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Team California Athlete Code of Conduct

As a representative of Team California, you agree to uphold the highest standards of conduct and sportsmanship at all times. This Code of Conduct applies to all Team California, activities (“Team California Program”), including training camps, races, travel, online activity, and public appearances.​

Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary actions, including loss of team privileges, suspension, or dismissal from Team California, as described in the “Consequences for Code of Conduct Violations” (Appendix A).

Substance Policy

  1. The possession, distribution, or use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or IOC/USADA‑banned substances is strictly prohibited during any Team California activity, event, or lodging arrangement.​

  2. Athletes are responsible for confirming that any medications or supplements comply with current anti‑doping regulations.

Identification and Access

  1. Use of Team California credentials, ID badges, or access passes by any unauthorized person is prohibited.​

  2. Athletes may not share room keys, security codes, or other access tools in a way that compromises safety or privacy.

Lodging and Property

  1. Overnight visitors are not permitted in shared or team‑assigned accommodations unless explicitly approved by Team California staff.

  2. Athletes are financially responsible for any damage or loss to facilities, dormitories, team vehicles, or any property issued to them.​

  3. Non‑cycling sports equipment and similar bulky gear are not allowed in team lodging areas unless approved by staff.

  4. Pets are not permitted in team lodging or shared accommodations.

Safety Systems and Facilities

  1. Tampering with, disabling, or interfering with fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, or any safety equipment, including causing false alarms, is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate dismissal from the program.​

  2. Athletes must comply with all safety rules and instructions at training venues, race venues, host homes, and other facilities.

Behavior and Professional Conduct

  1. Athletes must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and with the policies of Team California, USA Cycling, and any host venue.​

  2. Gross misconduct—including fighting, theft, harassment, hazing, bullying, or willful destruction of property—will not be tolerated.​

  3. Athletes represent Team California 24 hours a day. Conduct at races, during travel, in lodging (including host homes), at school or work, and in public must reflect positively on the team and its partners.​

  4. Athletes shall treat teammates, coaches, staff, volunteers, officials, promoters, and competitors with respect and dignity at all times.​

  5. Discriminatory, harassing, or abusive language or behavior toward any individual or group is prohibited.​

Online and Social Media Conduct

  1. Public comments (verbal, printed, or electronic) must remain professional and respectful toward Team California, USA Cycling, event organizers, sponsors, officials, and other members of the cycling community.

  2. This includes websites, blogs, forums, group chats, and all social media platforms.​

  3. Athletes should not share confidential or private information about teammates, staff, or host families online.

Compliance, Licensing, and Equipment

  1. Athletes must obey all applicable traffic and cycling‑related laws when riding on public roads.

  2. All athletes must maintain a current USA Cycling membership and, where applicable, required Foreign Permission Letters or Releases.

  3. Athletes must read, understand, and comply with the current USA Cycling rules.

  4. Athletes must wear official Team California race apparel in sanctioned events unless otherwise authorized by Team California staff.

Safesport, MAAPP, and Safe Environment

  1. Athletes and parents acknowledge and comply with the U.S. Center for SafeSport Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP).​

  2. All participants shall complete the appropriate SafeSport training: athletes under 18 complete “SafeSport for Youth” and those 18 and over complete the full SafeSport training, as required by USA Cycling and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.​

  3. Athletes shall abide by the USA Cycling Code of Conduct and USA Cycling Safe Sport Program.​

  4. One‑on‑one interactions, electronic communications, travel, and training environments must follow applicable MAAPP standards.

Online and Social Media Conduct

  1. Public comments (verbal, printed, or electronic) must remain professional and respectful toward Team California, USA Cycling, event organizers, sponsors, officials, and other members of the cycling community.

  2. This includes websites, blogs, forums, group chats, and all social media platforms.​

  3. Athletes should not share confidential or private information about teammates, staff, or host families online.

Anti‑Doping

  1. Athletes shall comply with current U.S. Anti‑Doping Agency (USADA) and World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) policies regarding prohibited substances and methods, as stipulated in the USACycling Anti-Doping Policy.​

  2. Athletes are responsible for reviewing the current prohibited list and understanding Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) requirements, as applicable.

Group Rides and Community Standards

  1. Riders participating in GS Andiamo or Team California‑affiliated group rides shall follow the GS Andiamo Group Ride Standards (Appendix G), including all safety, etiquette, and equipment expectations.

  2. Athletes should model safe, courteous riding behavior on all group and public rides.

Acknowledgment and Enforcement

  1. Participation in Team California activities serves as acknowledgment that the athlete (and, if under 18, their parent/guardian) has read, understands, and agrees to this Code of Conduct.

  2. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in warning, loss of privileges, suspension from activities, or dismissal from Team California, in accordance with the procedures outlined in Appendix A.​

  3. Serious violations, including those involving safety, abuse, or doping, may be reported to USA Cycling, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, or relevant authorities, as required.

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