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:

Launched in 2023, our Venue Vibes campaign was brought forth to educate our members on what the OVA expects from them when attending an event. 

These events are hosted at rented venues under permits. Bad behavior and damage leads to loss of permits and no place for athletes to play, or an increase in fees due to more expensive venues.

Beyond that, the OVA promotes a safe and inclusive sporting environment. High compete level is applauded, but do it with class and when the whistle blows, it's over.

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.

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

• Pursuant to the Canadian Sport Dispute Resolution Code, the OVA challenged the decision of the Deputy Director of Sanctions and Outcomes (DDSO) regarding their findings on violations of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) by Carter Walls.  The Arbitrator found that the DDSO made an error of law based on the findings and that Carter Walls did violate UCCMS Sections 5.1, 5.3.1(a) and 5.3.2.  As a result, Carter Walls is suspended for 2 months from all OVA and Volleyball Canada activities.  The suspension will be effective from the date he renews his membership.   This suspension is also posted and registered with Abuse-Free Sport, Abuse-Free Sport Sanctions Registry.
• An independent Third-Party Discipline Panel has determined that David MacDonald has breached Sections 10(a.1), 10(b)(i, ii, iv), 10(c), and 10(k) of the Code of Conduct. As a result, David Macdonald is suspended from all OVA activities, including those of member clubs, for a period of four (4) months, effective January 1, 2025 and ending  April 30, 2025. (see MacDonald Complaint Decision)
  • An independent Third-Party Discipline Panel has determined that David MacDonald has breached the terms of the above-noted suspension and shall therefore be subject to an additional 30-day suspension.  David MacDonald is therefore suspended from all OVA activities, including those of members clubs until May 31, 2025.
• 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.
• In response to a complaint filed with the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner against Scott Rouse, the Director of Sanctions and Outcomes has determined the following sanctions shall be applied:

  1. Suspension. Scott Rouse is suspended, and is ineligible to participate, in any sport, in any capacity, in any program, activity, or competition organized or sanctioned by any Adopting Organization and/or its members (including any successor to the Abuse-Free Sport program) for a period of three (3) months, subject to compliance with Imposed Sanction #3. Provided the Respondent abides by Imposed Sanction #3, his period of suspension will be lifted three (3) months from the date of this Report, being June 5, 2025 (the “Suspension Period”).

  2. Period of Probation. Following Scott Rouse’s reinstatement, he will be placed on probation for a period nine (9) months (the “Probationary Period”). Provided he abides by Imposed Sanction #3, the Probationary Period will be lifted exactly one (1) year from the date of this decision, being March 5, 2026. Should the Respondent be found to violate the UCCMS during the Probationary Period, this will result in more severe sanctions, up to and including a period of further suspension.

  3. Education. Scott Rouse is required to complete a course he has not previously completed on understanding Ethics in Sport, and must submit a certificate of completion to the DSO. The Respondent or his representative are invited to suggest a selected course to the DSO for approval. Scott Rouse must complete this course prior to the end of the Suspension Period. Should the Respondent fail to complete this training by the end of the Suspension Period, his period of suspension will automatically extend pending confirmation of adherence to this Imposed Sanction.

Interim Suspensions

• 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 and discipline decisions.  To see the full discipline decision, please refer to the OVA v Ragogna Discipline Decision document below.
  • 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 December 20, 2024,  Andrew (Andy) Hagerman has been placed on interim suspension from the Ontario Volleyball Association until further notice, due to criminal charges.

Written Warnings

• Please be advised effective July 15, 2024, the Niagara Rapids Club has received a Written Warning for a breach of the OVA Coach Eligibility Policy, and Sections 10(a), 10(b)(i), and 14.2 of the OVA Code of Conduct.  The Written Warning will be in place until August 31, 2027.

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.