Disciplinary Code

Stokesley Hockey Club – Disciplinary Code

1. Purpose & Scope

The aims of the policy are as a framework to deal with any issues identified that relate to activities for Stokesley Hockey Club or its players, members, or reputation. 
 

2. Primary Purposes

To ensure that general standards of conduct are maintained by the above, but that where incidents occur that may breach these standards, a Disciplinary Sub Committee require to assess its impacts & be empowered on behalf of Stokesley Hockey Club to provide  a final decision, which may include Disciplinary actions. 
 

3. Primary Principles
Members to understand the standards of conduct expected of them & consider the impact on Stokesley HC. 

Depending on the severity of the alleged misconduct, the Disciplinary Committee can start the procedure at any of the below stages. 

A final decision by the Disciplinary Committee will not be provided until the alleged person has been able to provide evidence or an opportunity to state their case. In the case of a minor, an adult representative can accompany them at this meeting. 

Disciplinary matters to be dealt with confidentially, as far as is reasonably possible & any members should keep confidential any information that they learn in relation to the disciplinary matter, unless where a disclosure is required to prepare for any meeting under this procedure. 

Members have a right of appeal against any Disciplinary action set by the Disciplinary Committee. 
 
4. Disciplinary Committee Options
4.1 Informal Discussions - This will take the form of a discussion in confidence by a member of the committee, making a confidential note & further informal monitoring for improvement. If improvement is not evidenced, formal discussions can be commenced. 
4.2 Formal Procedures - Member is invited to an agreed meeting, with reasonable notice provided. Where the complaint against the member is explained and evidence provided. The members can present their case, provide evidence, ask questions, and respond to claims made. 
A member should understand the importance of attending a meeting, but where not attending after two set meeting dates, that a decision can be made by the Disciplinary committee by this absence. 
4.3 Further Formal Meeting - (Second Formal Meeting or Final Formal Meeting) 
If there is further sufficiently serious misconduct or a failure to improve conduct, then a meeting as above can be agreed to be set.    
 
5. Misconduct
This is a non-exhaustive list which may be considered as misconduct, serious misconduct, or gross misconduct: 

• any form of dishonesty including fraud or theft which could bring club into disrepute

• physical violence or assault 

• deliberate acts of damage 

• breaking any law, even outside of Stokesley HC which could bring club into disrepute 

• discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying of members, or other members of the public 

• influencing to selection process

• misuse of information acquired 

• serious breaches of English Common Law 

 
6. Appeals
Following a final decision at any stage, the member must be told of their right of appeal, which must be in writing within 5 days from the final decisions made. 
A person who has not been involved in the appeal hearing, will invite the person to an appeal hearing, whereby any disciplinary penalties can be reviewed or the case re-heard. The member will be notified in writing of the final decision from this Appeals Meeting within 5 days. 
 
7. Final Decision Scope
 The following are a non-exhaustive list of penalties that can be imposed against the member: 

• Warning / Caution 

• Conduct Guidance measures (courses to attend, community integration) 

• Temporary Suspension - time ban imposition on playing / training etc.

• Fine (particularly where a financial cost or penalty has been caused)

• Expulsion from Stokesley Hockey Club 

 These are internal guidelines & are separate to any other legal issues that may be raised from the conduct offences. 
 

8. Disciplinary Committee
It shall be appointed by the Stokesley Hockey Club Committee. With a recommended composition of Chair, Disciplinary Officer, UDO (where they are on pitch/match day incidents), Child Protection Officer (particularly where it may involve a child Welfare Issue), any other appointed member to act on behalf of the Stokesley Hockey Club. With 3 appointed members attending any formal meeting held.

Appeals should follow the same criteria, but no person involved in the original disciplinary committee should be involved.