CODE OF PRACTICE - DISCIPLINE


BACKGROUND

With the increasing commercialisation of sport, in particular football, the behaviour of players towards match and league officials is subject to almost constant media scrutiny. This has given rise to a situation where bad sportsmanship is widely reported and to some extent emulated by younger players. Although the behaviour of Junior League members is of a very high standard it is inevitable that from time to time transgressions do take place. This Code of Practice sets out the procedure that the League will follow in the event of a complaint being made against either individual players or teams.

1. SCOPE

	This Code of Conduct applies to all those who are playing members of the East Grinstead Junior League together with those adults and helpers who assist in the running of the league, either as committee members or as match officials and are affiliated members of the All England Netball Association. Payment of league fees or participation in league events is acceptance of this Code of Conduct.


2. MAKING A COMPLAINT

	It is open to any league member, their parents or league officials to make a complaint to the League Committee. Complaints may be made verbally or in writing.

3. WHAT THE COMMITTEE CAN DO

3.1 Where complaints relate to incidents such as the use of bad language or unsportinglike behaviour, the league committee have delegated their authority to the Chairman or Vice Chairman to deal with the matter in whatever way they see fit provided that no sanction beyond a severe reprimand is given. Reports of instances reported and action taken are to given to the committee and recorded in the minutes of the next suitable committee meeting.

3.2 Where complaints relate to more serious matters, or are continued breaches of a minor nature, the Chairman or the Vice-Chairman will undertake an initial investigation and report their findings to the Junior League Committee. In these circumstances the committee may do one of three things:



1. Ask the Chairman or the Vice-Chairman to deal with the matter and to report back on what action has been taken
2. Appoint a Discipline Sub-Committee to investigate the matter and to make recommendation as to what action should be taken.
3. Refer the matter to the County Committee of the Sussex Netball Association



4. APPOINTING A DISCIPLINE SUB COMMITTEE

If the league decides to appoint a Discipline Committee, they must appoint a minimum of three members, one of whom shall not be a member of the Junior League Committee.

The Junior League Committee will be responsible for meeting any costs incurred by the Discipline Sub-Committee from their general funds.


5. MATTERS TO BE REFERRED TO THE COUNTY COMMITTEE

5.1 If any discipline matter involves the decisions or activities of any FENA qualified Umpire or AENA Qualified Coach the matter must be referred to the County Committee of the Sussex Netball Association as soon as any investigation has shown that there is a case to answer.

5.2 Where any individual who holds a full affiliation to the AENA, acts in a way that is likely to bring the game of netball into disrepute, the matter must be referred to the County Committee of the Sussex Netball Association

6. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Following the appropriate investigation, the committee may do any or all of the following:

1. Warn the player(s) or individuals concerned as to their future contact
2. Issue a reprimand to the player(s) or individuals concerned.
3. Fine any player or individual a sum of money not exceeding the annual membership fee.
4. Deduct up to a maximum of six league points from the team to which the player(s) or individuals concerned belong.
5. Suspend a players membership of the League for a period not exceeding 2 match days.
6. Withdraw a players membership of the league on a permanent basis.