1. Purpose

The Hamilton Amateur Radio Club (HARC) is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for its members, guests, volunteers, and members of the amateur radio community.

Membership in HARC is a privilege that carries with it an expectation of respectful and responsible conduct. All members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the Club and the amateur radio community.

2. Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to members while participating in or representing HARC, including:

  • Club meetings, events, activities, and social gatherings;
  • Hamfests, Field Day, contests, nets, and other amateur radio activities organized or sponsored by HARC;
  • Club-owned or Club-operated stations, repeaters, equipment, and facilities;
  • Club email lists, websites, social media, messaging groups, and other electronic communications;
  • Communications with other members, volunteers, guests, organizations, and members of the public when acting on behalf of HARC; and
  • Any other circumstance where a member could reasonably be understood to be representing the Club.

3. Expected Conduct

HARC members are expected to:

  • Treat others with courtesy, dignity, fairness, and respect;
  • Encourage a welcoming environment for both new and experienced amateur radio operators;
  • Respect differences of opinion and engage in disagreements constructively;
  • Follow applicable laws, regulations, Club bylaws, policies, and reasonable directions of those responsible for Club activities;
  • Use Club property, equipment, frequencies, repeaters, and other resources responsibly;
  • Respect the privacy and personal information of other members;
  • Conduct themselves safely and responsibly at Club activities; and
  • Avoid conduct that could reasonably bring the Club into serious disrepute.

4. Unacceptable Conduct

HARC members shall not engage in harassment, bullying, intimidation, threats, discrimination, or other conduct that a reasonable person would consider abusive, degrading, or seriously disruptive.

Members shall not discriminate against or harass another person based on characteristics protected by applicable human rights legislation, including race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital or family status, or disability.

Unacceptable conduct also includes:

  • Repeated or deliberate personal attacks, insults, or abusive behaviour;
  • Threatening or intimidating behaviour;
  • Unwanted sexual comments, attention, or harassment;
  • Deliberately interfering with Club activities or the reasonable participation of others;
  • Misuse, damage, or unauthorized use of Club property or equipment;
  • Knowingly making false or malicious allegations against another member; and
  • Retaliating against a person who raises a concern or participates in the review of a complaint in good faith.

Respectful disagreement, criticism, debate, or the expression of differing opinions does not, by itself, constitute harassment or a violation of this Code.

5. Amateur Radio and On-Air Conduct

Members using HARC stations, repeaters, call signs, or other radio resources are expected to follow applicable Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada regulations and generally accepted amateur radio operating practices.

Members should remember that on-air conduct associated with HARC may be heard by amateur radio operators and members of the public and should conduct themselves accordingly.

6. Reporting Concerns

A member who believes this Code has been violated may bring the matter to the attention of any member of the HARC Board of Directors.

Concerns should be raised in good faith and should include sufficient information for the Board to understand and review the matter.

The Board will handle complaints as fairly, promptly, discreetly, and impartially as reasonably possible. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where disclosure is necessary to investigate or respond fairly to a complaint or is required by law.

7. Responding to Violations

The Board of Directors may review alleged violations of this Code and take action it considers appropriate and proportionate to the circumstances, subject to HARC’s bylaws and applicable law.

Depending on the circumstances, action may include:

  • An informal discussion or reminder of expected conduct;
  • A written warning;
  • Restrictions on participation in particular Club activities or use of Club resources;
  • Removal from a Club event or activity; or
  • Suspension or termination of membership where permitted by the Club’s bylaws and applicable law.

Before significant disciplinary action is taken, the member concerned should normally be informed of the allegations and provided a reasonable opportunity to respond.

8. Responsibility of Members

All HARC members are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and complying with this Code of Conduct.

By joining or renewing membership in HARC, members agree to abide by the Club’s Code of Conduct as amended from time to time by the Club.