Blazer Mat Club: Code of Conduct & Policies
The Blazer Mat Club adheres to the BCSWL Bylaws and maintains its own supplementary bylaws. The following guidelines represent the core principles and expectations for all members of the Blazer Mat Club.
Volunteer & Active Involvement Requirements
Note that any individual who would like to be actively involved in the room (e.g., volunteer coach) is required to complete and submit their results for the PA Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse Clearance, and Concussion Protocol Training before admittance into practices. A verified, all-in-one service we utilize for background checks can be found Here.
Expected Conduct & Sportsmanship
The Blazer Mat Club is responsible for the conduct of all wrestlers, fans, parents, and coaches within the program. Our organization expects nothing but the utmost respect and sportsmanship from all our wrestlers and parents when dealing with fellow wrestlers, opponents, officials, and others. Unacceptable conduct or behavior is damaging to the reputation of the Blazer Mat Club. It is everyone's responsibility to monitor their behavior during all club activities, including, but not limited to, tournaments, matches, practices, banquets, and on any Social Media.
Specific Guidelines and Expectations:
Profanity of any type will not be tolerated at any time. This includes all Blazer Mat Club activities, as listed above.
Verbal threats, physical confrontations, or bullying of any kind between fellow/opposing parents, wrestlers, coaches, fans, or officials will not be tolerated at any time or place. Any threats of these types of actions, verbally or on any Social Media, are completely unacceptable and will be reviewed and acted upon immediately by the Board. Such actions may result in permanent expulsion from future Blazer Mat Club events for the wrestler/parent involved without first progressing through the consequences listed below.
All wrestlers, parents, and coaches are expected to fully support the Blazer Mat Club and promote a positive environment for everyone involved. Any negative or degrading comments in public or on any Social Media concerning the Blazer Mat Club, coaches, wrestlers, officials, and/or opposing wrestler's parents will not be tolerated. The Board members and Coaches are committed to making sure that this youth wrestling program provides a positive experience for the kids in our community.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The Blazer Mat Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants, volunteers, families, and staff. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. All individuals are valued and respected within our program, and any form of discrimination is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
Whistleblower Policy
The Blazer Mat Club encourages open communication and holds itself to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. To ensure this, we provide a mechanism for individuals to report concerns regarding serious misconduct, unethical behavior, violations of this Code of Conduct, or any other policies without fear of retaliation.
Reporting Procedure:
If you observe or suspect a serious violation, please report it promptly to a Board Member (e.g., President, Vice-President, or Secretary) or another trusted Club official.
Reports can be made verbally or in writing (email preferred).
All reports will be handled with discretion and investigated thoroughly and fairly.
Protection Against Retaliation:
The Blazer Mat Club strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports a concern or participates in an investigation.
Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any adverse action such as harassment, intimidation, or discrimination.
Any person found to have engaged in retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the Club.
Consequences for Unacceptable Conduct
First Incident: During any match, if a parent/relative conducts themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner (foul language, derogatory comments/gestures, etc.), they will be asked to leave the mat side immediately by a coach, board member, or tournament/match director.
Second Incident: If it happens a second time, regardless of when the first incidence occurred, the parent/relative will be escorted out by a coach, board member, or tournament/match director, and the child will forfeit any remaining matches that day.
Third Incident: If it happens a third time, regardless of when the first and second incidence occurred, the family will be permanently removed from the Blazer Mat Club program, and the child(ren) will not be allowed to wrestle in Friday night matches or tournaments with or under the Blazer Mat Club affiliation for the duration of the season. It will be determined at a later time if the family can re-join the following year.