Duluth Yacht Club Code of Conduct as approved by the Board of Directors on September 11, 2023

Introduction

The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to ensure a safe and friendly environment in which all members and guests demonstrate respect for themselves and others while participating in Duluth Yacht Club (hereafter called the Club) events and affiliate events.

All members have the right to:

• Have the opportunity to participate in Club activities free from discrimination;
• Be free from bullying or harassment of any kind; and
• Have an enriching, fun, and safe environment both on and off the water.

The Code of Conduct differs from Club regulations in that it addresses acceptable/unacceptable behavior.

The Code of Conduct is written to supplement and enhance the content of the Club’s Bylaws. It has been developed collaboratively by committee members. Its purpose is to assist all club members including board members, committee members, and members of the public to:

• Understand the standards of conduct that are expected of them;
• Act in a way that enhances public opinion in the pursuit of sailing as a recreational and racing activity; and
• Act in a sportsmanlike manner both on and off the water.

Code of Conduct

Club members are expected to:

• Show courtesy and respect to all others at all times both on and off the water;
• Treat members and guests with respect and understanding, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation; and
• Conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner on and off the water at all times.

The Club does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, bullying, or threatening behavior. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Abuse or threatening to abuse (verbally, physically, or in writing) another person;
• Physically or sexually assaulting another person;
• Intimidating, threatening, or harassing another person;
• Sexually harassing another person with unwanted, unwelcome or uninvited behavior; and
• Bullying or humiliating another person.

Definitions

Following are definitions for terms used in the Code of Conduct:

• Abuse - a misuse of power, which uses the bonds of intimacy, trust, dependency to make the victim vulnerable.
• Discrimination - an action or a decision that treats a person or a group negatively for reasons, including but not limited to those listed in the Code of Conduct.
• Harassment - comments or conduct, directed towards an individual or group of individuals, which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading, or offensive.
• Sexual harassment - unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Examples of Code of Conduct Violations

Examples of actions that violate the Code of Conduct include:

• A single incident of disrespectful behavior directed towards others, including but not limited to members, guests, and race officials.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct such as angry outbursts or arguing.
• Repeated incidents of disrespectful behavior directed towards others, including but not limited to members, guests, and race officials.
• A single incident of offensive, abusive, or discriminatory comment or behavior directed towards others, including but not limited to members, guests, and race officials.
• Repeated unsportsmanlike conduct such as angry outbursts or arguing.
• A single incident of physical or sexual abuse, harassment, or discrimination.