Resolving Conflict (for Players)

We believe that every JAM member has the right to play in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment. Acts of aggression towards any team or player, both physical and verbal, simply have no place in our leagues.

We all have a part to play in upholding this. If you find yourself in a game that is becoming heated, or see that tension is building between teams or individuals, here are some things that you can do to help defuse the conflict. You will generally want to follow this in order, but use your best judgement if the escalation occurs quickly and you need to skip steps.

1. Before every game: Captains should make a point to shake hands and introduce themselves before each game. This creates a channel for communication between teams in case issues arise that need to be dealt with.

2. Call a time-out: If tension is building during a game, call a time-out so that the captains can step to one side and discuss the issues or complaints. It can be difficult to have these conversations in the heat of the moment in the middle of a game, and a timeout is a chance to hit the reset button.

3. Speak to your own teammates: Recognize that it takes two sides to escalate a situation. Remind your teammates that even if they are frustrated, to take the higher ground and conduct themselves with integrity. If you do notice that any of your teammates are getting overly agitated, ask them to sit for a shift to cool off.

4. Ask for help from the JAM Ambassador: Depending on the venue, there may be a JAM Ambassador on-site. If the situation is not improving, ask the Ambassador for help. Here are some ways an Ambassador can intervene:

• If there is a rule dispute, he/she should be able to clarify and help teams reach an agreement.

• If your team has complaints against specific player(s), the Ambassador can convey your complaints to the people in question.

• If the game is generally getting heated, the Ambassador can keep an eye on your game and help settle things down, but please bear in mind that he/she may also have other responsibilities at the venue and may not be able to give their full attention to yours solely (particularly at venues with multiple games).

• Please note: Make sure you understand your responsibilities in such a situation. If the Ambassador asks for the name of a player on your team, you are required to provide it. If an Ambassador asks a player to sit out for a shift or for the rest of the game, the player must comply. And if an Ambassador ends a game early, this is a final decision and is not negotiable. The matter will be turned over to the JAM Disciplinary Committee who will conduct an assessment, impose sanctions as required, and make a ruling on the final game score.

5. Call off the game if you are out of options: You will not be penalized for calling an early end to a game that is getting out of control. If you or your players feel unsafe, there is no Ambassador present, and the situation is not improving despite your best effort, it is your right to end the game early.

6. Submit an Incident Report: When you submit your game score, you also have the option to submit an 'Incident Report' to describe the difficulties that you encountered. The JAM Disciplinary Committee will investigate the matter thoroughly.