Code of Conduct

The Canadian Professional Anglers Association, hereafter referred to as the "CPAA", has several objectives in establishing a code of professional conduct and ethics, notably:

• the establishment of guidelines for members to follow when conducting their professional affairs;
• the establishment of a set of standards to which members must comply;
• ensuring that the interests of the public in general and the fishing industry in particular will be properly served by any member of the CPAA.

The CPAA code of conduct addresses:

• Professional Conduct
• Responsibility to Colleagues, Associates, Sponsors & Organizers
• Appearance
• Disciplinary Procedures
  

Professional Conduct

It will be expected that all CPAA members will:

• Represent the CPAA in a professional manner at all times, exhibiting the highest standards of sportsmanship;
• Have the best interest of the CPAA in mind at all times when conducting themselves in public;
• Show respect to other stakeholders on the water, on the road, at the dock and at event sites;
• Respect all competitors, organizers, sponsors, fans and media;
• Strive to avoid conflicts with competitors, organizers, sponsors, fans and media;
• Resolve any conflicts away in a private and in a professional manner, with arbitration from CPAA board members, if necessary;
• Act positively and participate in CPAA initiatives that are adopted or developed to increase the profile of the Association and its members.
  

Responsibility to Colleagues, Associates, Sponsors & Organizers

All Members of the CPAA will:

• Refrain from any form of negative behaviour in any public forum including but not limited to on-line forums, meetings, seminars, shows and event sites;
• Show restraint and respect for Colleagues, Associates, Sponsors & Organizers when offering a differing opinion or constructive criticism;
• Follow strict adherence to “best practices” with regards to our resources;
  • All members must follow “best practices” in regards to fish care;
  • Best practices to be followed in fish care were developed by Shimano and Queens University;
• All members must abide by all specific tournament rules as well as all Federal, Provincial and State fishing regulations at all times.
  

Appearance

All members of the CPAA will:

• Affix a CPAA logo on their tournament shirts in an approved location;
• Dress appropriately for events, on stage and on camera;
• Appropriate attire includes tournaments shirts, tournament jerseys, sponsor provided articles of clothing and CPAA wear;
  • Inappropriate attire includes, but is not limited to, ripped or torn clothing, blood splattered clothing, profane or vulgar messaged clothing, inappropriately revealing outfits;
  • Refrain from the use of tobacco products when working with children or on camera;
• Keep vehicles and boats presentable for public and on camera appearances.
  

All CPAA members agree that a failure to abide by the Code of Conduct that is deemed by the board to be detrimental to the CPAA will result in immediate expulsion from the CPAA.