The following has been developed by TEAM taking into account several Code of Ethics for Sports worldwide, including Councils Code of Sports Ethics, Olympics and even the United Nations Sport and Environment Strategy:
The code is a framework, providing a series of guidelines rather than a set of instructions in which TEAM must operate. TEAM believes it has the opportunity to use the platform of sport for good in charitable work, sport for development, sustainability awareness while striving to eliminate illegal and immoral incidences from cheating, criminal activity, hand we wish to hold ourselves ethically accountable.. We, therefore, have a heightened focus on ethics and social responsibility of this business industry.
Being socially responsible is the obligation to act for society and understand the social impacts our one’s business practices. Whether in sports philanthropy tailored to the unique needs of those who work for professional sports teams, leagues, athlete foundations, sport-related companies or an emphasis on corporate social responsibility, nonprofits using sports for social good or those looking to support the field, overall we deal with a multitude of questions that require an understanding of ethical principles and moral questions. TEAM is dedicated to corporate awareness and our ethical responsibilities as citizens of society.
These are the questions we continuously ask ourselves in implementing our business goals:
We are aware of our social responsibilities and will deliver our services and our products in ways that reflect this understanding by creating an important Code of Ethics covering individual welfare, competency, communication, propriety, integrity, trust, confidentiality, respect, fairness, service, and other canons or principles. We are conscious of environmental concerns and incorporate this understanding into our business practices as well. Regarding environmental considerations, our focus includes air and water quality, land and water use, waste management, energy management, transportation design and services, accommodation design and services, and facilities construction. Environmentally sustainable practices in the sports industry are becoming more prevalent, as organizations increasingly recognize the importance and benefits of such initiatives. Because of the high profile of athletes, the sports industry must not only embrace sustainability, but should be a leading voice, by focusing on environmentally sound operations and media.. We look to promote sustainability in the sports industry. We seek to establish ecological-standards for all activities relating to the operation of sports clubs and the use of electricity in sport to spread information about environmental issues and the need for sustainability to the widest possible audience.
Our social responsibility also includes the provision to adapt services to children and the targeting underserved markets, such as women and people of differing ages, abilities, and sexual orientations, keeping the sport experience accessible to all socioeconomic groups.
Background
We strive to offer our users unbiased access to information, focusing on their needs and giving them the best products and services that we can however, it is not about our product and serving the needs of our direct consumers. It is about being a responsible global citizen.
The TEAM Code of Ethics is built around the recognition that everything we do in connection with our work at TEAM will be, and should be, measured against the highest possible standards of ethical business practices. We set the bar high for practical as well as aspirational reasons. Our commitment helps us search for amazing people, build great products, and attract loyal users. Trust and mutual respect among employees and users is in our foundation. It ensures that TEAM establishes a culture of responsible service providers.
We believe in following both the spirit and letter of our code while always bearing in mind that each of us has a personal responsibility to incorporate and to encourage other TEAM personnel to incorporate the principles of our Code into our work. If you have a question or ever think that one of your fellow TEAM personnel or the company as a whole may be falling short of our commitment. Don’t be silent. We want to hear from you through TEAM platform support area. Transparency and trust is key, to providing a work environment that is responsible and most importantly respectful.
We expect all of our employees and Board members to know and follow the Code. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment. Moreover, while the Code is specifically written for TEAM employees and Board members, we expect TEAM contractors, consultants and others who may be temporarily assigned to perform work or services for TEAM to follow the Code in connection with their work for us. Failure of a TEAM contractor, consultant or other covered service provider to follow the Code can result in termination of their relationship with TEAM. All third party contractors who, in the view of Management and the Board of Directors, represent TEAM in the public eye shall be required to sign and affirm their commitment to our Code.
If you have a code related question or concern, please reach out to us, our management team with your concern. We also work with no retaliation as TEAM prohibits retaliation against any worker at TEAM who reports or participates in an investigation of a possible violation of our Code.
Background
Our users value TEAM, not only because we deliver great products and services, but because we hold ourselves to a higher standard in how we treat users and how we operate. Keeping the following principles in mind helps us to maintain this high standard. We think in our athletes first, as our goal is better the lives of athletes and provide them with tools to help them excel. We have divided this into certain core areas to easily understand the importance of the different areas we focus on concerning our users. We expect all of employees, executive officers and directors to read, understand and abide by these standards.
Integrity
As a company we believe user trust is our most valuable asset, and it is up to all of us to make sure that we continually earn that trust. All of our communications and other interactions with our users should increase their trust in us.
We encourage athletes and workers not to violate the rules of their sport. They should actively seek to discourage and condemn such action and encourage athletes to obey the rules and customs of their respective sport. We must not compromise athletes by advocating tactics that could constitute unfair advantage. We must not adopt practices to accelerate performance improvement that might jeopardize the safety, total well-being and future participation of the athlete, and we must never advocate or condone the use of prohibited drugs or other banned performance enhancing substances.
We ensure that our activities, training and competition programs are set for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual athlete.
All users must treat other users and fellow competitors with equal respect, both in victory and defeat. All support providers should encourage their athletes to act in a similar manner. A key role for us is for the platform to prepare users to respond to success and failure in a dignified manner.
We strongly discourage inappropriate behavior in training, competition, and away from the sporting arena.
Utility
Our products, features and services should make TEAM more useful for all of our users. We have many different types of users, from players, academies, federations to organizations but we must always be concerned with what we are offering must serve a purpose and provide actual benefit to the users.
Privacy, Security and Freedom of Expression
Always remember that we are asking users to trust us with their personal information. Preserving that trust requires that each of us respect and protect the privacy and security of that information. Our security procedures strictly limit access to and use of users’ personal information, and require that each of us take measures to protect user data from unauthorized access. Know your responsibilities under these procedures, and collect, use, and access user personal information only as authorized by our security policies, our Privacy Policies and applicable data protection laws.
TEAM is committed to advancing privacy and freedom of expression for our users around the world. Where user privacy and freedom of expression face government challenges, we seek to implement internationally recognized standards that respect those rights as we develop products, do business in diverse markets, and respond to government requests to access user information or remove user content.
Abuse of Privilege
Certain users are privileged to have regular contact with other athletes and occasionally to travel and reside with athletes in the course of coaching and competitive practice. These users must not attempt to exert undue influence over the athlete in order to obtain personal benefit or reward.
Users must consistently display high personal standards and project a favorable image of their sport and of their coach’s athletes, their parents/families, other coaches, officials, spectators, the media and the public.
Personal appearance is a matter of individual taste but as users interact, they have an obligation to project an image of health, cleanliness and self-worth. Users providing services to other users should never smoke while providing services. Users should drink alcohol responsibility and refrain from providing services while intoxicated, as it would affect their competence and compromise the safety of a athletes.
Safety
Within the limits of their control, all users have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the athletes with whom they work. All reasonable steps should be taken to establish a safe working environment. The work done and the manner in which it is done should be in keeping with the regular and approved practice with their sport. The activity undertaken should be suitable for the age, physical and emotional maturity, experience and ability of the athletes. Specialists and coaches have a duty to protect children from harm and abuse. The athletes should be prepared for the activity and made aware of their personal responsibilities in terms of safety. Specialists and coaches should arrange adequate insurance to cover all aspects of their coaching practice.
Humanity
TEAM must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being and their ultimate right to self-determination. Specifically, everyone must treat everyone equitably and sensitively, within the context of their activity and ability, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation.
Relationship
We are concerned primarily with the well-being, safety, protection and future of the individual users. There must be a balance between the development of performance and the social, emotional, intellectual and physical needs of the individual. A key element in dealing with other users is the development of independence. Athletes must be encouraged and guided to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance in training, in competition, use of the platform and in their domestic, academic or business life. Users are responsible for setting and monitoring the boundaries between a working relationship and friendship with their athletes.
This is particularly important when the athlete is a young person where certain situations or friendly words and actions could be misinterpreted, not only by the athlete, but also by outsiders, other members or group of athletes, motivated by jealousy, dislike or mistrust, and could lead to allegations of misconduct or impropriety.
Where physical contact between users is a necessary part of training process, users must ensure that no action on their part could be misconstrued as being malicious or a willful attempt to injure a fellow competitor. The relationship between service providers and athletes relies heavily on mutual trust and respect. This means that the athlete should be made aware of the coach’s qualifications and experience, and must be given the opportunity to consent to or decline proposals for training, performance or competition.
Confidentiality
We inevitably gather a great deal of personal information about athletes and users, generally. Users that interact with others users on the platform must reach agreement about what is to be regarded as confidential information (i.e. not divulged to a third party without the express approval of the user). Confidentiality does not preclude the disclosure of information about a user who can be judged to have a right to know. For example:
Part of being useful and honest is being responsive. We recognize the importance of user feedback. We encourage all TEAM employees, executives, board members and third party contractors to respond to communications from our users, whether questions, problems or even compliments. If something is broken we need to fix it.
Clarity of Commitment
Any commitment should be clarified in advance concerning conditions, fees (if any) and method of payment. Written contracts may be appropriate in some circumstances.
Users offering services on the platform have a responsibility to declare their relationship with other users if they have other current commitments which may affect the service provided. They should also find out if any prospective client is receiving instruction from another user member to act on his behalf. If so, the user should be contacted to discuss the situation.
Users who become aware of a conflict between their obligation to their users and their personal and otherwise professional obligations must address the nature of the conflict, and the loyalties and responsibilities involved. Users should expect a similar level of reciprocal commitment from users who are using utilizing the services. In particular, the athlete (parent/guardian in the case of a minor) should inform the other users of any changes in circumstances that might affect the relationship.
Users should receive appropriate acknowledgment for their contribution. Where money is earned from performance of a sport user, it is reasonable to expect an appropriate share of the rewards. Such apportionment with any attendant conditions should be agreed in advance (in writing) to avoid any misunderstanding.
Respect
We have a globally supportive work environment with a very flat structure, where everyone is expected to do his or her utmost to create a respectful culture that is free of harassment, intimidation, bias and unlawful discrimination of any kind.
Employment
Employment is based solely upon individual production and creativity not qualifications or intentions. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment of any kind, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation or any other characteristics protected by law.
Positive Environment
TEAM prohibits unlawful harassment in any form verbal, physical or visual.
Drugs and Alcohol
Substance abuse is incompatible with the health and safety and we don’t permit it.
Environment Protection
We conduct business with partners that are in full compliance with the environmental laws of the countries and regions in which they operate. Through their business activities, we shall maintain a proactive stance toward protection of the environment and shall work to contribute to the development of a sustainable society in which humanity and the Earth coexist beautifully through measures such as protecting biodiversity, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, conserving resources, recycling, and preventing pollution.
We shall specifically require suppliers to recognize the importance of protection of the environment and to conduct environmentally friendly business operations that include measures such as assuring biodiversity and reducing GHG emissions in all phases from the use of resources to the management of waste materials.
Avoid Conflicts of Interest
In working at TEAM, we have an obligation to always do what’s best for the company and our users. When faced with a potential conflict of interest, please consider the following:
Personal Investments
Avoid making personal investments in companies that are TEAM competitors or business partners when the investment might cause, or appear to cause, you to act in a way that could harm TEAM.
When determining whether a personal investment creates a conflict of interest, consider the relationship between the business of the outside company, TEAM’s business and what you do at TEAM, including whether the company has a business relationship with TEAM that you can influence and the extent to which the company competes with TEAM. You should also consider 1) any overlap between your specific role at TEAM and the company’s business, 2) the significance of the investment, including the size of the investment in relation to your net worth, 3) whether the investment is in a public or private company, 4) your ownership percentage of the company, and 5) the extent to which the investment gives you the ability to manage and control the company. Investments in venture capital or other similar funds that invest in a broad cross-section of companies that may include TEAM competitors or business partners generally do not create conflicts of interest. However, a conflict of interest may exist if you control the fund’s investment activity.
It is not the intent of TEAM to limit one’s ability to seek financial security or take investment risk. We simply ask that these decisions are balanced, in whole; with the potential harm such actions or investments may cause TEAM.
Outside Employment, Advisory Roles, Board Seats and Starting Your Own Business
Avoid accepting employment, advisory positions or board seats with TEAM competitors or business partners when your judgment could be, or could appear to be, influenced in a way that could harm TEAM. Additionally, because board seats come with fiduciary obligations that can make them particularly tricky from a conflict of interest perspective, you should notify the Board of Directors before accepting a board seat or advisory role with any outside company. Members of TEAM executive core should also notify us before accepting a board seat or advisory role with any outside company. Finally, do not start your own business if it will compete with TEAM. All new employees shall be required to sign a binding non-competitive agreement as part of their employment.
Inventions
Developing or helping to develop outside inventions that a) relate to TEAM’s existing or reasonably anticipated products and services, b) relate to your position at TEAM, or c) are developed using TEAM corporate resources may create conflicts of interest and be subject to the provisions of TEAM’s Confidential Information, Invention Agreement and other contractual obligations. If you have any questions about potential conflicts or intellectual property ownership involving an outside invention or other intellectual property, consult us.
Accepting Gifts, Entertainment and Other Business Courtesies
Accepting gifts, entertainment and other business courtesies from a TEAM competitor or business partner can easily create the appearance of a conflict of interest, especially if the value of the item is significant.
Generally, acceptance of inexpensive “token” non-cash gifts is permissible. In addition, infrequent and moderate business meals and entertainment with clients and infrequent invitations to attend local sporting events and celebratory meals with clients can be appropriate aspects of many TEAM business relationships, provided that they aren’t excessive and don’t create the appearance of impropriety be aware that you may need to obtain manager approval.
TEAM Products and Services
Avoiding potential conflicts of interest also means that you should not use TEAM products, services or information in a way that improperly benefits someone you know or creates the appearance that you have an unfair advantage over users outside of TEAM. For example, you should never approve TEAM accounts, services or credits for yourself, your friends, or family members. If you find yourself subject to a conflict of interest regarding a TEAM product or service, discuss the situation with your manager, Legal or Ethics & Compliance.
Confidentiality
Company information that leaks prematurely into the press or to competitors can hurt our launches, eliminate our competitive advantage and prove costly in other ways. Our responsibilities extend beyond not revealing confidential TEAM material or access information by properly securing and eliminating confidential TEAM material; safeguard confidential information that TEAM receives from others under non-disclosure agreements; and take steps to keep our trade secrets and other confidential intellectual property secret.
Confidential Information
TEAM’s “confidential information” includes, but is not limited to, financials, products, source codes, business strategies, software architecture, passwords and other authorizations and user information. Generally, any information that is proprietary or would otherwise harm TEAM if possessed by competitors, media, or the public at large is deemed confidential. It is imperative that you make sure that Confidential Information stays that way. Do not disclose confidential information outside of TEAM without authorization. At times, a particular project or negotiation may require you to disclose confidential information to another party. Disclosure of this information should be on a “need to know” basis and only under a non-disclosure agreement. In addition, TEAM policy may require a prior security assessment of the outside party that is to receive the confidential information. Be sure to effectively review the appropriate due diligence and have the appropriate agreement in place before you disclose the information.
There are, of course, “gray areas” in which you will need to apply your best judgment in making sure you don’t disclose any confidential information. If you’re in a gray area, be cautious in what advice or insight you provide. And don’t forget about pictures it is up to you to be sure that those pictures don’t disclose confidential information.
TEAM Partners
Just as you are careful not to disclose confidential TEAM information, it’s equally important not to disclose any confidential information from our partners. Don’t accept confidential information from other companies without first having all parties sign an appropriate non-disclosure agreement approved by Legal. Even after the agreement is signed, try only to accept as much information as you need to accomplish your business objectives.
Competitors/Former Employers
We respect our competitors and want to compete with them fairly. But we don’t want their confidential information. The same goes for confidential information belonging to any former employers. If an opportunity arises to take advantage of a competitor’s or former employer’s confidential information, don’t do it. Should you happen to come into possession of a competitor’s confidential information, contact Legal immediately.
Outside Communications and Research
You probably know that our policy is to be extremely careful about disclosing company information, and never to disclose any confidential information without authorization. It’s also a bad idea to post your opinions or information about TEAM on the Internet, even if not confidential, unless you’re authorized to do so as part of your job. Your comments may be attributed to TEAM, even though you didn’t mean it that way. And never discuss the company with the press unless you’ve been explicitly authorized to do so by Corporate Communications. Finally, check with your manager and Corporate Communications before accepting any public speaking engagement. In general, before making any external communication or disclosure, you should consult our Employee Communications Policy and our Communications and Disclosure Policy.
Use Assets Wisely
TEAM has a well-earned reputation for generosity with our employee benefits and openness with confidential information shared within the company. Our ability to continue these practices depends on how well we conserve company resources and protects company assets and information.
Intellectual Property
TEAM’s intellectual property rights (our trademarks, logos, copyrights, trade secrets, “know-how” and licensed patents) are among our most valuable assets. Unauthorized use can lead to their loss or serious loss of value. Any use of TEAM’s trademarks and logos must be cleared in advance by the Marketing team. Report any suspected misuse of trademarks, logos or other TEAM intellectual property to Legal.
Likewise, respect the intellectual property rights of others. Inappropriate use of others’ intellectual property may expose TEAM and you to criminal and civil fines and penalties. Please seek advice from Legal before you solicit, accept or use proprietary information from others or let others use or have access to TEAM proprietary information. You should also check with Legal if developing a product that uses content not belonging to TEAM.
Company Equipment
TEAM gives members tools and equipment to do their jobs effectively, but counts on us to be responsible and not wasteful with what is given. Company funds, equipment and other physical assets are not to be requisitioned for purely personal use. The Network
TEAM’s communication facilities (which include both our network and the hardware that uses it, like computers and mobile devices) are a critical aspect of our company’s property, both physical and intellectual. Be sure to follow all security policies. If you have any reason to believe that our network security has been violated, for example, you lose your laptop or smart phone or think that your network password may have been compromised please promptly report the incident.
Advertising
Advertising in respect of qualifications, training, products and/or services must be accurate and professionally restrained. The advertiser must be able to provide evidence of what is being advertised upon request. Evidence should also be available to support any claim associated with the promotion of their services. Users must not display any affiliation with an organization in a manner that falsely implies sponsorship or accreditation by that organization.
Spending TEAM’s Money
Spend money wisely. When you submit an expense for reimbursement or spend money on TEAM’s behalf, make sure that the cost is reasonable, directly related to company business and supported by appropriate documentation. Always record the business purpose (e.g., if you take someone out to dinner on TEAM, always record in our expense reimbursement tool the full names and titles of the people who attended as well as the reason for the dinner) and comply with other submission requirements. If you’re uncertain about whether you should spend money or submit an expense for reimbursement, check with your manager. Managers are responsible for all money spent and expenses incurred by their direct reports, and should carefully review such spend and expenses before approving.
Signing a Contract
Each time you enter into a business transaction on TEAM’s behalf, there should be documentation recording that agreement, approved by the Legal Department. Signing a contract on behalf of TEAM is a big issue. Never sign any contract on behalf of TEAM unless all of the following are met:
If your job involves the financial recording of our transactions, make sure that you’re fully familiar with all of the TEAM policies that apply, including our revenue recognition policy and our purchasing policy.
Immediately report to Finance any transactions that you think are not being recorded correctly.
Reporting Financial or Accounting Irregularities
It goes without saying (but we’re going to say it anyway) that you should never, ever interfere in any way with the auditing of TEAM’s financial records. Similarly, you should never falsify any record or account, including time reports, expense accounts and any other TEAM records.
Familiarize yourself with our Reporting of Financial and Accounting Concerns Policy. If you suspect or observe any of the Ethics mentioned above or, for that matter, any irregularities relating to financial integrity or fiscal responsibility, no matter how small, immediately report them to Ethics & Compliance.
Cooperation
Users should communicate and co-operate with other sports and allied professions in the best interests of all other users. Examples of this may be:
TEAM takes its responsibilities to comply with laws and regulations very seriously and each of us is expected to comply with applicable legal requirements and prohibitions. While it’s impossible for anyone to know all aspects of every applicable law, you should understand the major laws and regulations that apply to your work. Take advantage of Legal to assist you.
