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Code of Conduct

The purpose of the OVA Code of Conduct is to ensure a safe and positive environment within OVA programs, activities, and events by making all individuals aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behavior consistent with the values of the OVA.

Download the Code of Conduct:


Disclaimer

The OVA oversees a comprehensive screening program for staff and volunteers as part of its mandate to provide a safe sporting environment. Through this program, some may be denied membership, or granted membership with conditions. Those members and their conditions will be listed below.

There are other organizations that offer programs, events and coaching independently from the OVA. In addition, sometimes staff and volunteers associated with the OVA operate their own private programs, events and coaching independently from the OVA. The OVA is not responsible for any program, event or coaching session that is not operated through the OVA. The protections offered by the OVA are not available with respect to any independent programming. If you are unsure whether a program, event or coaching session is operated through the OVA, please contact the OVA for more information.


Infractions, Suspensions & Conditional Memberships

The OVA's top priority is the well being of our members. We are committed to providing members with programs, events and coaching that are safe and appropriate. With this in mind, and in the interest of transparency, it is our policy to make any code of conduct infractions public.

Expulsions

  • Please be advised that Christian Tanguay has been permanently expelled from the Ontario Volleyball Association.
  • Please be advised that Thomas Grieve has been permanently expelled from the Ontario Volleyball Association.
  • Please be advised that Arthur Yanamoto has been permanently expelled from the Ontario Volleyball Association.
  • Please be advised that Hughbee Brown has been permanently expelled from the Ontario Volleyball Association.

Suspensions

  • An independent Third-Party Discipline Panel has determined that AJ Zelem has breached Sections 7(b) and 7(e) of the Ontario Volleyball Association Code of Conduct (v Nov 2019) and Sections 15, 16, 18(b), 18(h), 21(b), 21(c), 21(f), 21(g), 21(h) of the Person In Authority Code of Conduct. AJ Zelem is to be suspended from all Ontario Volleyball Association activities until December 9, 2023.
  • An independent Third-Party Discipline Panel has determined that Geoff Maw has breached Section 7 (a), (b) of Ontario Volleyball Association Code of Conduct (v. Nov 2019) and Section 21 (a), (b), (c) and (g) of the OVA Person In Authority Code of Conduct . Geoff Maw is to be suspended from all Ontario Volleyball Association activities for a period of 5 years ending February 13, 2025.

Interim Suspensions

  • Please be advised effective October 31, 2023,  Shawn Kao has been placed on interim suspension from the Ontario Volleyball Association until further notice, due to criminal charges.
  • Please be advised effective November 16, 2023, Matthew Ragogna has been placed on interim suspension from the Ontario Volleyball Association until further notice due to the following:
    • Breach of the OVA Coach Eligibility Policy and Code of Conduct as a result of findings made through the screening decision.
    • Serious allegations were reported November 2023 to the Office of Sport Integrity Commission (OSIC) regarding misconduct in relation to the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS).
    • An ongoing police investigation.
  • Please be advised effective February 15, 2024, Johnson Boland has been placed on interim suspension from the Ontario Volleyball Association until further notice, due to breach of the OVA Coach Eligibility Policy and Code of Conduct.   


Notice to Members (Stewart Arevalo)

Please be advised that by an agreement reached between the Ontario Volleyball Association and Stewart Arevalo, Mr. Arevalo has agreed to voluntarily resign his membership in the OVA.

Notice to Members re Decision of Arbitrator (Stewart Arevalo)

On September 10, 2014, Adjudicator Barbara Carmichael released her decision concerning an application by Stewart Arevalo for membership in a designated category (coaching). A copy of that decision, which sets out temporary conditions on Arevalo’s OVA membership, may be downloaded below. A copy of the earlier decision of the Adjudicator dated July 31, 2014 concerning Arevalo’s application may also be downloaded below. Under the OVA Appeals Policy, decisions of the Adjudicator are a matter of public record.

Should you have any questions regarding the decisions of the Adjudicator (including with respect to the temporary conditions), please contact Executive Director Jo-Anne Ljubicic

Notice to Members (Jared Linden and Garth Morris)

Please be advised that Jared Linden and Garth Morris (aka Zach Jameson) are not members in good standing with the Ontario Volleyball Association. Further, the Markham Stingers Volleyball Club, the Markham Explosion Volleyball Club and the North Central (Explosion) Volleyball Club are not clubs registered with or affiliated with the Ontario Volleyball Association.