Local sports fans in Clarence-Rockland who get a bit hot under the collar when the home team is not doing so well may soon have a choice. Either learn to curb the temper or stay away from the local arenas, soccer fields, baseball diamonds and other sports sites.
The city’s bylaw department tabled a report for a proposed Code of Conduct policy for the municipality. The report was sparked by a request from a community sports club that has been having problems with unruly behaviour from spectators, players and others at some past events.
There is no legal obligation under the Ontario Municipal Act for the city to develop a Code of Conduct policy for dealing with rowdy or rude behaviour at local recreation facilities. But the report noted that without such a policy it may be difficult to provide any help to local sports and other groups to handle such situations outside of calling the police.
The proposed Code of Conduct policy states that people attending local sports events must behave as responsible adults, be respectful of others, including fellow spectators, players, coaches, referees and other officials, and accept referee rulings without argument, insult or other rude behaviour. Threats or violence toward anyone and vandalism are not tolerated.
Local sports organizations would have authority, through the city, to eject first-time offenders from the game site and any repeat offences could result in banishment from city-owned recreation sites for the rest of the season.
The police would be called in cases where an offender refused to leave when told. The city could also consider charging an offender under the Ontario Trespass to Property Act, which includes a banishment clause. The offender would also be liable for the cost of any vandalism.
Council tabled the report for a later meeting and asked administration to circulate copies to all local sports groups for their feedback.