in the matter of expulsions.
.*These rules can be updated at any time by the Commissioners