2026 WAI NUI WHY NOT? race

 

 

 

WAI NUI O KANAKA OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB

Code of Conduct

WAI NUI O KANAKA OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB (WAI NUI) acknowledges it is our responsibility to protect the health, safety and physical and mental well-being of every individual that is involved in our paddling community. This policy is to ensure a safe and enjoyable paddling experience for everyone who takes part in a WAI NUI camp or program.

A violation of the WAI NUI Code of Conduct will be cause for discipline and may result in restriction of privileges or immediate dismissal from the camp or club programs. Interpretation of the application of this code is at the discretion of the WAI NUI Board of Directors.

 

1.       Introduction1.1.   WAI NUI is committed to providing a respectful, drug free and safe environment, characterized by honesty, fairness, mutual respect, and open and clear communication, where all members, campers, visitors, volunteers and staff can feel accepted and valued.

1.2.   WAI NUI takes any situation involving misconduct or maltreatment very seriously; for this reason we collectively committed to enacting and enforcing strong, clear, and effective policies and processes for preventing and addressing all forms of misconduct or maltreatment.

 

2.       Code of Conduct:  2.1.   WAI NUI members, campers, volunteers and employees shall at all times, during any WAI NUI activity, competition or training event or while on club premises, conduct themselves in a manner consistent with WAI NUI ideals and values:

2.1.1.  Their behaviour shall at all times be respectful, professional, responsible and sportsmanlike

2.1.2.  They shall treat others with respect and shall not speak disparagingly of any other athlete, coach, official, administrator, volunteer or program

2.1.3.  They shall not engage in conduct likely to bring the WAI NUI, competition or sport into disrepute

2.1.4.  They will respect the club equipment and treat it with care and act responsibly when on and off the water.

2.1.5.  They will abstain from underage consumption of alcohol, excessive use of alcohol, possession and/or use of illicit drugs and narcotics, possession and/or use of banned performance enhancing drugs or methods.

2.1.6.  They shall refrain from, actively discourage, and report any acts of harassment or bullying behaviour as defined below.

 

2.2.   Harassment2.2.1.  Harassment includes conduct, gestures or comments which are insulting, hurtful, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to an individual. The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits harassment based on race, ethnicity, colour, religion, age, sex, marital status, family status, disability, pardoned conviction and sexual orientation.

2.2.2.  Harassment creates a hostile or intimidating environment which negatively affects performance. Harassment may occur between peers or between someone in a position of authority and someone in a subordinate position.

2.2.3.         Some examples of harassment include:

a)       Unwelcome jokes, innuendo or teasing about a person's body, looks, race, or sexual orientation

b)       Unsportsmanlike conduct such as angry outbursts or arguing

c)       Condescending, patronizing, threatening or punishing actions which undermine self-esteem

d)       Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, or may endanger a person's safety

e)       Degrading or inappropriate hazing rituals

f)         Unwanted or unnecessary physical contact including touching, patting, pinching.

g)       Unwanted conduct, comments, gestures or invitations of a sexual nature which are likely to cause offence or humiliation. (This would also constitute abuse.)

h)       Sexual assault or physical assault. (This would also constitute abuse.)

 

2.3.   Bullying2.3.1.  Bullying is a form of repeated, persistent, and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear, distress, feeling of isolation, and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.

2.3.2.         Bullying can occur between people at any age and can be:

a)       Physical (i.e. shoving, hitting, kicking, stealing)

b)       Verbal (i.e. name calling, insults, threats)

c)       Social (i.e. gossiping or rumours)

d)       Cyber bullying (i.e. email, Facebook, Twitter)

2.3.3.         Some examples of bullying behaviour includes:

a)       Unwarranted yelling and screaming directed at target

b)       Continually criticizing the target’s abilities

c)       Blaming the target of the bullying for mistakes

d)       Making unreasonable demands related to performance

e)       Repeated insults or put downs of the target

f)         Denying or discounting the targets accomplishment

g)       Threats of and actual physical violence

 

3.       Reporting an IncidentAll violations of the WAI NUI Code of Conduct should be reported to a coach, staff member or Board member as soon as possible

at

Email:  wendypaddle@gmail.com or wai.nui.registrar@gmail.com

 

Phone:  905-215-2540 (24 hour Wai Nui voicemail)

 

When an incident is reported to a staff member or Board Member, they are then required to report the violation to the WAI NUI Board.

 

 

4.       Disciplinary Procedures4.1.   Violation of the WAI NUI Code of Conduct will be documented using the WAI NUI Incident Report and kept on file for a period of two years.

4.2.   Violation reported directly to WAI NUI will result in a discipline committee formed by the Board of Directors and the following disciplinary sanctions may be applied, singly or in combination:

a)            verbal reprimand

b)            written reprimand

c)            verbal apology

d)            hand-delivered written apology

e)            club service or other voluntary contribution to WAI NUI

f)              suspension and removal from the current program, competition or event

g)            loss of member status

h)            other sanctions as may be considered appropriate for the offence

 

Declaration: I have read and understand the WAI NUI Code of Conduct and I agree to adhere to them during my time at the WAI NUI or any offsite WAI NUI events.

 

WAI NUI Code of Conduct      Revised: February 12, 2025

 

 

 

RELEASE FROM LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

FOR: All Activities and Related Activities sponsored or organized by Wai Nui O Kanaka Outrigger Canoe Club (the Organizer) including, without limitation, The ‘Wai Nui…Why Not’ Race and all practices and other races

1)I acknowledge that canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and associated paddle and water sports (whether outdoor or indoor) (the Activities) involve risk, dangers and inherent hazards (collectively the Inherent Risk). I further acknowledge that in addition to the Inherent Risk the Activities involve certain additional risks, dangers, and hazards, some of which may include (but are not limited to): physical exertion for which I may not be prepared; weather extremes, including sudden and unexpected changes, dangerous water conditions, including cold water and movement, waves, currents, rapids and white water, collision with natural and man-made objects, including rocks and other boats, and equipment malfunction or failure (collectively the Additional Risks).

2)I acknowledge that the enjoyment and excitement of my participation in the Activities is derived, in part from the Inherent Risk and the Additional Risks and I expressly agree to freely accept and fully assume all risk of personal injury, death, property damage or less, resulting from any cause whatsoever, including but not limited to the Inherent Risk and the Additional Risks and active or passive negligence, imprudence, lack of skill, error of judgment, breach of contract or breach of statutory duty of care on the part of the Organizer, the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (OMCKRA), Canoe Ontario, Canadian Outrigger Association (CORA), Canoe Kayak Canada  (CKC), Sport Oakville, Town of Oakville, Ontario Trillium Foundation,  Government of Ontario, Government of Canada, team organizers and coaching volunteers and all other related groups and persons (each group/organization and/or such person being an Indemnified Party). For greater certainly and without limiting the foregoing, I acknowledge that I use the equipment and facilities of the Organizer and any other Indemnified Party with understanding of the nature, condition and state thereof and entirely at my own risk and acknowledge that I am solely responsible for the safety of my person and property and that the Organizer and each other Indemnified Party assumes no responsibility whatsoever for the safety of my person or property in connection with the Activities or other activities (including on-water or dry-land practices, training and award ceremonies) sponsored or organized by any Indemnified Party (Related Activities).

3)On my behalf and on behalf of my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, estate trustees, successors and assigns, I waive any and all claims I may now and in the future have against and release and forever discharge from liability and agree not to sue the Organizer and/or any other Indemnified Party for any personal injury, death, property damage or less sustained by me as a result of my participation in the Activities or Related Activities due to any cause whatsoever, including but not limited active or passive negligence, imprudence, lack of skill, error of judgment, breach of contract, or breach of statutory duty of care on the part of the Organizer or any other Indemnified Party.

4)On my behalf and on behalf of my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, estate trustees, successors and assigns, I agree to save harmless and indemnify the Organizer and each other Indemnified Party from and against any and all liability or costs incurred by any of them for any personal injury, death, property damage or less to any third party, resulting from my participation in the Activities or Related Activities or in the operation of the Organizer.

5)I agree that I am responsible for all costs of rescue or medical attention rendered to me or for my benefit, arising from the Activities and Related Activities and I agree to indemnify the Organizer and/or each other Indemnified Party from any and all liability in respect of any and all such costs.

6)I acknowledge that in signing this waiver and release I am not relying on any oral, written or visual representations or statements made by the Organizer or any other Indemnified Party.

7)I agree to obey all rules of the Organizer and understand that it is my responsibility to provide a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for all Activities, and that I will wear a PFD when so directed by the Organizer or if participating in Activities in water conditions in which I am not comfortable, or capable of, swimming. I further understand that it is my responsibility at all times to obey the laws applicable in Ontario, including those with respect to PFD usage. Failure to comply with the PFD requirements herein, or other rules of the Organizer generally, will result in the Organizer refusing to allow my participation in any Activity or Related Activity.

8)I agree that this Waiver and Release shall in all respects be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the province of Ontario.