In order to ensure your enjoyment while participating in a ski program or lesson at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, the following list is designed to help with what to wear.

Body (The Three Layer Rule)

Wear several light layers instead of bulky snow pants or a heavy winter jacket. Layers keep you warm, allows free movement, and lets you adjust as you get warmer.

• First Layer — Sport underwear or tights made of polypro or merino wool. Avoid cotton.
• Second Layer — An insulating layer such as fleece, synthetic, or wool.
• Third Layer — A windproof, breathable jacket and pants that shed snow.

Headwear

• Wear a toque: thick for cold days, thin for warm days.
• Use a balaclava or neck warmer in cold or windy weather. Scarves fall off and get in the way.

Hands

• Mittens are warmer than gloves.
• Choose mittens with a snow‑shedding outer layer to stay dry.

 Socks

• Start with dry socks.
• Choose wool or polypro, not cotton.
• Don’t double up thick socks—your toes need room to move to stay warm.

Keep Moving

Stay active to stay warm: ski, swing your arms, hop around, and have fun.

Policy last updated: June 24, 2026                        Policy review date: June 2027 (or as required by the Board)

Definitions

The following terms have these meanings in this policy:

a) “Individuals” – all individuals engaged in activities with SLNC programs, including but not limited to, athletes, coaches, parents, volunteers, and committee members

b) “SLNC” – Sovereign Lake Nordic Club

c) “Two Shift Pledge” – Our club thrives because of people like you! Sovereign Lake Nordic’s programs, from Jackrabbits to Masters, are directly supported by the events we host each winter. These events provide critical funding that keeps our trails groomed and our programs accessible for everyone.

To maintain our high standard of quality event hosting, we rely on a strong team of volunteers. We ask all program participants to join our ‘2-Shift Pledge’ by committing to a minimum of two volunteer shifts this season (1 shift = 4 hours). You are always welcome and highly encouraged to volunteer for more if you’d like to lend an extra hand!

New to volunteering? No experience is necessary, and it’s a fun way to connect with the community. We have plenty of low-stress, approachable roles like handing out snacks to athletes, checking in volunteers or tracking finish times with a simple entry device. We also have more extensive volunteer roles, such as participation on committees and coaching. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact the club General Manager (gm@sovereignlake.com)

Purpose

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure a safe and positive environment within SLNC programs, activities, and events, by making all individuals aware that there is an expectation of appropriate behaviour, consistent with the values of SLNC. SLNC is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Furthermore, SLNC programs support equal opportunity and prohibit discriminatory practices. Individuals associated with SLNC Programs are expected to always conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the values of SLNC that include fairness, integrity, open communication, and mutual respect. Conduct that violates this Code of Conduct may be subject to sanction as per SLNC Policy.

This document aligns with that of the provincial governing cross-country entity, Cross Country British Columbia (CCBC), which recommends the creation of codes of conduct at a club level, to govern the conduct of individuals within each jurisdiction.

Application of this Policy

This policy applies to individuals relating to conduct that may arise during SLNC program business, activities, and events, including but not limited to, practices, competitions, training camps, travel, and meetings. This policy also applies to conduct that may occur outside of SLNC’s business and events when such conduct adversely affects relationships within SLNC’s work and sport environment and is detrimental to the image and reputation of our Club. *

Individuals’ Responsibilities

All individuals involved in SLNC programs have a responsibility to:

1. Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of SLNC Members and other individuals by:

• • Demonstrating respect to all individuals by focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees, and members.
  • Demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sports leadership, and ethical conduct.
  • Acting, when appropriate, to prevent or correct practices that are unjustly discriminatory.
  • Consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably,
  • Ensuring that the rules of cross-country skiing, and the spirit of such rules, are adhered to.

1. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment or assault, where harassment is defined as comment or conduct directed towards an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading or malicious.
2. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment or assault, where sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or conduct of a sexual nature.
3. Refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to engage in inappropriate activities.
4. Respect the property of others and not willfully cause damage.
5. Abstain from the use of non-approved drugs and performance-enhancing substances, and take reasonable steps to manage the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages in adult-oriented social situations associated with SLNC programs.
6. Comply with the Bylaws, policies, rules, and regulations of SLNC, as adopted and amended from time to time: Policies and Procedures Manual (2025), Harassment Policy Document (Pending Board Approval)
7. Comply with current policies outlined by Nordiq Canada & Biathlon Canada. (Ie. Fluoro Ban, etc.)
8. Communicate any concerns or questions about the SLNC Code of Conduct and its application to your coach or program lead. If your questions or concerns are related to them, please reach out to the General Manager (gm@sovereignlake.com) or another member of the SLNC Programs Committee. Any feedback will be kept confidential and addressed, as appropriate, with accepted practices for conflict resolution.

Coach Responsibilities

The athlete-coach relationship is a privileged one and plays a critical role in the personal as well as athletic development of the athlete. Coaches must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it. In addition to the individual responsibilities above, coaches of SLNC programs have additional responsibilities to:

1. Ensure a safe environment by selecting activities and establishing controls that are suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of athletes, including educating athletes as to their responsibilities in contributing to a safe environment.
2. Prepare athletes systematically and progressively, using appropriate time frames and monitoring physical and psychological adjustments while refraining from using training methods or techniques that may harm athletes.
3. Communicate and cooperate with sport medicine professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of athletes’ medical and psychological situations to avoid compromising the present and future health of athletes.
4. Under no circumstances provide, promote, or condone the use of non-approved drugs or performance-enhancing substances.
5. Accept and promote athletes’ personal goals and refer athletes to other coaches and sports specialists as appropriate and as opportunities arise.
6. At no time engage in an intimate or sexual relationship with an athlete aged 18 years or under and at no time engage in an intimate or sexual relation with an athlete over the age of 18 if the coach is in a position of power, trust, or authority over the athlete.
7. Refrain from intervening inappropriately in personal affairs that are outside the generally accepted jurisdiction of a coach.
8. Act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person.
9. Respect and abide by Return to Sport Protocols and other Local, Provincial and Federal Health Authority directives. *
10. Ensure any in person one-on-one communication occurs in a visible open space. *

Athlete Responsibilities

In addition to the individual responsibilities above, athletes participating in SLNC programs have additional responsibilities to:

1. Participate and appear on time in practices, competitions, training sessions, events, or activities.
2. Be prepared with appropriate equipment, clothing, change of clothing, wearable devices, nutrition, and hydration. *
3. Properly represent themselves and not attempt to enter a competition for which they are not eligible, by reason of age, classification, or other reasons.
4. Make the right decisions for the team if they are sick before an event. If they are sick at an event, make reasonable efforts to protect their teammates. *
5. Communicate using the Rule of Two on electronic platforms. A parent needs to be included for athletes aged 18 years or under. For athletes over the age of 18, one other person must be included, either another adult, parent, coach, or teammate.*
6. Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, coaches, officials, and other volunteers who give their time to the sport. *
7. Communicate any issues that may limit their ability to participate, train, compete, or travel.
8. Adhere to coach recommendations regarding clothing and equipment. Discuss with the coach if there are financial barriers to obtaining appropriate clothing and equipment, as loans may be available. *
9. Two Shift Pledge – Volunteer at a minimum of two club events over the ski season. *

Parent Responsibilities

In addition to the individual responsibilities above, parents participating in SLNC programs have additional responsibilities to:

1. Attend the pre-season Program Parent Meeting to ensure awareness of expectations and opportunities available throughout the ski season. *
2. Support their athletes in a positive and constructive manner. Depending on the age of the athlete, parent assistance may be required with equipment, clothing, and waxing. *
3. Discuss with coaches any questions or concerns related to the coaching, training plan, or program structure. *
4. Discuss with the General Manager or other member of the Programs Committee any questions or concerns related to fundraising or volunteering opportunities.
5. When in attendance at races, volunteer to assist in some capacity (e.g., bib pick-up, shuttles, wax support, etc.) *
6. Two Shift Pledge – Volunteer at a minimum of two club events over the ski season. *
7. Respect the Coach’s time off, which will be specified for every season. This includes electronic communications. *
8. Support the coaches and provide respectful feedback ‘off the field of play’ and in private. Observe a 24-hour “cooling-off” period where appropriate before communication to prevent situations from escalating. The exception to this rule would be any situation that arises which places a participant’s personal safety at risk*
9. Be conscious of not interfering in the training or competition environments. *
10. Manage all financial obligations to the Club and Team in a timely and complete manner. *
11. Respect directions, decisions and policies that are developed and communicated by the Board, Programs Committee and Coaching staff. *
12. Respect the decisions and judgments of officials and encourage others to do the same. *

*additional to that of the CCBC Policy

We strive to continually improve our programs, and we’d love to hear your ideas. Please freely share them- questions, what’s working well, suggestions for improvement- we welcome it all. As well, an annual survey will be sent to all program participants/parents in mid-February, to obtain feedback on coaching, dryland training, communication, and culture. Survey results will inform the following year’s programs and events. We’re also eager to hear from anyone who may be interested in finding out more about or serving on the Programs or other SLNC committees.

•  Athlete Code of Conduct & Team Travel Policy
• Travel Cost Policy
• What to Expect on Race Day-XC and SDP
• What to Expect on Race Day- Biathlon
• 26/27 Season XC & Biathlon – Events and Races