Code of Conduct

NSSSA’s Code of Conduct outlines core expectations for all event attendees. The Code is designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, volunteers, and attendees. Please review the information below to understand your rights and responsibilities as an attendee.

Our conduct practices are governed by three core policies which are explained below.

If you have questions about NSSSA’s Code of Conduct or need support, please contact the Vice-President, Internal at VPI@nsssa.ca.  

Code of Conduct

All individuals participating in NSSSA activities are expected to:

  • Respect the rights, property, and safety of others.
  • Take responsibility for their actions.
  • Appreciate and respect diversity.
  • Attend programming as scheduled.
  • Respect the roles of volunteers, organizers, and fellow participants.

Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  • Discrimination (e.g., racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, anti-religious conduct).
  • Bullying and cyberbullying.
  • Physical violence or threats.
  • Possession of alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons, or prohibited items.
  • Harassment.
  • Sexual intimacy or assault.
  • Vandalism.

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action.

Discipline

Disciplinary action is guided by principles of education, harm reduction, and fairness. While our practices are now guided by written policy, NSSSA’s approach was informed by our historical practices.

We exercise care in implementing our conduct practices in alignment with our education-first approach. Sanctions are progressive unless the situation warrants immediate intervention.

Sanctions may include:

  • Mediation or conferencing
  • Restitution plans
  • Seizure of prohibited items
  • Dismissal from an event
  • Temporary ban from NSSSA activities (up to two years)
  • Expulsion from NSSSA membership (results in a lifetime ban)

Most decisions are made by event organizers in close consultation with regional and provincial advisors  

Appeals

Individuals subject to a ban may appeal if they believe NSSSA policy was unfairly or improperly applied.

Appeal to Provincial Cabinet

  • Submit a written appeal to the Vice-President, Internal within the timeframe specified in the sanction notice.
  • Provincial Cabinet will review written submissions in a confidential meeting.
  • The original decision-maker will recuse themselves from the appeal process.

Appeal to the Discipline Appeals Committee

  • A second appeal may be submitted to the President within 30 days of a decision from Provincial Cabinet.
  • The Discipline Appeals Committee may interview those involved in the incident.
  • Applicants have the right to be heard and to have representation or a support person.
  • Decisions of the Discipline Appeals Committee are final.

All appeal procedures are confidential, and we take great care to protect the privacy of all involved. Decisions are based on a balance of probabilities, and applicants will be notified of outcomes within 14 days of the meeting.

Frequently Askes Questions

What about the three Ds and eight key concepts?

The three D’s and eight key concepts still apply!

Why is a Code of Conduct needed?

NSSSA trusts its attendees: participants, volunteers, members and guests. These now policies don’t significantly change our historic practices – rather, solidifies them in writing.

The Code of Conduct and discipline policies are designed to protect NSSSA and attendees in a worst case scenario.

Who sits on the Discipline Appeals Committee?

The Committee is composed of five individuals who are not current or recent NSSSA members (within four years) and who have a working knowledge of NSSSA. The President attends meetings as a non-voting member.

Is my appeal confidential?

Yes. All appeal discussions are held in-camera (confidential), and decisions are made based on a balance of probabilities.

What is a ban? What is an expulsion?

A ban temporarily restricts participation in NSSSA activities except members meetings and elections.

Expulsion is a permanent removal from NSSSA membership and includes a lifetime ban from all activities.