Player Participation Policies
Big Apple Recreational Sports is New York City’s non-profit, community-minded co-ed sports league for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and LGBTQI-friendly New Yorkers who want to play competitive sports in an athletic environment free of harassment, discrimination and drama. Our leagues are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all participants.
The following applies to all participants in all Big Apple Recreational Sports sponsored events. The goal of Big Apple Recreational Sports is to provide a fun, social atmosphere for its players. In order to promote this atmosphere, unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.
At all times, league participants must comply with Big Apple Recreational Sports’ Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying Policy.
In the spirit of vision and goal, league participants should avoid the following actions:
Express derogatory, discriminatory or unwelcome comments based on or in reference to race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Engage in any physical, verbal or sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unwanted, unacceptable, inappropriate or offensive behavior of a sexual nature that affects the dignity of another player and creates an intimidating, hostile, unstable or offensive play environment.
Verbally harass, threaten, or physically (push, shove, hit) lay hands upon a referee, participant or spectator.
Refuse to abide by a referee’s decision.
Demonstrate objectionable behavior or visible, outward dissent at a referee’s decision by throwing equipment, punching walls or any other forceful (physical or verbal) reaction.
Intentional disruption to gameplay or game equipment.
Prolonged, combative arguing or dissent with a referee, in any manner, well after the decision reached by referees during an active game/match (exception is made for team captains).
Verbally or physically abuse any referee for any decision or judgment.
Discuss publicly in a derogatory manner any play, decision, or personal opinion of other participants.
Possess or consume alcohol on the premises (excluding Bowling), where alcohol is prohibited.
Play under another individual’s name, falsified name, or falsified address.
Encouraging team members not to show up or return to the sport in question.
Public urination on field space being used by Big Apple Recreational Sports.
Falsifying game outcomes such as scores or rosters.
Other illegal activity as defined by the location and/or venue of and surrounding during any league sponsored events.
Any behavior demonstrated by a player that is deemed in violation of the aforementioned guidelines, Big Apple Recreational Sports’ Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying Policy, and/or is violent, harassing, and/or inappropriate in any way, as witnessed by any Big Apple Rec Sports members, referees, or league leadership is subject to the levels of warning detailed below, from the Executive Board for BARS.
Verbal Warning: A warning given to a player/community member that demonstrates inappropriate behavior. All verbal warnings will be communicated directly and clearly to the player or community member.
Written Warning: Written warnings are documented offenses against a player or community member that may have escalated past a verbal warning. Written warnings should be delivered to a player or community member via email or regular mail.
Suspension (Short Term): Pending the severity of the infraction, players may receive up to, but not limited to a one-week suspension from the sport or all sports they are participating in. A short-term suspension may only be issued by the director of a Big Apple affiliated sport, in consultation with the Executive Board of BARS.
Suspension (Long Term): Pending the severity of the infraction, players may receive a season suspension from the sport or all sports they are participating in. A long-term suspension may only be issued by the director of a Big Apple affiliated sport, in consultation with the entire Executive Board for BARS.
Expulsion: If, following a long-term suspension, there are still demonstrations of inappropriate behavior, the Executive Board for Big Apple Recreational Sports may vote to expel the player/community member from the league permanently. Expulsion from the league must be formally voted on by the Executive Board for Big Apple Recreational Sports.
Depending on the nature of the violation in question, an individual who has allegedly violated the participation policies or mission statement of Big Apple Recreational Sports may automatically rise to a higher-level violation/consequence. For example, a player who physically assaults another player may be immediately expelled from the league, whereas a player who violates the sportsmanship policy may only simply receive a verbal or written warning for their behavior. More serious infractions will be reviewed by the Big Apple Recreational Sports Executive Board, who will decide in their best judgement what type of warning or action is constituted.
If a player is subject to suspension or expulsion from the league due to violations of these policies, they are not eligible to receive a refund for the season of the sport(s) that they have received a suspension/expulsion from.
Infractions can carry over from season to season and can also cross over to all sports under Big Apple Rec Sports.
Players or community members who wish to contest a warning/suspension/expulsion may do so in writing. All appeals should be communicated to the Executive Board.