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July 25th, 2023. Zero Tolerance Notice

To: All BIMF members

From: BIMF executive

Fellow BIMF Members. We have witnessed this year and been informed by more than a few members that our protocol to our league, teams, fans and each other has diminished significantly in a few circumstances. With this in mind, we felt it appropriate at this time to reiterate to players/coaches of our policy and procedures when attending/participating in league park permitted games within the city. The following will summarize our terms and conditions for usage that reflect the ball diamond to ensure we are compliant with the city.

Our permits to have a baseball league are governed with respect to the by-laws, Terms and conditions of rental facilities and Corporate Zero Tolerance policy of the City of Burlington. They are issued to and signed for by the executive which can be held accountable and liable for all members. In other words, we are legally bound.
Smoking City Section 16-By-Law 92-2013 (a) Prohibiting the smoking of tobacco in city parks. (b) Maintaining the facility neat, tidy and clean from litter, garbage or otherwise. (c) Compliance with the city's zero waste policy.
Alcohol City Section 14-By-Law 92-2013 including parking lots whereas any person who has in his/her possession an alcoholic beverage without proper licensing or appears impaired, and in the event of the exercise of this right by the city or those acting as city agents (staff or ambassadors that do patrol the parks, or police) may be ejected and or charged. Our liabilities to all members can extend when you drive home under the influence of alcohol or cannabis with respect to members or public should personal and or property injury, damage or harm occur.
Food City Section 18 By-Law- 92-2013 may not sell or distribute food to the public without confirmation of notification to the Region of Halton (Health department)

Penalties include withdrawal of permits which shuts down our league. Individuals being banned for a minimum of 4 weeks from all city facilities. Penalties escalate per incident to individuals.

City Corporate Policy on Zero Tolerance Enforcement

Re: Unacceptable Behaviour

This policy has been adopted by our league for compliance with respect to player attitudes/conduct in the spirit of the sport, the league and the fans. In other words, let us make it enjoyable for all.

BIMF strives to be a welcoming, semi-competitive league.
Unintentional incidents will happen in sports that will cause a level of conflict. Unintentional incidents are not the subject of this note.
We will address intentional incidents that cross a subjective line.
The behaviour that crosses the line can be brought forward to the Executive by any player, umpire, or members of the community.
Deliberate negative behaviour will not be tolerated.
Behaviour we will not tolerate includes, but is not limited to:

Physical or loud verbal abuse towards other players, umpires, spectators, park users, staff. Those acts are deemed to be aggressive or inciting violence. Threats and attempts to intimidate, throwing of articles, aggressive approaches to another individual, physical striking, goading, harassment, racial or ethnic slurs, continual profane language, illegal consumption of alcohol or drugs to name a few. Fundamentally the forgoing.

Behaviour that puts people’s health in jeopardy
Behaviour that is disruptive to the game
Behaviour that is detrimental to the League

Penalties include, but are not limited to:

Warning that your behaviour is unacceptable
Suspension
Removal from the League

Refund at discretion of League Executive

Penalties will be addressed by the Executive to the offenders.

BIMF is not a democracy. It is a trust held by the Executive to ensure an ongoing organization for the enjoyment and safety of its members.
Warnings and suspensions can be conveyed in person in writing or via email.
Suspensions can be requested to the executive by coaches and umpires. Umpires may eject players immediately from games. Further disciplinary action may follow.
Coaches of the player impacted will be informed of the penalties.
There are no appeals of the penalties.
Penalties will be in the form of warnings, game suspensions (one or more), season suspension and up to a Lifetime ban.

For further information please see the BIMF website and or the link posted on the website regarding all the city of Burlington by-laws and corporate policy with respect to Recreation, Community and Culture- formerly Parks & Recreation Zero Tolerance.

The executive wants you to have a great season, come back next year and hopefully introduce a few new players.

That said, we are hoping you appreciate and have respect for all involved including an understanding of our compliance obligations, accountability and liability of having a league to play in Burlington.