Harassment Policy

INTERNATIONAL KARATE ORGANIZATION KYOKUSHINKAIKAN, CANADA (IKOKC)

Personal/Sexual Harassment Policy
Effective January 1, 2012

1. Introduction

IKOKC believes that every individual IKOKC member has the right to be treated fairly and with dignity and respect in an IKOKC sanctioned place. It is the intention of the IKOKC to provide an environment that is productive and promotes self esteem of all members. IKOKC expectation is that members will demonstrate reasonable and responsible behaviour towards one another. Personal/Sexual Harassment is discrimination and constitutes a violation of person’s rights. Therefore IKOKC strongly emphasises that any behaviour which falls within the Personal/Sexual Harassment definitions stated below is totally unacceptable regardless of the perpetrator. Our Policy of zero tolerance applies to all phases of the IKOKC relationship and can include third parties, sponsors, and suppliers.

 

2. Accountability

The Branch Chief, Directors, Dojo Operators, Head Instructors, Yudansha (black belt), Instructors (any color belt Kyu level – not of Dan rank), and Officials within the IKOKC are responsible for implementing this Policy within their respective areas of responsibility and jurisdiction; and ensuring members are aware of this Policy, and its compliance; including the reporting of any abuses, and resolution of any complaints. These procedures will identify the standards and guidelines which govern prevention and elimination of, and dealing with, Personal/Sexual Harassment within the IKOKC.

This Policy and procedures may be amended from time to time to reflect current social norms and legal jurisprudence.

 

3. Definitions and Application

“IKOKC sanctioned place or environment” means Dojo(s), Tournament(s), Training Session(s), Seminar(s), Camp(s), Sayonara event(s), Regional – National – International events, and Self Defence classes to civilians.

“Personal Harassment” means any behaviour relating to race, physical disability, ancestry, religious beliefs, and place of origin, colour, marital status, gender, age, family status and sexual orientation, that creates an intimidating, threatening or hostile environment such that an IKOKC member’s performance is impaired, the IKOKC relationship is adversely affected or member’s dignity or respect is denied.

“Sexual Harassment” includes offensive sexual comments, gestures or physical contact that may be deemed objectionable or offensive, either on a one-time basis or in a continuous series of incidents, however minor. Sexual Harassment is behaviour of a sexual nature that is both intentional and unintentional – it is also unsolicited. That the victim of harassment perceives that they are being harassed is the basis for follow-up. Sexual Harassment is coercive and one-sided and males and females, operators, instructors and members can be victims of it.

Personal/Sexual Harassment within an IKOKC sanctioned place or environment may include, but is not limited to the following:

a) Unwanted sexual attention made by a person who knows or ought to reasonably know that such attention is unwanted,
b) Implied or expressed promise of reward for complying with a sexually oriented request,
c) Unwanted/Unnecessary physical contact, such as touching and patting, pinching, and bullying,
d) Suggestive remarks and other verbal abuse or threats or bullying,
e) Statement, publication, notice, sign, symbol, emblem, or other representation that is inappropriate as it relates to Personal/Sexual Harassment,
f) Unwelcome or embarrassing remarks, jokes, innuendoes or taunting,
g) Condescending or paternalistic actions which undermine self respect,
h) Accessing, viewing, posting or downloading from any websites, of distributing offensive and/or pornographic materials,
i) Unwanted invitations or advances of a romantic nature,
j) Denial of goods, services, accommodation or facilities based on any of the Personal /Sexual Harassment parameters,
k) Denial of employment or membership opportunities based on Personal/Sexual Harassment definitions,
l) Refusal of membership in the IKOKC based on Personal/Sexual Harassment definitions.

 

4. Reporting/Investigation/Adjudication Procedures

IKOKC has a responsibility to maintain a sanctioned IKOKC place free of Personal/Sexual Harassment of its members.

Member(s) who believes he/she is being personally/sexually harassed or is aware of Personal/Sexual Harassment have a duty to:

1) Tell the offender to stop their actions and/or
2) Contact a Dojo Operator or an Instructor or the Branch Chief if the behaviour persists.

All information will be treated as confidential, except to the extent that is necessary to complete the investigation thoroughly and promptly.

A complainant has the right to consult legal counsel at their expense.

A Dojo Operator or an Instructor receiving a formal complaint will inform the IKOKC Branch Chief of the incident immediately and not later than 3 days after receipt of a formal complaint. The aforementioned will also initiate action without waiting for an individual complaint when Personal/Sexual Harassment behaviour is believed to be taking place; to do otherwise constitutes misconduct on the part of the aforementioned.

An investigation will include:

1. Advising the member to document the incident(s) including pertinent information such as the nature of the complaint, date, time, place, number of incidents,
2. Providing a copy of the complaint to the accused party,
3. Soliciting the accused party’s account of the alleged incident(s),
4. Informing the accused party that a recommendation and report will be prepared,
5. Obtaining a written explanation of the incident(s) from the accused party,
6. Obtaining statements from any witnesses that may have been involved,
7. Advising the accused party of his or her right to be represented by their legal counsel, at their expense.

IKOKC acts promptly to investigate any allegations of harassment within 10 working days of the date of receiving the written complaint. The Branch Chief, may consult legal counsel as required, and will make assessments and investigations as appropriate within 10 working days. Where the IKOKC Branch Chief determines that harassment has occurred, take remedial action appropriate to the severity of the incident to correct the problem and to prevent any recurrence. The parties will be advised of the decision made and actions taken within 10 working days.

The Branch Chief may follow –up with the complainant and Dojo Operator, Instructor within 1 month, 6 months, 12 months after resolution to ensure that the harassment has stopped, the environment is productive, and the complainant has not suffered retaliation.

Any individual who is subject to harassment allegations is subject to fair and equal treatment under this Personal/Sexual Harassment Policy.

Any member who reports an allegation, which is later determined to be vexatious by the Branch Chief, will be required to apologize to the affected party (ies), and in addition may be subject to a Reprimand, or Suspension from IKOKC – including sanctioned events, or termination from the IKOKC. The parties will be advised of the decision made and actions taken.

 

5. Appeal Procedure

 

A member may appeal (one time only) a decision rendered. A written complaint and supporting documentation is to be submitted to the Branch Chief within 10 working days of the decision date. The Branch Chief will convene a panel of 3 senior level IKOKC Yudansha Shihans/Senseis and thoroughly review the case giving consideration to: the merit of the member’s complaint, IKOKC policy or practice, the law (including any consultation with legal counsel) , and any other factors which may be pertinent to the complaint. Within 20 working days, the decision of the panel will be issued in writing, and be binding on the parties concerned. The documentation and written resolution will be retained in IKOKC safekeeping.

 

6. Related Policies and Procedures

– IKOKC Code of Conduct
– IKOKC Doping Policy
– IKOKC Child Protection Policy
– IKOKC Vulnerable Persons Protection Policy (Police background checks)