OTSO Code of Conduct Policy

Old Time Strongman Organization Inc.

Date: November 11, 2025

1. Our Vision & Guiding Principles

For the purposes of this document, all references to OTSO refer to the private corporation, Old Time Strongman Organization Inc. The Old Time Strongman Organization (OTSO) is built on the principle of providing a fun, supportive, and empowering environment for all. We believe that everyone who steps onto the platform is a champion. Our goal is to empower individuals to feel positive, overcome challenges, and build confidence that extends beyond the lifting platform into their daily lives. We treat all competitors as champions, regardless of age, sex, body weight, skill level, or previous experience.
Scope and Jurisdiction: OTSO is incorporated in the Province of Ontario, Canada. This Code of Conduct applies exclusively to eligible members and participants as defined in the OTSO MEMBER FORM, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT, which explicitly excludes residents of the Province of Quebec from membership. The interpretation and enforcement of this Code are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario.

2. Expected Behavior

All OTSO members, officials, volunteers, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves with the utmost respect and sportsmanship. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any of the following disruptive or inappropriate behaviors:

  • Disrespectful Conduct: Disrespectful behavior towards lifters, meet directors, officials, staff, or venue personnel will not be tolerated. This includes verbal abuse, intimidation, or actions that create a hostile environment.
  • Disruption of Events: Events must proceed as scheduled. Any attempts to delay, interfere with, or stop a competition are strictly prohibited.
  • Being Under the Influence: OTSO has a zero-tolerance policy for being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Individuals who are visibly intoxicated will be asked to leave the venue. Failure to comply may result in security or law enforcement involvement.

Concerns about inappropriate behavior should be reported using the Improvement Opportunity Report (IOR) Form within the required timeframe (see Section 7).

3. Safety

OTSO is committed to ensuring a safe environment for everyone involved in our events. Safety is a shared responsibility:

  • Responsibility of Meet Directors: Meet directors and officials are responsible for ensuring competition conditions, equipment, and venue safety. They have authority to stop a lift or make adjustments, even if this requires deviation from the rulebook, to protect participants and spectators.
  • Responsibility of Members & Competitors: All members are responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. Anyone who identifies an unsafe condition is encouraged to submit an IOR Form to formally report the issue to OTSO leadership.

4. Non-Discrimination and Harassment

OTSO maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against discrimination and harassment. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals, free from harassment or discrimination based on age, ancestry, citizenship, color, creed, disability, ethnic origin, family status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, race, record of offenses, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

If you experience or witness harassment or discrimination, it must be documented and submitted through an IOR Form for review.

5. Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement (Lifter Release Form)

In consideration of participation in Old Time Strongman Organization Inc. (OTSO) events or membership activities, individuals understand and voluntarily assume all risks associated with these activities. By participating, members agree that OTSO and its leadership cannot be held responsible for injuries, damages, or health issues arising from events.

6. Health & Liability

Members accept individual responsibility for their health and agree to maintain appropriate third-party liability or sports event insurance. OTSO is not responsible for personal health issues or injuries.

7. Addressing Concerns & Complaints

OTSO is committed to continuous improvement. To ensure fairness, consistency, and professionalism, all complaints, concerns, and suggestions must follow the Improvement Opportunity Report (IOR) Form process.

Use of the IOR Form

  • The IOR Form is the only formal method of voicing a complaint, concern, or improvement suggestion to OTSO leadership.
  • The form requires complete reporter details, event information, and a clear, factual, and objective description of the concern. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted.

Submission Requirements

  • An IOR cannot be submitted during a competition. Reports may only be submitted no earlier than 48 hours and no later than 72 hours after an event concludes.
  • This timeframe ensures a mandatory “cooling-off period” for reflection before raising concerns.
  • Disputes regarding referee calls, equipment, or any other competition matter will not be debated or resolved at the event itself. Events will proceed without disruption.
  • Any IOR submitted outside the required timeframe will be considered invalid.

Review & Decisions

  • Each IOR is logged, reviewed, and addressed by OTSO leadership.
  • A written outcome will be communicated to the reporter.
  • If a reporter disagrees with the outcome, they may file a formal appeal within 90 days of receiving the decision. All appeal decisions by OTSO leadership are final.

By signing and submitting the IOR Form, members acknowledge their understanding and agreement with these requirements.

8. Confidentiality & Privacy

All personal information collected through membership, event registration, or the IOR process is treated confidentially and used only for official OTSO purposes. OTSO leadership will comply with all applicable privacy laws and will not sell, rent, or trade member data.

9. Compliance with the Rulebook

The official OTSO Rulebook is an extension of this Code of Conduct and governs all sanctioned events. Members must read, understand, and follow the rulebook. Issues related to rule application can only be raised through the IOR process.

10. Acknowledgment of Authority

OTSO is governed by its permanent, non-elected directors and shareholders (Chris Frappier, Kyle Frappier, and Clint Poore). By joining OTSO, members recognize that final authority for all policy, operational, and financial decisions rests with this leadership.

  • Voting Protocol: Member safety and financial matters require a unanimous vote among leadership. All other matters are decided by 2/3 majority.
  • Communication: Major updates will be communicated via email, official postings, or newsletters.
  • Appeals: Appeals may be filed only after an IOR decision and must follow the rules in Section 7. All appeal outcomes are final.

© 2025 Old Time Strongman Organization Inc. All rights reserved. This document and its contents are for the exclusive use of OTSO members and are not to be reproduced or distributed without the express written consent of the OTSO leadership.