Colorado Safer Youth Sports Act Prohibited Conduct Policy

I. Policy Statement

The Rocky Mountain RoughRiders are committed to providing a safe, positive, and supportive environment for all participants in our youth athletic activities. This policy outlines behaviors that are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated, ensuring the well-being and positive development of all athletes. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, sportsmanship, and integrity within our community.

II. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all individuals involved in Rocky Mountain RoughRiders athletic activities, including, but not limited to:

• Rocky Mountain RoughRiders Board of Directors and Officers;
• Coaches (paid and volunteer);
• Parents/Guardians;
• Spectators;
• Athletes;
• Officials;
• Staff; and
• Any other attendees at league events, practices, games, or other associated activities.

III. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:

• Abuse and Harassment: This includes physical, emotional, or verbal abuse, taunting, intimidation, bullying (including hazing per Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-9-124), harassment, and discriminatory language or behavior.
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct: This encompasses using abusive language, engaging in fights or disrespectful behavior, disputing officials' decisions, and refusing to congratulate opponents.
• Safety Violations: Any behavior that endangers participants, officials, or attendees, such as cheating, intentionally harming others, or dangerous play, is prohibited.
• Substance Abuse: Using or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at events is forbidden. Providing or offering alcohol, illegal substances, or nicotine to athletes is also prohibited (medications/supplements require parent/guardian consent).
• Sexual Misconduct: This includes inappropriate physical contact, verbal comments, advances, and inappropriate one-on-one interactions between coaches and players.
• Violation of Boundaries/Policies: Prohibited actions include abusing officials or staff before, during, or after a game, excessive sideline coaching from spectators, and approaching coaches immediately after an event to discuss disagreements.

IV. Reporting Prohibited Conduct

• Mandatory Reporting: Adults witnessing or knowing about prohibited conduct, particularly child abuse, must report it to SafeSport (https://uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern/).
• Internal Reporting: Reports of prohibited conduct can also be made to the CAHA (prohibitedconduct@coloradohockey.org).

V. Disciplinary Action

Violations may lead to disciplinary action, such as warnings, loss of playing time, suspension, removal from the team or league, being barred from activities, termination of employment, or reporting to authorities.

VI. Code of Conduct

All individuals must adhere to this Code of Conduct, which promotes a positive environment.

VII. Acknowledgment

Participation or attendance in or at any Rocky Mountain RoughRiders activity indicates understanding and agreement to this Policy.