SECTION 2.6 : Emotional and Physical Misconduct
A . It is a Code violation for a Member to engage in emotional or physical misconduct , when that misconduct occurs within a context that is reasonably related to All Star Cheerleading and Dance , which includes , without limitation : 1 . Emotional Misconduct ; 2 . Physical Misconduct ; 3 . Bullying ; 4 . Hazing ; and / or 5 . Harassment . B . Emotional Misconduct
1 . Emotional misconduct includes : ( a ) Verbal Acts ; ( b ) Physical Acts ; ( c ) Acts that Deny Attention or Support ; ( d ) Criminal Conduct ; or ( e ) Stalking . Emotional misconduct is determined by the objective behaviors , not whether harm is intended or results from the behavior .
2 . Verbal Acts : Repeatedly and excessively verbally assaulting or attacking someone personally in a manner that serves no productive training or motivational purpose .
3 . Physical Acts : Repeated or severe physically aggressive behaviors , including but not limited to , throwing equipment , water bottles or chairs at or in the presence of others , punching walls , windows or other objects .
4 . Acts that Deny Attention or Support : Ignoring or isolating a person for extended periods of time , including routinely or arbitrarily excluding a Member from practice .
5 . Criminal Conduct : Emotional misconduct includes any act or conduct described as emotional abuse or abuse by any federal or state law .
6 . Stalking a . Stalking occurs when a person purposefully engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person and knows or should know , that the course of conduct would cause a reasonable person to : ( i ) fear for their safety ; ( ii ) the safety of a third person ; or ( iii ) to experience substantial emotional distress . b . “ Course of conduct ” means at least two or more acts in which a person directly , indirectly , or through third parties , by any action , method , device or means , follows , monitors , observes , surveils , threatens or communicates to or about another person or interferes with another person ’ s property . “ Substantial emotional distress ” means significant mental suffering or anguish . c . Stalking also includes “ cyber-stalking ,” wherein a person stalks another using electronic media , such as the internet , social networks , blogs , cell phones , texts or other similar devices or forms of contact .
7 . Exclusions a . Emotional misconduct does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement , physical conditioning , team building , appropriate discipline or improved Athlete performance . Emotional misconduct also does not include conduct reasonably accepted as part of All Star Cheerleading and Dance or conduct reasonably accepted as part of a Member ’ s participation .
C . Physical Misconduct 1 . Physical misconduct is any intentional contact or non-contact behavior that causes physical harm to another or causes another to reasonably believe physical harm was imminent . 2 . Examples of physical misconduct may include , without limitation : a . Contact violations : Punching , beating , biting , striking , strangling or slapping another ; intentionally hitting another with objects , such as sporting equipment . b . Non-contact violations : Isolating a person in a confined space , such as locking an Athlete in a small space ; forcing an Athlete to assume a painful stance or position for no athletic purpose ( e . g ., requiring an Athlete to kneel on a harmful surface ); withholding , recommending against or denying adequate hydration , nutrition , medical attention , or sleep ; encouraging or knowingly permitting an Athlete to return to play prematurely following a serious injury ( e . g ., a concussion ) without the clearance of a medical professional ; providing , assisting in providing or condoning the consumption of alcohol to a person under the legal drinking age ; providing , assisting in providing or condoning the consumption of illegal drugs or non-prescribed medications to another . c . Criminal Conduct : Physical misconduct includes any act or conduct described as physical abuse or misconduct under federal or state law ( e . g ., Child Abuse , assault , battery ). d . Exclusions : Physical misconduct does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement , physical conditioning , team building , appropriate discipline or improved Athlete performance . For example , hitting , punching and kicking another are well-regulated forms of contact in combat sports , but have no place in All Star Cheer and Dance . Physical misconduct also does not include conduct reasonably accepted as part of All Star Cheerleading and Dance or conduct reasonably accepted as part of a Member ’ s participation .
D . Bullying 1 . Bullying is repeated or severe behavior ( s ) that are ( a ) aggressive , ( b ) directed at a Minor and ( c ) intended or likely to hurt , control or diminish the Minor emotionally , physically or sexually . 2 . Examples of Bullying may include , without limitation , repeated or severe : a . Hitting , pushing , punching , beating , biting , striking , kicking , strangling , slapping , spitting at or throwing objects ( such as sporting equipment ) at another person ;
12 USASF CODE OF CONDUCT & COMPLIANCE | 2022-23 MEMBERSHIP SEASON