Code of Conduct

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As a group of LGBTQIA+ members and straight allies, we should be responsible to the issues of excessive drinking and disruptive, unacceptable behaviors. Behavioral issues that are a risk to other bowlers will not be tolerated.

The GALA Bowling League (GBL) is comprised of participants with diverse temperaments, skills, interests, identities, and backgrounds — yet we join together to create a unique community and organization. This Code of Conduct outlines the basic expectations of behavior and play for all league participants, to ensure our activities remain safe and enjoyable for all. For the purposes of this policy, participants of the GBL include all players, vendors, and spectators. GBL sponsored activities include, but are not limited to, scheduled games, tournaments, post-game gatherings, or other GBL advertised parties and events. By attending a GBL game, tournament, or event, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Any participant who does not abide by this Code of Conduct will be ejected and subject to further action at the Board of Director’s discretion.

Harassment is any improper or unwelcome conduct that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offense or humiliation to another person. Harassment in any form because of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, physical appearance, ethnicity, race, national origin, political affiliation, age, religion, or any other reason is prohibited at any GBL sponsored activities. Sexual harassment is a specific type of prohibited conduct. Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offense or humiliation. Sexual harassment may involve any conduct of a verbal, nonverbal or physical nature, including written and electronic communications, and may occur between persons of the same or different genders. Harassment and sexual harassment are particularly serious when committed against children (persons under the age of 18) or other persons in a position of vulnerability. Conduct should always be supportive of the mission statement of the GBL and shall follow the guidelines set forth in the GBL Bylaws and GBL Policy Register.

All participants shall treat fellow participants, the neighborhood, and the community in a positive, sportsmanlike, and respectful manner while at any GBL sponsored activities. No participant shall fight or otherwise contact another participant in an aggressive manner while at any GBL sponsored activities. No participant shall engage in objectionable demonstrations of dissent, unsportsmanlike conduct, taunting, or other disrespectful behavior while at any GBL sponsored activities. No participant shall play bowling in any condition that would be a danger to themself, or to any other player, official, and/or bystander. This provision includes, but is not limited to, physical and/or mental impairment of any kind. A violation of this paragraph may lead to immediate expulsion from competition and will be referred to the Board of Directors for further consideration. All participants agree to abide by the USBC Rule Book (including any local league modifications). Any participant who deliberately and/or repeatedly violates our rules or Code of Conduct or engages in play or behavior that our game or league officials determine to be dangerous to oneself or others, will be ejected from play and referred to the Board of Directors for further consideration. This Code of Conduct will be enforced by the Board of Directors (i.e., Officers and Directors), though we also ask all participants to hold one another.