ALBERTA ESPORTS ASSOCIATION
CODE OF CONDUCT
AESA CODE OF CONDUCT
Under the Alberta Esports Association (AESA), all parties are expected to abide by the AESA Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct applies to: AESA staff, volunteers, and community leads; AESA partners (i.e. industry partners, businesses, sponsors, and other organizations); and community members who participate in AESA affiliated events (i.e. spectators, competitors, vendors, etc). Adherence to the AESA Code of Conduct applies across platforms, at both in-person events and online spaces (i.e. in-game chats, forums, streaming platforms, social media, and Discord channels).
The AESA Code of Conduct is based on the following ethical and professional principles:
Creating a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for all.
Fostering a community and culture of social inclusion and accessibility.
Treating ourselves and others around us with respect and dignity.
Working professionally, collaboratively, and with accountability and transparency.
Taking action when inappropriate behavior and acts of misconduct occur.
AESA COMMUNITY CODE OF CONDUCT
Inappropriate behavior that is in violation of the AESA Community Code of Conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Discrimination based on race, sex, ethnicity, age, gender, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, marital status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, place of origin, and religious belief.
Harassment including but not limited to: written or verbal abuse, exercised or attempted physical violence that causes or could cause physical injury or damage, verbal or physical behavior with the intent to intimidate or threaten, and general offensive or objective conduct.
Sexual Harassment including but not limited to: unwanted sexual advances, remarks, and gestures whether indirect or explicit, display of sexually offensive material, unwanted physical contact, invasion of private space, and stalking.
Engaging in a sexual relationship with an individual below 18 years of age, as an adult over the age of 18.
Participation in any and all illegal activity. Any illegal actions will be pursued with the full force of the law.
Use of and influence under drugs, alcohol or other narcotic chemicals while attending an event. Consumption of alcohol is limited to 18+ events held at venues where alcohol is legally served.
Displaying vulgar, offensive, or defamatory depictions that harm social inclusivity and safety. This includes, but is not limited to: articles of clothing and gamer tags. Such displays may be prohibited at the discretion of the Lead Tournament Organizers.
Behavior that would directly violate the event premise’s rules.
Cheating which includes, but is not limited to: collusion to affect match outcome or modifying a game to give oneself an unfair advantage. Legality of non-standard equipment is subject to the discretion of the Lead Tournament Organizers.
Gambling or betting on the results of matches being played, whether one’s own or otherwise. Gambling is defined as the activity or practice of playing at a game of chance for money or other stakes.
Egregious unsportsmanlike acts that do not fall under this code will be dealt with at the discretion of the Lead Tournament Organizer.
Participants found to be in violation of the AESA Community Code of Conduct will be subject to a progressive disciplinary process that can include a review by the AESA Conduct Panel. Possible outcomes include, but are not limited to: disqualification from an event, suspension from future events, a permanent ban, and/or legal action.
Notes:
All participants below 16 years of age are required to be accompanied by a guardian aged over 18. This must be declared to the Tournament Organizers before the event. Guardians must be of family or friend relation approved by a family member.
Appeals to bans will be addressed by the Conduct Panel on a case-by-case basis. The decision will depend on the ban’s cause and severity. AESA reserves the right to maintain a ban for any AESA affiliated communities and events
The AESA Board of Directors and Executive team reserve the right to change and update the AESA Community Code of Conduct as deemed appropriate and necessary.
COVID-19 Response: The Alberta Esports Association (AESA) encourages safety protocols as outlined by Alberta Health Services not limited to, but including, regular hand hygiene, physical distancing and continual masking.
REPORTING PROCESS
If you experience or witness any form violation of the AESA Community Code of Conduct, please contact the nearest AESA staff member, tournament organizer, or human resources representative:
General inquiries and questions can be addressed to: conductpanel@esportsalberta.ca
Confidential (and anonymous) submissions and formal reports: AESA Safe Disclosure Form
All complaints will be compiled, recorded, and investigated by the AESA Conduct Panel
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The AESA Information Directory is directory of various mental health and sexual assault resources an individual can access if they are experiencing distress.
Reaching out is an important step in the healing process, so asking for help is an act we encourage.
The AESA Safe Disclosure Form helps facilitate individuals who wish to come forward about misconduct they may have witnessed or experienced in the AESA partnered communities.
Personal information is exclusively kept confidential to the HR branch of AESA. Additionally, anonymous submissions are also enabled. We take these concerns seriously and encourage individuals to reach out.