This email is to confirm the conversation we had today in regards to the Dodgeball Tournament this weekend, and the importance of practicing judgment both in the office, and at company events. The following points were discussed:
• Company events are designed for teamwork and for fun, and aren't meant to induce a level of competitiveness that makes people uncomfortable
• It is disrespectful to disregard the requests of your Referee, Event Organizer, and Supervisor to tone down your aggression/competitiveness, and, in this situation, not throw the balls as fast or as high (near heads) as you had been
• How each of us chooses to behave is a reflection not only on ourselves, but also our team
• Though our sporting events do have a competitive aspect to them, they are designed for fun, and you are not competing against people of the same athletic ability. We need you to practice common sense, and understand there was a line that was crossed in terms of acceptable levels of aggression and competitiveness in this weekend's event
• If the above can not be adhered to, you may not enter future company sporting activities
Though I understand the Referees did not specifically call out hard or high throws as something that is disallowed, this is generally considered common sense in a work event, particularly when you are playing against others who are not as athletic as yourself, as well as employees who are of a lighter build or may be less nimble. If this was not understood, your approach should immediately have changed after the first request was made. Your continued aggression made several people uncomfortable, and resulted in some people being fearful of playing against your team.
As mentioned today, there were enough complaints about this that the event organizers had to loop in HR. I've confirmed that we've discussed this situation already. If you have any questions please let me know.
Thanks,
(name removed)
Supervisor