OWSA Harassment Policy
By Paul Jurbala

In January, the Ontario Water Ski Association board of directors
adopted a Harassment Policy.  Adoption of the policy provides a
mechanism for resolving any complaints which may arise, but perhaps
more importantly, notifies members that the  OWSA will not tolerate
harassment in its programs or at its events.

"Harassment" is defined by the policy to mean "...comment, conduct or
gesture directed toward an individual or group...which is insulting,
intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive." Also
included is sexual harassment, which is defined as "...unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical
conduct of a sexual nature."

Briefly, if an OWSA member feels that he/she has been harassed , he/she
may request a meeting with either the executive director or volunteer
appointed by the board to look into such complaints. After the initial
meeting, if it is felt the complaint needs a formal resolution, a
hearing may be held to allow the parties involved to give their
explanation of events. Finally, if the hearing committee feels it is
warranted, it may recommend to the board disciplinary action, of which
the most serious (for a member) is expulsion from membership. The
policy presents the process and range of options in detail; clearly
there are many other possible outcomes to a complaint than disciplinary
action.

While the adoption of the policy is intended as a signal that
harassment will not be tolerated, common sense and the "golden rule"
are still the most valuable tools in determining acceptable conduct.
The OWSA is not trying to impose a rigid code of conduct, simply to
provide a mechanism for resolving complaints.

Adoption of a policy of this type follows adoption of a similar policy
by Water Ski Canada, and the direction of WSC that all member regional
associations follow suit. However, in a time when problems of
harassment in sport have come to the forefront, it is a virtual
necessity that sport organizations develop such a policy regardless of
the direction of outside agencies.

Members who would like a copy of the Harassment Policy, or who have
questions or feel they have a complaint to make under the policy should
contact Executive Director Paul Jurbala at the OWSA office.