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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: CONSTITUTION
1.01 Name
1.02 Affiliation
1.03 Mission Statement
1.04 Membership
1.05 Termination of Membership
1.06 Annual and Other Meetings of the Members
1.07 Board of Directors
1.08 Duties of the Board of Directors
1.09 Nomination Process
1.10 Amendments
1.11 Dissolution of the Association/ Corporation
ATTACHMENTS
SECTION 2: BOUNDARIES
2.1 Boundaries
SECTION 3: BY-LAWS
3.1 Overview
3.2 General Playing Rules
3.3 Registration and Player Placement
3.4 House League Playing Rules
3.5 Representative Team Playing Rules
3.6 Suspensions
3.7 Game Protests
3.8 House League Playoffs
3.9 House League Awards
3.10 Equipment
SECTION 4: CODE OF CONDUCT
4.1 Code of Conduct
4.2 Stand Alone Harassment And Abuse Policy
4.3 Standard of Behavior
4.4 Receiving a Complaint
4.5 Fact Finding
4.6 Procedures for Reviewing Complaints
4.7 Imposing Disciplinary Sanctions
4.8 Appeal Mechanism
SECTION 1: CONSTITUTION
1.01
NAME
a)
The name of this
Association shall be known as “St. Catharines Female
Hockey Association Inc.” hereinafter referred to as
the SCFHA.
b)
The head office of the
Association shall be in the City of St. Catharines
in the Province of Ontario, and at such place
therein as the Directors may from time to time
determine.
1.02
AFFILIATION
The SCFHA will be the governing body for Female
Hockey and affiliate itself with the Ontario Women’s
Hockey Association, hereinafter known as OWHA.
1.03 MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission of the SCFHA will be to develop the
ideals of good sportsmanship and fair play in all
players, team staff, volunteers and spectators
through a well-regulated amateur hockey program in
accordance with the OWHA and HOCKEY CANADA and to
protect and promote the mutual interests of female
hockey in St. Catharines. To adhere to a code of
conduct that focuses on respect for the game, the
officials, the OWHA, the teams its players and fans.
1.04 MEMBERSHIP
Memberships in this Association
shall consist of:
a) Players, Parents, teams, coaches,
executive members and volunteers which agree to
abide by and comply with the Constitution, By-Laws,
Regulations, Playing Rules and Code of Conduct of
the SCFHA and are members in good standing as
determined by the Board of Directors.
b) The Recording Secretary for the
Association will be required to keep a Master List
of all members of the Association utilizing player
registrations, official applications or any other
document prescribed by the Board for the purposes of
identification. This list will be created at the
beginning of each hockey season for the express
purpose of the Board of Directors and any purpose(s)
they require for the successful operation of the
Association.
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1.05 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
a) Any member may resign from the Association by
mailing written notice of resignation to the
Secretary accompanied by payment of any and all
monies owing to the Association.
b) Members may be censured, suspended or expelled
for breach of the By-laws or Rules and Regulations
of the Association by a majority vote of the Board
of Directors at a meeting called expressly to
consider such matters or at regular meetings of the
Board.
c) Termination of membership, whether by
resignation, expulsion or otherwise, shall forthwith
remove all rights within the Association of the
member, but shall not be deemed to discharge any
financial obligation of the member to the
Association accrued prior to the date of such
termination and not then fulfilled.
1.06 ANNUAL AND OTHER
MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERS
a) Annual
General Meetings:
The Annual General Meetings of the Association shall
be open to all members in good standing and to the
general public. One such meeting is to be held
before the beginning of each hockey season as
determined by the Board in the City of St.
Catharines.
b) Special
General Meetings:
A Special General Meeting of members may be called
at the discretion of the Board of Directors as
determined by majority vote.
c) Notice
of Meetings:
Notice of any General Meetings, whether annual or
special, must be given to the members at least
twenty-eight (28) days before the meeting is to take
place. Notice of any Special General Meeting shall
specify the purpose for which it is being called.
The notices of Annual General Meetings shall contain
invitations to submit nominations for positions to
the Board of Directors, for election at the Meeting.
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d) Quorum
of Members:
i.
A quorum for the
transaction of business at any Annual or Special
General Meeting shall consist of not less than fifty
(50%) of members of the Board and not less than
twenty (20) members in good standing in total.
ii.
The Executive Council
shall meet as often as necessary to carry out
efficiently the business of the SCFHA.
iii.
A Board member must be
present and or aware of the voting of issues that
primarily affect their area of responsibility.
e) Voting
at Annual General or Special General Meetings:
All members in good standing who are in attendance
at an Annual or Special General Meeting shall be
entitled to vote on any issue to be determined at
such meeting. No person shall have more than one (1)
vote. There shall be no proxy voting permitted. All
persons voting must be at least eighteen (18) years
of age. All questions shall be decided by a simple
majority of votes, and in case of a tie-vote the
Chairperson shall be permitted to cast a deciding
vote. Any election of Officers shall be by secret
ballot. Beyond this, voting may be either by a show
of hands or by secret ballot; but the latter will be
used whenever it is so requested by any member. The
Secret vote count shall be made public at the
request of any candidate.
f) Rules for Conducting
Meetings: The following rules shall
govern all Annual or Special Meetings of the
Association:
i.
If there is no quorum
within thirty (30) minutes of the time fixed for the
meeting to begin the Chair shall declare that there
can be no meeting on this occasion.
ii.
Parliamentary
procedure, as specified in Robert's Rules of Order
Revised, shall be followed at all meetings;
iii.
The Chair shall have
the right to require that any motion or resolution
be presented in writing before the meeting.
iv.
The Chair shall decide
all questions of order, in accordance with Roberts
Rules of Order.
g) Order
of Business at Annual General Meetings:
Normally the order of business at all Annual General
Meetings of the Corporation shall be as follows:
1.
Opening of the meeting
and explanation of procedural rules governing
meetings
2.
Reading of the minutes
of the previous Annual General/Special meeting
3.
Business arising from
the minutes
4.
Treasurer's report
5.
President's address
6.
Amendments to the
By-laws of the Corporation, if any
7.
Explanations of
Directorships open for elections
8.
Election of Directors
9.
Reports of standing
committees
10.
Reports of special
committees
11.
Unfinished business and
12. New
business.
The order of business may be altered by a two thirds
(2/3's) vote of members present at the meeting.
h) Order
of Business at Special General Meetings
The Chair shall
determine the order of business at any Special
General Meeting.
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1.07 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
a) No member of the Board of
Directors may hold any head coaching position for
any team belonging to the SCFHA.
b) The Board of Directors of the
SCFHA shall be comprised of the following elected
and/or acclaimed officers:
Election Cycle (Yr. Ending)
• President
Odd
• 1st
VP/Representative
Director/OWHA Coordinator
Even
• 2nd
VP/House
League Director
Odd
• Treasurer
Even
•
Secretary
Odd
• Registrar
Odd
• Referee-in-Chief
Even
• Director of Coach and Player
Development
Odd
• Equipment Director
Even
• Clothing Director
Odd
• Director of Public Relations
Even
• Director of Sponsorship
Odd
• Tournament Director
Even
• Junior House League Director
Odd
• Senior House League Director
Even
• Past-President
Acclaimed
In addition, the Board, at their
discretion, may also seek Volunteers or employ
individuals in the following positions. If paid
positions, these individuals will not have a vote
during Board meetings.
·
Administrative Assistant
Even
• Director of Ice Scheduling
Odd
c)
The Board of Directors
of the SCFHA shall be elected for a two year term of
office, in accordance with the Election Cycle
identified above, at the Annual General Meeting by a
majority vote of the membership present at such
meeting. This Cycle will ensure that sufficient
experience and history remains on the Board for the
upcoming hockey season. Each elected
officer will be eligible to serve for a maximum of 2
terms in one or cumulative positions on the Board.
In the event that there are no volunteers seeking
election to any position, the Board, at their
discretion may appoint an individual to fill a
position for the remainder of its term or until the
next general elections.
d)
If there are no
volunteers willing to run for any position on the
Board, at its discretion, the Board may appoint a
previous member of the Board, even if they have
served 2 full terms, for a period not to exceed one
additional year.
e)
The Treasurer shall
have an accounting background or related financial
experience and have a demonstrated ability to
maintain the financial records and transactions for
the Association.
f)
The immediate
Past-President shall be a member of the Board of
Directors.
g)
Each member of the
Board of Directors has the power to vote at all
General, Annual, Special and Executive Meetings.
h)
The Board of Directors
has the power to appoint replacements for any member
of the Board who resigns during their term of office
or is neglectful of their duties. The replacement
shall have full voting privileges until the next
Annual General Meeting whereby the position will be
filled through the customary election process for
the balance of the remaining term for the position
as specified in the Election Cycle.
i)
The Board of Directors
shall be further empowered to make appointments to
the Board of Directors to cover specialized duties.
j)
The Board of Directors
has the power to enforce the provisions of the
Constitution, By-Laws, Playing Rules and Code of
Conduct of the SCFHA.
k)
The Board of Directors
shall establish the annual registration fees.
l)
The only members of the
Board of Directors that shall have the right to sign
a “Permission to Skate” form shall be the President
or the 1st VP or the Registrar.
m)
The President, 1st
VP Representative Director/OWHA Coordinator, 2nd
VP/House league Director and Registrar shall have
the right to have signing authority for OWHA Player
Release Forms.
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1.08 DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
a)
PRESIDENT/OWHA COORDINATOR
The President shall:
·
Be the Chief Executive Officer of the
Association.
·
Be charged with the general
management and supervision of the affairs and
operations of the Association;
·
Be kept informed of all business
matters pertaining to the Association.
·
Preside at all meetings of the SCFHA
Board of Directors and at all other general meetings
of the SCFHA or assign a designate.
·
Be responsible for and represent the
SCFHA at all times.
·
Shall submit to the Board a budget,
for the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to Board approval for
expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract.
·
Be an Ex Officio member of all
standing and special committees.
·
Be a member of the discipline
committee.
·
Attend all OWHA and League Meetings
pertaining to the Representative Program or arrange
for a delegate to be present on their behalf.
·
Be the SCFHA voting representative at
all OWHA and League Meetings or designate a
representative to carry the vote(s).
b)
1st
VP/REPRESENTATIVE DIRECTOR/LLFHL COORDINATOR
The 1st
VP/Representative/LLFHL Coordinator shall:
·
Take on the duties of the President
if the President is absent or unable to carry-on
with their position.
·
Be responsible for the total
organization and Administration of the
Representative program.
·
Recommend to the Board the number of
Representative teams (divisions and category) that
will represent the SCFHA for the upcoming season.
·
Shall submit to the Board a budget,
for the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to the Board for
approval the expenses or contracts beyond the
approved budget separately for approval prior to the
Association being committed to the expense or
contract.
·
Be a member of the Discipline
Committee.
·
Be a member of the Coaching Selection
Committee.
·
Have the authority to approve and/or
dismiss coaches, assistant coaches, managers or
trainers subject to the approval of the Board.
·
Be responsible for and oversee the
Representative Team tryout process.
·
Provide management support to all
Representative Teams.
·
Address parental concerns.
·
Approve the schedule of the
Representative Teams play-off and play down games.
·
Attend all LLFHL Meetings pertaining
to the Representative Program or arrange for a
delegate to be present on their behalf.
·
Be the SCFHA voting representative at
all LLFHL and League Meetings or designate a
representative to carry the vote(s).
c)
2nd
VP/HOUSE LEAGUE DIRECTOR
The 2nd VP/House league
Director shall:
·
Take on the duties of the President
if the President and 1st
VP/Representative/LLFHL Coordinator are absent or
unable to carry-on with their position.
·
Chair the Executive Meetings when the
President and 1st VP/Representative/LLFHL
Coordinator are absent.
·
Shall submit to the Board a budget,
for the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to the Board approval
for expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract
·
Coordinate with the Referee in Chief
to ensure referees are booked for all Representative
and House League games.
·
Oversee the organization of the House
league program and be directly responsible for all
divisions.
·
Chair the Discipline Committee
·
Be a member of the Coaching Selection
Committee.
·
Recommend to the Board of Directors,
with the assistance of the Registrar, actual number
of House league teams.
·
Have the authority to approve and/or
dismiss coaches, assistant coaches, managers or
trainers subject to the approval of the Board.
·
Coordinate with the Referee-In-Chief
to ensure referees are booked for each game.
·
Be responsible for forwarding the
House league Statistics on to the Director of Public
Relations.
·
Address parental concerns.
·
Review with all coaches the SCFHA
Code of Conduct prior to the beginning of each
season.
·
Oversee timekeepers.
·
Obtain and submit a minimum of two
(2) quotations for house league photos for approval
by the Board.
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d)
SECRETARY
·
In coordination with the
Administrative Assistant, be responsible for the
safekeeping of all books, minutes and official
records of the SCFHA.
·
Keep an accurate report of the
proceedings of the SCFHA, receive all
communications, and conduct all correspondence at
the direction of the President and/or Board.
·
Perform the duties of recording Board
of Directors meeting minutes.
·
Distribute the minutes to the
executive members, prior to the start of the next
Board of Directors meetings and prepare all
materials for upcoming Board meetings.
·
Make Board meeting minutes available,
upon request, to the general membership.
·
Assist the Administrative Assistant
in maintaining the web site.
·
Be responsible for all SCFHA
stationery.
·
Oversee the Annual General Meeting
administrative duties.
·
Take on the duties of the
Administrative Assistant if he/she is absent or
unable to carry-on with his/her position.
e)
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT (Paid or Volunteer Position)
The Administrative Assistant shall:
·
Shall submit to the Board a budget,
for the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to the Board approval
for expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract
·
Implement and maintain an on-line
registration system and coordinate all registration
responsibilities including collecting all
registration monies and follow-up on non-payments.
Schedule non-online registration times. Register and
administer OWHA registration via their new online
system.
·
Maintain a system to verify Police
Checks have been submitted from all bench staff and
maintain originals on file. Notify the Board of any
delinquent submissions for their appropriate action
including removal from their position on the team.
·
Update web pages as required to
ensure effective communications for the league
including the provision of all forms, rules,
by-laws, announcements etc.
·
Maintain a system to address all
Travel permit requirements and enforce the
procedures for disbursement.
·
With the coordination of the
Treasurer, arrange payment of all bills and maintain
monthly records of all payments and disbursements.
Track all non-payments and report them to the
Treasurer for action by the Board.
·
Transfer all SCFHA books, official
records and material in their possession to their
successor, immediately after the Annual General
Meeting elections.
f)
TREASURER
The Treasurer shall:
·
Ensure adherence to and
implementation of recognized accounting and
financial Polices in the financial administration of
the Association.
·
Ensure the submission of the books of
account to the Auditor of the Association at the end
of the year.
·
Ensure that the new season income and
old season income remain separate.
·
Receive all moneys paid to the SCFHA
including all charity fundraising. Such moneys shall
be deposited without delay in one of the Chartered
Banks/Trust Companies in account of the SCFHA.
·
Shall submit to the Board a budget,
for the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to council approval for
expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract.
·
Be responsible for and issue all
cheques countersigned by one other signature of
either
the President or the 3rd
VP/Administrative Assistant.
·
Submit a monthly summary of accounts
to the Board for review.
·
Prepare interim reports of the
financial standing of the SCFHA when called upon to
do so by the Board.
·
Reimburse all Board members for their
expenses, with approval from the President and/or 1st
VP/Representative/OWHA Coordinator.
·
Submit a detailed report of the SCFHA
finances at the Annual General Meeting.
·
Recommend cost-per-player to the
Board for approval.
·
Transfer all SCFHA books, official
records and material in their possession to their
successor, immediately after the Annual General
Meeting elections.
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g)
REGISTRAR
The Registrar shall:
·
Oversee the tryout process for the
SCFHA.
·
Oversee the registration process for
the SCFHA.
·
Shall submit to the Board a budget,
for the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to the Board approval
for expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract.
·
Verify player eligibility by means of
a birth certificate in accordance with the OWHA
registration process.
·
Prepare OWHA Intent to Register and
Participant Registration forms for House league and
Representative teams.
·
Maintain a confidential SCFHA
membership database.
·
Develop the SCFHA registration form.
·
Attend all registration dates.
·
Ensure player provides an official
OWHA release as per OWHA requirements.
h)
DIRECTOR OF
COACH AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
The Director of Coach and Player
Development shall:
·
Coordinate all player, coaches or
trainers certification clinics hosted by the SCFHA
or other authorized body.
·
Be responsible for developing all
coaching applications.
·
Develop coaching selection criteria
to be approved by the Board.
·
Be a member of the Coaching Selection
Committee.
·
Ensure all coaching staff have their
required minimum certification of their respective
positions as required by the SCFHA and OWHA.
·
Ensure ALL coaching staff submit
their police checks prior to league startup.
·
Provide development information to
coaches and players.
·
Develop and obtain approval of the
Board a SCFHA coaching philosophy.
·
Have the authority to approve and/or
dismiss coaches, assistant coaches, managers or
trainers subject to the approval of the Board.
·
Develop, manage and correlate parent
and player surveys.
·
Shall submit to the Board a budget,
for the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to the Board approval
for expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract.
·
Must obtain a minimum of two (2)
quotations for all coach & player development
programs for approval by the Board.
·
Consult with the 1st
VP/Representative Director/OWHA Coordinator and the
2nd
VP/House
league Director regarding their program needs.
·
Be a member of the discipline
committee.
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i)
EQUIPMENT
DIRECTOR
The Equipment Director shall:
·
Be responsible for the acquisition
and inventory control of all equipment inventories
belonging to all SCFHA teams.
·
Shall submit to the Board a budget,
for the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to the Board approval
for expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract
·
Obtain and submit a minimum of two
(2) quotations for house league and representative
team jerseys and socks for approval by the Board as
required.
·
Purchase any such equipment after a
proposal to the Board has been approved.
·
Be responsible for the issuing of all
SCFHA equipment.
·
Coordinate all trophies and awards.
j)
CLOTHING DIRECTOR
The Clothing Director shall:
·
Be responsible for designing the
clothing order form.
·
Be responsible for ‘bringing new
clothing items to the Board for approval.
·
Be responsible for arranging clothing
sales dates and times.
·
Be responsible for arranging delivery
of clothing items to customers.
·
Be responsible for the SCFHA “logo”.
·
Be responsible for ordering clothing
from authorized suppliers only.
·
Shall submit to the Board a budget,
for the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the next
season.
·
Shall submit to the Board approval
for expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract
k)
DIRECTOR OF
PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Director of Public Relations
shall:
·
Be responsible for all SCFHA
publicity and related correspondence.
·
Shall submit to the Board a budget,
for the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to the Board approval
for expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract.
·
Be responsible for the publication of
the SCFHA Newsletter.
·
Be responsible for updating the SCFHA
bulletin board and showcase.
·
Be responsible for publishing all
SCFHA statistics.
·
Assist the 3rd
VP/Administrative Assistant with arrangements for
the Annual General Meeting
·
Be responsible for maintaining and
updating the SCFHA website.
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l)
DIRECTOR OF
SPONSORSHIP
The Director of Sponsorship shall:
·
Secure sponsorships for all SCFHA
house league teams and rep teams.
·
Recommend annual house league team
sponsorship and rep team sponsorship amount to the
Executive Council for approval.
·
Be responsible for all correspondence
and involving sponsors in all SCFHA functions.
·
Shall submit to council a budget, for
the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season for both house league and rep programs.
·
Shall submit to council approval for
expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract.
m)
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR
The Tournament Director shall:
·
Chair and coordinate a committee to
run an annual OWHA sanctioned representative
tournament.
·
Obtain and submit a minimum of two
(2) quotations for an annual OWHA sanctioned house
league tournament for approval by the Board.
·
Shall submit to the Board a budget,
for the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to the Board approval
for expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract
n)
DIRECTOR OF ICE
SCHEDULING (Paid or Volunteer Position)
The Director of Ice Scheduling shall:
·
With the assistance of the President
or their designate, prepare and present the ice time
requirements to the City.
·
Shall submit to the Board a budget,
for the upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to the Board approval
for expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract
·
With the assistance of the 1st
VP/Representative Director/OWHA Coordinator, will
disburse ice times required for games and practices
for the Representative Program.
·
With the assistance of the 2nd
VP/House
league Director, will schedule all games and
practices for the House league Program.
·
With the assistance of the Director
of Coach and Player Development, will schedule all
on ice Development Programs.
·
With the assistance of the Tournament
Director, will schedule ice times for the
tournament.
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o)
JUNIOR HOUSE LEAGUE
DIRECTOR – Novice, Atom and Peewee Divisions
The Junior House league Director
shall:
·
Submit to the Board a budget, for the
upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to the Board approval
for expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract.
·
Be directly responsible for Novice,
Atom and Peewee divisions.
·
Have the authority to approve and/or
dismiss coaches, assistant coaches, managers or
trainers subject to the approval of the Board.
·
Coordinate with the Referee-In-Chief
to ensure referees are booked for each game.
·
Be responsible for forwarding the
House League Statistics on to the Director of Public
Relations.
·
Address parental concerns.
·
Review with all coaches the SCFHA
Code of Conduct prior to the beginning of each
season.
·
Co-Chair the committee to run the
year end banquet.
p)
SENIOR
HOUSE LEAGUE DIRECTOR – Bantam, Midget and
Intermediate Divisions
The Senior House League Director
shall:
·
Submit to the Board a budget, for the
upcoming season, which upon approval will be
incorporated into the cost per player for the new
season.
·
Shall submit to the Board approval
for expenses or contracts beyond the approved budget
separately for approval prior to the Association
being committed to the expense or contract.
·
Be directly responsible for Bantam,
Midget and Intermediate divisions.
·
Have the authority to approve and/or
dismiss coaches, assistant coaches, managers or
trainers subject to the approval of the Board.
·
Coordinate with the Referee-In-Chief
to ensure referees are booked for each game.
·
Be responsible for forwarding the
House League Statistics on to the Director of Public
Relations.
·
Address parental concerns.
·
Review with all coaches the SCFHA
Code of Conduct prior to the beginning of each
season.
·
Co-Chair the committee to run the
year end banquet.
q)
IMMEDIATE PAST
PRESIDENT
The Immediate Past President shall:
·
Act as an adviser to the President.
·
Attend Board of Directors Meetings.
·
Be a voting member of the Board.
·
Perform the duties of President, if
President, 1st VP/Representative
Director/OWHA Coordinator and 2nd
VP/House league Director are unavailable or
incapacitated.
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1.09
NOMINATION
PROCESS
The Administrative Assistant will be
responsible for:
·
Posting a list of updated nominees
prior to the AGM.
·
To oversee the conducting of the
election of officers at the Annual General Meeting.
·
To organize the collection and
counting of ballets at the AGM.
·
Nominations must be submitted to the
Board 30 calendar days prior to the AGM.
·
If only one nomination is received 30
days prior to the AGM, then the sole person
nominated will become acclaimed to that position.
·
A nominee, to be elected must secure
a simple majority of total votes cast.
·
If more than one person is nominated
for a particular position then voting members will
vote at the AGM.
·
If no nomination is received 30 days
prior to the AGM than nominations will be taken from
the floor during the AGM.
·
To be nominated for President, a
nominee must be a currently elected member serving a
full term in another position on the Executive.
1.10 AMENDMENTS
No amendment or alteration shall be
made to any part of this Constitution except at the
Annual General Meeting of the SCFHA and only by a
two-thirds majority of the total votes cast.
(Exclusion to this will be Article 1.06: Duties of
the Executive Council, and only after notification
of the Board of Directors.) Notice of any proposed
alteration or amendment must be submitted to the 3rd
VP/Administrative Assistant of the SCFHA in writing
no later than 30 days prior to the Annual General
Meeting. All notices of any proposed alteration or
amendment to the SCFHA Constitution will be made
available by the 3rd VP/Administrative
Assistant in writing, to the SCFHA general
membership at least 30 minutes prior to the start of
the Annual General Meeting. Amendments to the
By-Laws and Playing Rules may be made at any Board
Meeting or the Annual General Meeting by a simple
majority of votes.
1.11 DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION/
CORPORATION
Upon the dissolution of the
Association and after the payments of all debts and
liabilities, its remaining property shall be
distributed or disposed of to the local registered
charity of the Board’s choice.
ATTACHMENTS
SECTION 2: BOUNDARIES
2.1
SCFHA
BOUNDARIES
The OWHA has declared no residency
rule regarding girls’ hockey.
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BY-LAWS
SECTION 3: BY-LAWS
3.1 OVERVIEW
The Ontario Women’s Hockey
Association (OWHA) rules and regulations will be
enforced except where amended with these St.
Catharines Female Hockey Association By-Laws. They
shall also apply to all persons associated with the
SCFHA in any capacity. These By-Laws are subject to
amendment as provided for in the Constitution of the
SCFHA.
3.2 GENERAL PLAYING RULES
The Rules and Regulations that govern
the operation of the St. Catharines Female Hockey
Association shall be:
a)
The Official rulebook
of the Canadian Hockey Association, as amended from
time to time, and known herein as the CHA.
b)
The Official rulebook
of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association, as
amended from time to time, and known herein as the
OWHA
c)
Such further rules and
regulations as have been passed and approved by the
Board of Directors, as amended from time to time,
and known herein as the St. Catharines Female Hockey
Association (SCFHA).
d)
Such directives as may
be published from time to time by all Governmental
Bodies: The Canadian Hockey Association, The Ontario
Hockey Association, The Ontario Women’s Hockey
Association and SCFHA, for the purpose of improving
the sport of hockey.
3.3 REGISTRATION AND PLAYER PLACEMENT
3.3.1 All players affiliated with
the SCFHA must, in ink, sign an OWHA Registration
form.
3.3.2 SCFHA will operate various
divisions in the House league as decided by SCFHA
Board of Directors. Birth dates for playing seasons
will be designated as of December 31st.
3.3.3 Each House league division
shall comprise a sufficient number of teams as are
necessary to accommodate the registered players for
each division. Such numbers of teams to be of a
quantity to permit equal scheduling of games during
the playing season.
3.3.4 Players registered to
participate in the SCFHA will be appointed to House
league teams, using the player evaluations and
survey results as guidelines by the 2nd
VP/House league Director and his/her committee.
3.3.5 No player will be accepted by
SCFHA who is signed with any other OWHA sanctioned
league, nor will any player registered sign with any
other league without first obtaining a written
release. The only exception to this would be school
hockey.
3.3.6 Players will not be accepted
by SCFHA while under suspension from any other
league.
3.3.7 Players are eligible to play
in one division only, unless otherwise approved by
SCFHA Board.
3.3.8 The maximum number of
coaching staff will consist of a coach, two
assistant coaches, a trainer and a Manager. It is
strongly recommended that a trainer of each coaching
staff be a woman.
3.3.9 A latecomer to the house
league will be placed on a neutral team, if
possible, for evaluation before being placed on her
final team.
3.3.10 All registered players must
have paid their SCFHA registration fees prior to the
commencement of the SCFHA season. Any player who has
not paid her registration fees by the commencement
of the regular season will not be permitted to play
until such time as all outstanding fees are paid.
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3.4 HOUSE LEAGUE PLAYING RULES
3.4.1 This is a non-contact league
and contact is prohibited for all levels.
3.4.2 Players in forward and
defense positions, while practicing, playing, either
on bench or in penalty box for SCFHA, will wear
skates, shin pads, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey
gloves, hockey pants, Jill, BNQ throat protector,
helmet, mouth guard and face mask. Helmets and
facemasks must be CSA approved and chinstrap must be
fastened. All equipment should be in proper working
order. A player lacking this equipment will not be
allowed on the ice until they obtain such equipment.
3.4.3 Goalies, while practicing and
playing for SCFHA, will wear skates, goal leg pads,
body protector, goal gloves, goal arm pads and chest
protector or all-in-one body protector, hockey
pants, Jill, BNQ throat protector, helmet and face
mask. Helmets and facemasks must be CSA approved.
Neck guards must be worn. All equipment should be in
proper working order. A player lacking this
equipment will not be allowed on the ice until they
obtain such equipment.
3.4.4 Players may not remove any
equipment prior to returning to the dressing room at
the completion of the game or practice.
3.4.5 Teams must play their players
in rotation. When a violation of this rule is noted,
the proper rotation will immediately be
re-established. For repeated violations, the coach
will be referred to the Program Coordinator and/or
the 1st
VP/House
league Director.
3.4.6 Rotation Systems: as per
draft coaching philosophy (rulebook).
3.4.7 No game shall commence
without an official game sheet, which has been
properly filled out. If the game is delayed due to
an improperly completed game sheet, a two-minute
bench penalty may be assessed. Any late arriving
players are to be placed at the bottom of the
rotation
3.4.8 In case of injury to a player
or equipment repair, the last player from the
previous shift will replace her. Should the player
be unable to play her next shift, the team will
follow regular rotation rules.
3.4.9 Any house league player, who
receives a major penalty and is ejected from the
game, will proceed immediately to the dressing room.
Other players will serve her penalty and the line up
will be shortened accordingly. No player, serving a
penalty she did not incur, will sit in the box for
more than two (2) minutes.
3.4.12 Players may not step on the
ice until the Zamboni is off the ice and the doors
are closed.
3.4.13 At the completion of the game,
teams must exit the ice promptly under the direction
of the referees.
3.4.14 Each team must have a properly
equipped goaltender for each game.
3.4.15 If a goaltender is injured or
becomes sick during the game and is unable to
continue, the team is allowed five (5) minutes to
dress a player and resume the game. When a
goaltender designated to play a specific game is
unable to play due to injury or illness, the coach
may designate another player from his team to play
in net.
3.4.16 Teams must have six (6)
skaters plus a goalie to have a legitimate game. Any
team having less than 6 skaters may call up a
maximum of two (2) players from the next lower age
division. No call-ups will be allowed during round
robin and championship games.
3.4.17 Representative team exhibition
games with boys’ teams and leagues not sanctioned
with the OWHA must receive approval from the 1st
VP/Representative Director and the OWHA (48 hours
minimum notice must be given).
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3.5 REPRESENTATIVE TEAM PLAYING RULES
3.5.1 Representative teams will be
permitted only on the authorization of the SCFHA
Board.
3.5.2 The SCFHA will be responsible
for the organization and collection of funds for the
on-ice try-outs. Head coaches will be responsible
for handing out team information.
3.5.3 Players registered with the
OWHA, but not the SCFHA, in the previous year must
have “Permission to Skate” or “Release Forms” signed
by last year’s association to go on the ice.
3.5.4 Player releases from a
representative team will be conducted in a humane
and compassionate manner.
3.5.5 SCFHA Representative team
players will not play in the SCFHA house league
program.
3.5.6 Representative team players
must play in their own age group unless there are
insufficient numbers to form complete teams at that
age group, based on the current year registration.
Extenuating circumstances may be brought to the 1st
VP/Representative Director, which will be presented
to the SCFHA Board of Directors for review
3.5.7 Players interested in playing
on the Second or Third representative teams must
first obtain a coach’s release from the higher rated
teams in their own age division.
3.5.8 Once a player has been signed
to a representative team, the coach and player are
mutually committed for the year. Extenuating
circumstances may be brought to the 1st
VP/Representative Director, which will be presented
to the SCFHA Board of Directors for review.
3.5.9 Representative coaches must
provide to the 1st VP/Representative
Director and Parents, an estimated budget of
expenses by November 30, Feb 28, and 1 week after
the end of the OWHA Provincial Championships.
3.5.10 Representative teams will be
managed in an organized manner and communication to
the parents will be done in writing when necessary.
3.5.11 Representative teams will give
all players (parents) a proposed budget and season
itinerary. Possible tournaments, leagues and costs
to play should be known to all participants prior to
the final team roster being chosen.
3.5.12 Representative teams are
expected to enter the SCFHA tournament.
3.5.13 Representative teams must
submit an interim Income/Expense Statement by
December 31 and a year-end Income/Expense Statement
to the SCFHA and a copy is to be given to the 1st
VP/Representative Director on or before the end of
the season.
3.5.14 Representative team’s
financial records are subject to review at any time
by SCFHA Board of Directors. Each team must maintain
a bank account requiring 2 signatures, and all cash
either raised or received by the teams must be
deposited in a timely manner.
3.5.15 Representative bills must be
paid within 10 days of billing date.
3.5.16 The coach will inform the 1st
VP/Representative Director of all scheduled games,
scores of games, penalties and suspensions during a
game.
3.5.17 Representative coaches must
attend all meetings relating to the centre for which
they are playing in, and comply with the by-laws and
rules and regulations of that association.
3.5.18 Representative team exhibition
games with boys’ teams and leagues not sanctioned
with the OWHA must receive approval from the 1st
VP/Representative Director and the OWHA (48 hours
minimum notice must be given).
3.5.19 The Representative team
sweaters shall be the responsibility of the coaching
staff. The white jerseys will be our home sweaters
and the red jerseys will be the visitor’s sweaters.
They are to be the responsibility of players and
their parents during the current hockey season.
Replacement costs for any reason will be the
responsibility of the player’s parents.
3.5.20 Representative jerseys are to
have a Canada Flag sewn on the left shoulder,
centered 1” above the left shoulder seam.
3.5.21 Sponsors names may be used on
competitive team sweaters across the back of the
shoulders as well as the players names BUT these
MUST be affixed using SPONSOR BARS and only after
approval of the SCFHA and must be done by an
approved supplier. Should any team not obtain the
approval of the SCFHA (the Equipment Director; in
writing) then said team will be responsible for the
entire cost of replacing the sweaters.
3.5.22 Jerseys may have a temporary
name patch, sewn on across the back of the sweater,
which must be removed at the end of the season.
Captain and Assistant Captain designations may also
be applied in the same manner.
3.5.23 Anything that bears our crest
must be approved by the SCFHA Board of Directors.
(i.e. sweaters, jackets, sweats, etc.)
3.5.24 If a player is to be called on
to play in a higher category or age division on a
Representative team, her coach must be called first,
before the player is asked. The player’s coach must
give permission for a member of his/her team to play
as a call-up. The asking coach may seek three (3)
additional players only to reach a maximum of 12
players, including goalies.
3.5.25 No call-up players are allowed
for Provincial play-downs or Championship games.
Tournament Directors also have the right to refuse
call-up players to team rosters. Goalies may be
exempted from this ruling.
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3.6 SUSPENSIONS
3.6.1 OWHA protest rules will apply
as outlined in the CHA Rule book, with the exception
of the following: SCFHA will establish a Discipline
Committee under the Chairperson of the 2nd
VP/House League Director consisting of the
President, the 1st VP/Representative
Director and/or Director of Coach and Player
Development and any external resource as may be
determined by the Board..
3.6.2 Any player having been
ejected from any game, either house league or
Representative shall be automatically suspended from
further competition and the Discipline Committee
will be made aware of all suspensions within 24
hours of occurrence or return from tournaments. Any
member of SCFHA willfully violating the
Constitution, by-laws, Code of Conduct or Playing
Rules of SCFHA or refusing to abide by the decision
of the Board shall be subject to suspension by the
Discipline Committee.
3.6.3 Any coach, assistant coach,
manager, trainer, player or team official receiving
major or misconduct penalties, may be subject to
further suspension at the discretion of the
Discipline Committee. Additional incidents will
result in further disciplinary action.
3.6.4 Any player, while playing as
a call-up player, who receives a suspension, must
serve her suspension in her own team’s scheduled
games. No other game, in which she is a call-up
player, may serve to satisfy the suspension.
3.6.5 Anyone under a suspension,
who knowingly participates in a game, will be
suspended indefinitely pending a SCFHA hearing, and
the team will automatically forfeit the game(s) in
question. Any coach or team official, who knowingly
plays a player under suspension, will themselves be
suspended indefinitely, pending a SCFHA hearing.
3.6.6 The referees are in charge of
the game, and persistent and/or inappropriate
questioning of their decisions, or harassment,
during a game will not be tolerated. Justifiable
complaints may be made in writing to the Board of
Directors. The Board’s decisions shall NOT be
subject to appeal.
3.6.7 Any coach, assistant coach,
manager or trainer refusing to finish a game, or
leaving the bench in protest may receive a
suspension up to one calendar year.
3.6.8 Any player incurring a total
of three (3) or more stick penalties during the same
game shall be ejected from the game.
3.6.9 The referee on duty, the
Referee-in-Chief, the Program Coordinator or any
member of SCFHA Board of Directors may put any
coach, assistant coach, manager, trainer or player
on report for her/his conduct off the ice in the
arena. The Discipline Committee shall determine the
suspension given.
3.6.10 Use of any tobacco product by
any SCFHA personnel, member or player is not
permitted on the bench, on the ice, or in the
dressing rooms. The referees or Board of Directors
will issue a warning for the first offense, a bench
penalty for the second and a game misconduct for
each subsequent offense. Further offenses shall be
brought before the Board.
3.6.11 Inebriation while in charge of
a team or participating in a game will not be
tolerated. Drugs and alcoholic beverages are not
permitted in the arena and any player or team
official found to be in violation of this rule would
be immediately suspended until his/her case has been
reviewed by the Board.
3.6.12 Any coach, assistant coach,
manager, trainer or player in attendance at a game
while under suspension may not go near the team’s
dressing room or player’s bench and will conduct
themselves in a proper manner. If this rule is not
obeyed, the suspension may be increased at the
discretion of the Discipline Committee.
3.6.13 Any coach, assistant coach,
manager, trainer or player receiving a game or match
penalty during a game or after a game, while still
part of that event, must be reported to the 1st
VP/Representative Director immediately without
delay. The SCFHA Discipline Committee will be
notified without delay. The game sheet is to be
forwarded within 24 hours to the 1st
VP/Representative Director for any further
disciplinary action and/or hearing.
3.6.14 All game sheets from any
competitive team that have major penalties, fighting
or game suspensions, must be given to the 1st
VP/Representative Director within 48 hours from
returning from a tournament, exhibition, or league
game for review, and any suspension may be further
increased by the Discipline Committee. Failure to
adhere to this rule may result in the coaching staff
being suspended from all games, including exhibition
games until such game sheets are submitted.
3.7 GAME PROTESTS
3.7.1 All protests must be in
writing, accompanied by an appeal fee of Fifty
Dollars ($50.00) and be presented to a member of the
Discipline Committee within 48 hours of completion
of the game in question. The appeal fee will be
refunded if the protest is upheld.
3.8 HOUSE LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
3.8.1 SCFHA shall conduct play
downs in all series under its jurisdiction to
declare a Divisional Champion.
3.8.2 Playoff rules will be
distributed to participants prior to the start of
playoffs.
3.8.3 See House league Handbook for
further details.
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3.9 HOUSE LEAGUE AWARDS
3.9.1 All Play-off participants
will receive individual awards. These shall be
presented to all players and to the sponsors. All
registered bench staff will receive a letter of
recognition or appreciation from the SCFHA.
3.9.2 All play-off finalists (with
the exception of novice division) will receive a
“Finalist”’ award. These shall be presented to all
players, coaching staff (up to 4) and to the
sponsor.
3.10 EQUIPMENT
3.10.1 SCFHA Board of Directors MUST
approve anything that bears our crest (i.e.
sweaters, jackets, sweats etc.)
3.10.2 Players in forward and defense
positions must wear skates, shin pads, shoulder
pads, elbow pads, hockey gloves, hockey pants, Jill,
mouth guard, BNQ throat protector, helmet and face
mask which are CSA approved. A player lacking this
equipment will not be allowed on the ice until they
obtain such equipment.
3.10.3 Goalies must wear skates, goal
leg pads, body protector, goal gloves, goal arm pads
and chest protector or all-in-one body protector,
hockey pants, Jill, BNQ throat protector, helmet and
face mask. Helmets and facemasks must be CSA
approved. Neck guards must be worn. All equipment
should be in proper working order. A player lacking
this equipment will not be allowed on the ice until
they obtain such equipment.
3.10.4 All player uniforms must be
worn in their entirety. All House league players
will wear their sweaters of the appropriate sponsor
for all games. Representative team players must wear
their socks and sweaters of the appropriate sponsor
for all games.
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CODE OF CONDUCT
SECTION 4: CODE OF CONDUCT
4.1 CODE OF CONDUCT
This Code of Conduct identifies the
standard of behaviour, which is expected of all St.
Catharines Female Hockey Association (SCFHA)
members, including athletes, coaches, parents,
directors, volunteers, staff and chaperones. SCFHA
is committed to providing a sporting environment in
which all individuals are treated with respect.
Members of SCFHA shall conduct themselves at all
times in a fair and responsible manner. Members
shall refrain from comments or behaviors that are
disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist.
In particular, behavior that constitutes harassment
or abuse will not be tolerated by SCFHA. During the
course of all SCFHA activities and events, members
shall avoid behavior that brings SCFHA or the sport
of female hockey into disrepute.
SCFHA members shall at all times
adhere to SCFHA’s constitution and bylaws, to rules
governing SCFHA events and activities and to rules
governing any competitions in which the member
participates on behalf of SCFHA.
Members of the SCFHA shall not engage
in any activity or behaviour which interferes with a
competition or with any athlete’s preparation for a
competition, or which endangers the safety of
others. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct
may result in disciplinary action in accordance with
the Discipline policy of the SCFHA. Such action may
result in the member losing the privileges that come
with membership in SCFHA, including the opportunity
to participate in SCFHA activities.
4.2 STAND ALONE HARASSMENT AND ABUSE
POLICY
SCFHA is committed to providing a
sport and work environment that promotes equal
opportunities and prohibits discriminatory
practices. Harassment is a form of discrimination
that is prohibited by human rights legislation in
Canada. In its most extreme forms, harassment can be
an offence under Canada’s Criminal Code. This policy
applies to all members including directors,
officers, volunteers, coaches, athletes, officials,
parents and members of the SCFHA. It applies to
harassment that may occur during the course of all
SCFHA business, activities and events. This policy
shall not prevent a person in authority from taking
immediate, informal, corrective disciplinary action
in response to behaviour that, in their view,
constitutes a minor incidence of harassment.
4.3 STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR
Harassment is defined as conduct that
is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, offensive
or physically harmful. Types of behaviour which
constitute harassment and abuse include, but are not
limited to:
• Unwelcome jokes, innuendo or
teasing about a person’s looks, body, attire, age,
race, religion, sex or sexual orientation
• Condescending, patronizing,
threatening or punishing actions which undermine
self-esteem or diminish performance
• Practical jokes which cause
awkwardness or embarrassment endanger a person’s
safety or negatively affect performance
• Unwanted or unnecessary physical
contact including touching, patting or pinching
• Unwelcome flirtation, sexual
advances, requests or invitations
• Any form of hazing
• Any form of physical assault
· Any
form of Bullying as described by a person expressing
their power through the humiliation of another
person.
• Any sexual offence including
sexual assault
• Behaviours such as those
described above which are not directed towards
individuals or groups but which have the effect of
creating a negative or hostile environment
• In the case of minors, abuse and
neglect are as defined in Provincial/Territory child
protection legislation
When any member has a reasonable
belief that a minor is being abused or neglected,
he/she shall report this belief to authorities,
pursuant to the provisions of the Act, and shall
advise the Board. SCFHA shall take no further action
until such time as child protection authorities
and/or police have concluded their investigation.
The matter shall then be dealt with as a
disciplinary matter pursuant to this policy, and the
report of the investigation carried out by
authorities may be used as evidence in these
proceedings.
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4.4 RECEIVING A COMPLAINT
A person who experiences harassment,
any person who witnesses harassment, or any person
who believes that harassment has occurred is
encouraged to make it known that the behaviour is
unwelcome, offensive and contrary to this policy. If
confronting the harasser is not possible or if after
confronting the harasser the behaviour continues,
the person who has experienced the harassment, who
has witnessed the harassment, or who believes that
harassment has occurred should report the matter to
an official of SCFHA. For the purposes of this
policy, an official is any person in a responsible
staff or volunteer position with the organization.
Once an incident is reported, the
role of the official is to serve in a neutral,
unbiased capacity in receiving the report of the
incident, advising the parents or guardians of the
incident (if the person who has experienced the
harassment is a minor), and assisting in an
informal resolution of the complaint, where this
is appropriate. Details of the complaint and actions
taken must be put in a written report to the Board
by whichever official has dealt with the complaint.
If an official considers that he or she is unable to
act in this capacity, the complaint shall be
referred to the President, 1st, 2nd
or 3rd VP who will immediately deal with
the complaint in accordance with this policy.
4.5 FACT FINDING
If informal resolution of the
complaint is not appropriate or possible, and if the
person who has experienced or witnessed the
harassment, or who believes that harassment has
occurred decides to pursue a formal
complaint, the official shall receive this complaint
and shall provide a copy to any member of the Board
of Directors for further action.
Once the complaint has been reported
to the Board, the official shall then gather facts
surrounding the incident by speaking directly with
the complainant and the person against whom the
complaint (the “respondent”) is made, and any
witnesses who in the opinion of the official, might
have relevant facts or observations about the
incident.
In addition to providing information
to the official, the respondent shall have the
opportunity to provide a written statement to the
official, if he or she wishes. The official in a
written report shall summarize the results of the
fact gathering. Upon completion of the fact
gathering stage, the official shall provide copies
of the complaint and his/her factual report to the
Board.
4.6 PROCEDURES FOR REVIEWING
COMPLAINTS
Within 48 hours of acknowledged
receipt of a documented formal complaint,
the Board shall decide if the complaint should be
dealt with informally, in which case it shall direct
the appropriate response and the matter shall then
be concluded.
If the Board determines that the
complaint should be dealt with by means of a
hearing, it shall appoint three individuals to serve
as a Panel, and shall appoint one of these
individuals to serve as the Chairperson of the
Panel.
The Board shall then, at its sole
discretion, and having regard to the nature of the
complaint and the potential seriousness of the
outcome, determine which of the following procedures
shall be used by the Panel to review the complaint:
1) The Panel shall review the
statement of the complainant; the documentation
provided by the official and the statement of the
respondent and shall render a decision.
2) The Board of the SCFHA shall
appoint an outside investigator who shall conduct a
formal investigation of the incident and shall
provide a written report to the Panel. The Panel
shall consider this report, as well as the
statements of the complainant and the respondent,
and the report of the official, and shall then
render a decision.
3) The Board shall appoint an outside
investigator who shall conduct a formal
investigation of the incident and shall provide a
written report to the Panel. The Panel shall review
this report at a hearing with the complainant and
respondent present, may ask questions of the
complainant and respondent, and may allow the
complainant and respondent to ask questions of each
other. Following the hearing, the panel shall render
its decision.
4) The Panel shall convene a hearing
involving the complainant, respondent and witnesses.
The parties shall have an opportunity to present
evidence and to cross-examine each other and
witnesses. At the conclusion of the hearing, the
panel shall render its decision. In holding a
hearing, the Panel shall govern the hearing by such
procedures as it may decide.
If at any point in these proceedings,
the complainant becomes reluctant to continue, it
shall be at the sole discretion of the Board to
continue the review of the complaint in accordance
with this policy.
After reviewing and deciding any
harassment matter, the Panel shall present its
findings in a report to the Board with a copy
provided to both the complainant and respondent.
This report shall contain:
• A summary of the relevant facts;
• A determination as to whether the
acts complained of constitute harassment or abuse as
defined in this policy;
• Disciplinary action to be taken,
if the acts constitute harassment or abuse; and
• Measures to remedy or mitigate
the harm or loss suffered by the complainant, if the
acts constitute harassment or abuse.
4.7 IMPOSING DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS
The following circumstances and other
factors should be considered while determining the
appropriate sanction;
• The nature and severity of the
harassment or abuse
• Whether the harassment or abuse
involved any physical contact
• Whether the harassment or abuse
was an isolated incident or part of an ongoing
pattern of behaviour
• The nature of the relationship
between the complainant and harasser
• The age of the complainant
• Whether the perpetrator had been
involved in previous harassment incidents
• Whether the perpetrator admitted
responsibility and expressed a willingness to change
• Whether the perpetrator
retaliated against the complainant
In recommending disciplinary
sanctions, the Panel may consider the following
options, singly or in combination, depending on the
nature and severity of the harassment or abuse:
• Verbal apology
• Written apology
• Letter of reprimand from the
organization
• A fine or levy
• Referral to counseling
• Removal of certain privileges of
membership or employment
• Expulsion from membership or
official position within the Association
• Publication of the details of the
sanction
• Any other sanction which the
Panel considers appropriate
The Executive of SCFHA may determine
that the alleged offence is of such seriousness as
to warrant suspension of the member from the SCFHA
pending a review of the complaint.
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4.8 APPEAL MECHANISM
Both the complainant and respondent
shall have the right to appeal the decision of the
Panel. A notice of intention to appeal, along with
grounds for the appeal, must be provided to the
Board within 14 days of the complainant or
respondent receiving the Panel’s decision.
Permissible grounds for an appeal
are:
·
The Panel did not follow the
procedures laid out in this policy;
·
Members of the Panel were influenced
by bias; or
·
The Panel reached a decision which
could not be supported by the evidence, or which was
grossly unfair or unreasonable.
The appeal shall be heard by the
Board, who shall base its decision on a review of
the documentation surrounding the complaint,
including the complainant’s and respondent’s
statements, the report of the official, the report
of the investigator and/or the report to the Panel,
and the notice of appeal.
In deciding the Appeal, the Board
shall have the authority to uphold the decision of
the Panel, to reverse the decision of the Panel,
and/or to modify any of the Panel’s recommendations
from disciplinary action or remedial measures.
The decision of the Appeal Body shall
be final and binding, and not open to any further
intervention by any court within exception of a
review in accordance of the rules of arbitration set
out in Alternate Dispute Resolution Program for
Amateur Sport.
In extraordinary circumstances, and
at its sole discretion, the Panel may abridge or
extend the timelines in this policy.
The SCFHA recognizes the sensitive
and serious nature of harassment and abuse, and will
strive to keep all matters relating to a complaint
confidential. However, if required by law to
disclose information, the SCFHA will do so. It is
also the policy of SCFHA to allow publication of the
decision of the Panel, where the acts complained of
constitute harassment.
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