Anti-Bullying Policy

We consider bullying unacceptable and will not tolerate it under any circumstances. This policy shall apply to all members of our community. Additionally, the bullying of non-members attending League events, including volunteers and spectators, is also prohibited.

We define bullying as persistent, malicious, unwelcome, severe and pervasive mistreatment that harms, intimidates, offends, degrades or humiliates a member, whether verbal, physical, or otherwise, at sponsored events. The League promotes a safe athletic and social culture where all members can join in an environment free of bullying behavior.

We encourage all our members to report any instance of bullying behavior to a Conference Lead or the Commissioner. Reports of this type will be treated seriously, investigated promptly and impartially, and necessary sanctions may be administered. The League will endeavor to protect any participant who reports bullying conduct from retaliation or reprisal.

Bullying may be intentional or unintentional.  We consider the following types of behavior to constitute bullying. Please note, this list is not meant to be exhaustive and is only offered by way of example:

  • Verbal or written bullying: Slandering, ridiculing, or maligning a person or their family; persistent name calling that is hurtful, insulting or humiliating; using a person as the butt of jokes; abusive and offensive remarks; intentionally misgendering another person.
  • Physical bullying: Pushing, shoving, kicking, poking, tripping, assault, or threat of physical assault; damage to a person’s property.
  • Gesture bullying: Nonverbal threatening gestures or glances that convey threatening messages.
  • Exclusion: Socially or physically excluding or disregarding a person in League-related activities.

As a volunteer-run organization, we rely on members of the community to volunteer as referees and umpires during games. As such, we consider the bullying of volunteers to be particularly egregious.