Athlete Code of Conduct

Every athlete at Prime Potential Volleyball is expected to train, compete and represent the academy in a way that reflects respect, effort and integrity. This code applies at every session, at every facility we use, at every event we attend, and online.

What we expect

Respect everyone. Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, volunteers, facility staff and spectators with respect — regardless of skill level, background, identity or the outcome of a match.

Give honest effort. Arrive ready to work. Effort is the one thing every athlete controls completely, and it is what we ask for first.

Be coachable. Listen, try what is asked, and be willing to make mistakes while learning. Accepting coaching is not the same as never disagreeing; it means engaging with it respectfully.

Ask questions. No athlete will ever be made to feel embarrassed for asking a question or admitting they do not understand something. Questions are signs of curiosity, not weakness.

Support teammates. Encourage others, especially when they are struggling. Celebrate teammates’ progress as readily as your own.

Be on time and prepared. Bring indoor court shoes, knee pads (recommended), a water bottle and appropriate athletic clothing. Let a coach know in advance if you will be absent or late.

Look after the space. Treat facilities and equipment with care, and help set up and pack down.

Represent Prime well. Conduct online and in the community reflects on the academy, your teammates and yourself.

What is not acceptable

• Bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation or exclusion of any kind.
• Physical aggression, or threats of it.
• Abusive, demeaning or discriminatory language.
• Disrespect toward officials, opponents, coaches or facility staff.
• Deliberate damage to facilities or equipment.
• Possession or use of alcohol, drugs, vaping products or tobacco at any academy activity.
• Filming or photographing others without consent, or sharing such material.
• Any behaviour that puts the physical or emotional safety of another person at risk.

Prime Potential Volleyball has zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation or disrespectful behaviour.

What athletes can expect from us

This code runs in both directions. Every athlete can expect that we will:

• coach them with respect, patience and honesty;
• explain the reason behind every correction, not simply issue it;
• give them a genuine voice, and listen when they use it;
• group them where they will be appropriately challenged and supported;
• keep their personal and medical information confidential;
• ensure no athlete leaves a session feeling embarrassed for trying, asking or making a mistake.

Every athlete should leave feeling encouraged, proud of the effort they gave, tired from giving their best, and excited to return.

If something goes wrong

Concerns can be raised with any coach, or in confidence to coaches@primepotentialvolleyball.ca. Athletes are encouraged to speak up on their own behalf or on behalf of a teammate. Reports are taken seriously and handled discreetly.

Consequences

Our first response to a breach is almost always a conversation — most issues are resolved by making the expectation clear. Where behaviour continues or is serious, the response may escalate to:

1. a direct conversation with the athlete;
2. a conversation involving the parent or guardian;
3. removal from part of a session or activity;
4. suspension from one or more sessions;
5. removal from the program.

Serious breaches — particularly those affecting the safety of another person — may result in immediate removal. Fees are not refunded where a participant is removed for conduct.

Decisions are made with the athlete’s development in mind, and the safety of the group as the deciding factor.