THE BYTOWN BOYS CODE OF CONDUCT

The Bytown Boys S.C. (hereto referred to as “The BBSC”) is an organized supporters group that exists to champion and support the Ottawa Fury F.C. professional soccer team and the community in which it is played. With almost a million residents in the area, our city is brimming with passionate soccer fans. Together, we can make a difference on and off the field.

Being a member of The BBSC implies more than being bound by unwritten rules or conventions of “traditional supporters’ culture.” It means you are a part of something bigger than yourself. It also means you have a responsibility to be Positive and Inclusive.

“Positive and Inclusive” means that we, as members of The BBSC, as well as those who join us in our growing supporters sections, respect others regardless of whether they respect us.

Racism, discrimination, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and disrespect towards fellow fans or fans of other teams have no place in The BBSC. How you conduct yourself in and outside the stadium, at our chapter bar, and online–in both words and actions–reflects on all of us.

This includes, but is not limited to:

•  Throwing any objects onto the field of play during a match

•  Leading, encouraging, and/or participating in inappropriate chants

•  Threatening physical harm or physically harming others

•  Using racial or sexual slurs, hate speech, or any other disrespectful language aimed at others, both in person and online

•  Perpetrating unwelcome sexual advances, sexual harassment or sexual assault.

•  Engaging in excessive or repeated drunken, disruptive, or disorderly behavior at events, games, home or watch parties

As the ranks of The BBSC grow, so does our profile. The actions of a select few make us all look bad. It is up to all of us to make sure that we are “Positive and Inclusive” and to make sure others in and around The BBSC do the same. If you see individuals acting in a way or ways that violate our code of conduct, let them know, let us know, and please don’t participate in or encourage it. There is no excuse for watching something happen and not intervening. Everyone must be held accountable for his or her individual actions, and that means that there are no bystanders.

Our strength comes from how we unite our fan base and not how we tear down fellow Ottawa fans or opposing fans. We know that every one of you believes in passionately supporting soccer in our beautiful city, but our actions, not only at home but also on the road, must always be admirable.

To champion and support Ottawa soccer, we must be Positive and Inclusive, on and off the field.

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Slurs, derogatory language, physical harm and/or threats of physical harm towards anyone are completely unacceptable and will be dealt with in the strictest possible terms. Any member of The BBSC who does not follow our “Positive and Inclusive” Code of Conduct is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the organization, pending an investigation.

We reserve the right to revoke memberships of anyone whose actions violate the letter or spirit of our “Positive and Inclusive” Code of Conduct, at any events in which The BBSC participates–whatever the location–and/or online. There will be no refund of membership fees under any circumstances when a member is subject to disciplinary actions.

Additionally, any members subject to disciplinary actions may have their privileges suspended temporarily or revoked permanently.

We reserve the right to determine the appropriate sanction for each case, pending an investigation by the council. As a member, you agree that such decisions are not subject to appeal. All members, including those in leadership positions, are subject to the same standards when investigated for possible violations of our Code of Conduct.

As a member, you further agree to abide by our zero tolerance policy on any criminal activities while representing The BBSC in any capacity, and you agree to immediately report any such occurrence to the nearest council member. Our organization is fully committed to cooperating with, reporting to, and answering to any authorities in any such cases.

You are responsible for your own actions as we are responsible for protecting our organization and preserving the passionate positivity of Ottawa’s soccer culture.

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If you believe a member of The BBSC or someone attending any of our events is not following our “Positive and Inclusive” Code of Conduct, there are several ways to report an incident:

•  Please find a member of The BBSC council.

•  Request to be contacted by a council member on our Facebook page:

•  Reach out to us via email at: bytownboys@hotmail.com

 Note: If you believe a crime is occurring or has occurred, please report it to the proper local authorities immediately.​