What is Rzone?
Rzone is a program requiring all persons wishing to visit or use any
City of London recreation facility, park, or program to respect others
and take responsibility in helping the City maintain a positive
environment.
The "R" in Rzone stands for Respect and Responsibility. Respect for
yourself, Respect for others, and Responsibility for your actions. The
logo will serve as a reminder to staff and the public that the program
is in effect and applies to everyone.
Rzone is first and foremost, a proactive education and awareness
strategy to promote respectful and responsible behaviour at recreation
facilities. The Rzone program applies to all community organizations
and individuals using City of London recreational facilities, parks, and
programs.
Rzone originated in Oakville, and has been adopted by 6 other Ontario
municipalities and 1 U.S. municipality. A City of London Rzone by-law
and policy now applies in all City of London recreation facilities and
parks.
Why do we need Rzone in London?
Incidents of bullying, violence, intimidation, vandalism, threats,
and discriminatory behaviour have unfortunately risen over the past
number of years in London. Prior to Rzone, no City by-law or policy
existed that provided staff with clear direction and authority to deal
with issues that were not clearly criminal behaviours requiring police
involvement.
What behaviours are considered inappropriate under Rzone?
No form of violence, vandalism, or inappropriate behaviour is
acceptable on properties, in facilities, or in programs. Incidents
involving the following should be reported:
- Threats/ attempts to intimidate
- Aggression
- Use of alcohol/drugs
- Harassment
- Verbal assault/ use of profane or abusive language
- Physical assault/harm
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Attempts to goad or incite violence
- Bullying, mistreatment which intimidates, humiliates, or demeans another person
- Possession of weapons or firearms prohibited under the Criminal Code
- Any contravention of other Federal or Provincial laws, Regulations, City By-laws or policies deemed inappropriate behaviour
- Refusal to follow the rules established by the City for use of its facilities
How do I report an Incident?
For best and timely resolutions, incidents should be reported within
24 hours. If you are involved in or witness an incident at a City
"indoor" facility, you may report it to a staff member. (S)he will, with
your assistance, complete the report. If an incident occurs at an
"outdoor" facility where staff are not available, an incident report
should be submitted online.
To report an incident, please fill out the Rzone Incident Report form and e-mail it to rzone@london.ca.
Once a report is made, City of London staff will investigate the
incident and apply sanctions to offending parties if deemed necessary.
Rzone counts on organizations promoting Rzone principles and
standards of conduct amongst their own membership. The City will promote
Rzone and respond to complaints of Rzone violations occurring on City
property. In addition, we hope the promotional and monitoring activities
of the City and organizations using City recreational facilities will
contribute to safer, healthier, more respectful recreation environments.
How does Rzone affect the responsibilities of referees and officials on the field of play?
Games are still regulated by the rules of the sport and these rules
are administered by the designated officials while the game/match is in
play. Rzone will not impact players participating in the game context.
Rzone will apply to spectators observing games and will also apply to
teams at tournaments who are not playing at the tie of an incident.