Code of Conduct

Kyudo Association of Canada Code of Conduct

射は礼に始まり、礼に終わる

Preamble

The Kyudo Association of Canada (KAC) is an organization which primarily exists to promote, encourage, guide and foster the development of Kyudo in Canada. To support this, we facilitate communication and connections with member organizations and Kyudo practitioners worldwide. The ideals and ethics set forth in the Kyudo Kyohon (All Nippon Kyudo Federation, revised edition, 1971) establish the principles of conduct for members of the Kyudo Association of Canada (KAC). As such, individuals practicing in KAC dojos serve to support members’ personal growth in the practice of Kyudo; are responsible for their own practice; and are responsible for fostering an environment that is a Safe Space where all members can practice without discrimination.

A Safe Space refers to an environment where a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment or any other emotional or physical harm. At the same time, we recognize that feedback is important, particularly in a community where members are at different levels of their practice, and feedback is provided by peers. We take care to differentiate 'criticism' and 'critique': Criticism seeks to tear a person down, focuses on the critic's goals, and is judgmental and focused on placing blame. On the other hand, critique seeks to help members improve. It is motivated by the intention to serve the creator's goals, is descriptive and focused on finding solutions.

As an organization in such a multi-cultural society as Canada, the KAC acknowledges that misinterpretations, misunderstandings, and discord amongst members occur. This policy is for those occasions for which clarification or resolution is needed to maintain the harmony of the dojo and to give all parties an opportunity for a fair and unbiased review to equitably resolve these difficult issues.

The practice of Kyudo entails the study of a martial art. Accordingly, members of the KAC are expected to accept the necessity of discipline, consideration, and courtesy. To be allowed to study Kyudo with the KAC is a privilege, not a right. Membership in a KAC dojo lead and/or managed by a KAC member is voluntary; therefore, in choosing to accept membership one also accepts the standards of behavior outlined in this Code of Conduct. As representatives of the KAC, any statement made or task performed reflects on the KAC and its offerings. Therefore, any person practicing in a KAC-affiliated dojo lead and/or managed by a KAC member shall abide by this Code of Conduct. Member of dojos that have no KAC members but who are taught by a KAC member shall also abide by this Code of Conduct.

This policy is not intended to produce a list of acceptable behaviors prescribed by KAC, as KAC fully believes that all members of KAC understand the expectations of martial artists studying Kyudo as Budo, and any list, by its very nature, is not all-encompassing. Rather, this Code of Conduct is intended to provide broad guidelines regarding appropriate conduct in dojos managed by KAC members.

Code of Conduct

The success of the KAC is built upon trust and confidence. Through this Code of Conduct, the KAC seeks to sustain an environment where members can practice Kyudo, and where the teaching / learning environment is positive, safe, and free from all types of discrimination and harassment, abuse, assault, and criminal behaviour. KAC maintains a zero tolerance for harassment or abuse of any kind or in any form. The KAC expressly prohibits any discrimination of individuals based on age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, family status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic characteristics, marital status, physical / mental disability, national or ethnic origin, race, political or religious belief, or sexual orientation. Any behaviours that contravene the Criminal Code are prohibited, and may necessitate involving law enforcement.

Leadership roles in KAC are positions of responsibility and service, and are never to be considered positions of privilege. KAC members in leadership positions, e.g. dojo instructors or individuals having significant authority within the organization to set the standards of ethics and etiquette within KAC, have the added responsibility of demonstrating, through their actions, the importance of appropriate behavior, especially on matters of safety. Instructors and people in positions of authority shall treat every participant equitably and fairly without bias or prejudice. Clear and direct communication of expected behavior must be modeled by leadership and demonstrated by example.

Prohibited types of bullying, harrassment, abuse, and neglect (see Glossary for more detailed description)

Bullying / harassment / abuse / neglect include behaviours which result in psychological or physical harm to the member, or create a toxic environment in the dojo.

Verbal bullying / harassment / abuse / neglect is defined as using language in any modality that belittles, mocks, demeans, humiliates, intimidates, insults or threatens. Psychological bullying / harassment / abuse / neglect is defined as conduct that denies attention or support, ignoring psychological needs or socially isolating a person repeatedly or for an extended period of time. Physical bullying / harassment / abuse / neglect is defined as contact or non-contact infliction of physical harm resulting in physical injury (temporary or permanent) to the member. Sexual harassment / abuse is defined as any comment or conduct of a sexual nature that is unwelcome or that would be objectively perceived as unwelcome by an outside observer.

Procedures for addressing breaches of this Code of Conduct

Any infractions shall be addressed and rectified immediately. Members are required to alert the instructor if they feel they have observed bullying, harassment or abuse, or they feel they were bullied or placed in a position of potential threat. Ideally, conflict can be resolved between the individuals involved, with or without the help of a neutral third party, sempai, or lead instructor. In cases where the lead instructor is accused of misconduct, the affected party can file a complaint in writing to any member of the Board of Directors. The KAC Board will strike an ad hoc committee to address the matter and may seek legal counsel or a neutral third party to aid in arbitration and resolution. To ensure objectivity and the safety of the affected parties, if the accused is a lead instructor or Board member, neither party shall be a member of the ad hoc committee. The Board shall promptly notify the individuals involved of the results of any proceedings, while giving due consideration to maintaining the privacy of the persons concerned.

NB: Individual dojos may make their own rules consistent with the needs and demands of their specific situation (e.g., membership in provincial archery clubs, practicing as part of a Martial Arts program of another institution). Such local dojo rules shall not contravene this Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct may be amended as required through a formal meeting of either the Executive Board or at an Annual General Meeting. An updated version will be shared with all KAC members on approval.

Effective Date

This Code of Conduct shall be effective immediately.

Adopted by the Code of Conduct committee: 27 February 2023; minor edits 5 March 2023, edited 4 May 2023 by CoC committee;

Approved by the Board of Directors: 5 May 2023, with the proviso that the Code of Conduct committee will continue to work to flesh out procedures to repair breaches of the Code, and to produce a summary and a postable version of the Code of Conduct. In future, a link to this will be put on the KAC official website at kyudo.ca.

Added to By-Laws on 5 November 2023

References

South Carolina Kyudo Renmei Code of Ethics http://www.sckyudo.com/ethics.htm

KAC Constitution and By-Laws

JCCC Program Code of Conduct

British Columbia Ministry of Education, Diversity in BC Schools: A Framework, available online at : https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/legislation-policy/public-schools/diversity-in-bc-schools

British Columbia Universal Code of Conduct

ZNKR Ethics Guidelines https://www.kyudo.jp/pdf/info/guidelines_1.pdf

Definition of Safe Space provided by Oxford Languages, through Google https://www.iacet.org/news/iacet-blog/blog-articles/critique-but-dont-criticize/

Glossary

Bullying / harassment / abuse / neglect is not limited to the following examples, and may include behaviours that have not been listed, but which nevertheless result in psychological or physical harm to the member, or create a toxic environment in the dojo.

Verbal bullying / harassment / abuse / neglect is defined as using language that belittles, mocks, demeans, humiliates, intimidates, insults or threatens. This includes unwarranted personal criticisms; body shaming; derogatory comments related to one’s identity; the use of rumours or false statements about someone to diminish that person’s reputation; verbal shunning; refusal to provide adequate verbal feedback; or using confidential information inappropriately.

Psychological bullying / harassment / abuse / neglect is defined as conduct that denies attention or support, ignoring psychological needs or socially isolating a person repeatedly or for an extended period of time; abandonment or shunning of a member as punishment for poor performance; arbitrarily or unreasonably denying feedback, training opportunities, support or attention for extended periods of time and/or asking others to do the same; allowing a member to disregard Kyudo/dojo rules, regulations, and standards; subjecting members to the risk of maltreatment.

Physical bullying / harassment / abuse / neglect is defined as contact or non-contact infliction of physical harm resulting in physical injury (temporary or permanent) to the member. This includes all forms of physically aggressive behaviours such as throwing objects at or in the presence of others without striking another; hitting, striking or punching objects in the presence of others, providing a massage or other purported therapeutic interventions with no specific training or expertise. Non-contact behaviour can include isolating a person in a confined space; forcing a person to assume a painful stance or position for no athletic purpose; the use of exercise for the purposes of punishment; withholding, recommending against, or denying adequate hydration, nutrition, medical attention; denying access to a toilet; providing illegal drugs or non-prescribed medications to a member; encouraging or knowingly permitting a member to return to practice prematurely following any illness/injury or after a concussion and without the clearance of a medical professional; encouraging a member to perform a skill for which the member is not adequately trained; not allowing a member adequate recovery time and/or treatment for an injury; ignoring government rules regarding illnesses; disregarding and/or not considering a person’s physical or intellectual disability; failure to ensure safety of equipment or environment.

Sexual harassment / abuse is defined as any comment or conduct of a sexual nature that is unwelcome or that would be objectively perceived as unwelcome by an outside observer, and which broadly includes jokes, remarks or gestures of a sexual or degrading nature; or distributing, displaying or promoting images or other material of a sexual or degrading nature; or any act targeting a member’s sexuality, gender identity or expression. It can also include stalking or harassing in person or by electronic means where the stalking or harassment is of a sexual nature.

Special note with respect to minors (specific age varies by province). Although the vast majority of our members are adults, minors deserve particular consideration because of the potential for a power imbalance between them and other dojo members. Prohibited behaviours include providing alcohol to an underage member; not ensuring adequate supervision of a minor member during travel, training or competition; sexual grooming; or attempting to establish a sexual relationship in the context of a power imbalance.

Code of Conduct

KYUDO ASSOCIATION OF CANADA