21.1 Every member of the Association is expected at all times to exercise maximum self discipline and uphold the good name of the BLDSA.
21.2 Due respect should be accorded at all times, but especially before, during and after championships or events, to all championship officials and voluntary helpers.
21.3 Disciplinary Panel
Any breaches of discipline shall be dealt with by a panel made up of the immediate Past-President of the association (Chairman) and four members of the Executive Committee nominated by the immediate Past-President.
No person shall be permitted to serve on the disciplinary Panel if:
1. They are subject of the complaint or breach of discipline.
2. They are the person responsible for raising the issue.
3. They have been invited to give an independent witness account of the issue.
4. They have family connection with either side involved in the issue.
The panel shall examine the evidence submitted by all parties together with that of any independent witnesses which may be available. A full record of the panel’s meeting shall be maintained and the panel shall have the power to make a judgement.
21.4 Complaints
A complaint regarding a breach of discipline is a formal expression of dissatisfaction with the actions or behaviour of an individual or individuals in connection with the sport to which the rules of the Association apply.
A complaint regarding a breach of discipline may be made by any member or by the parent or guardian of a member under the age of eighteen (18) years on their behalf or by the Hon. Secretary of an affiliated club, or by any appointed official at a championship or event run by the Association or by an affiliated club.
Such a complaint is made by sending to the Hon. Gen. Secretary of the Association a detailed written statement regarding the specific breach of discipline with which the complainant is dissatisfied.
The complaint must reach the Hon. Gen. Secretary not later than twenty eight (28) days after the incident that gave rise to it.
21.5 Procedure
Immediately upon receipt of a complaint regarding a breach of discipline the Hon. Gen. Secretary of the Association shall send a copy of the complaint to the chairman of the disciplinary panel who will then select the panel, give them copies of the complaint and arrange the date and venue of the hearing. Such date should be within sixty (60) days of the receipt of the complaint and at least fourteen (14) days notice of the arrangements for the hearing shall be given to the parties involved.
The procedure at the hearing shall be flexible under the discretion of the Chairman. The purpose of the proceedings is to secure a just outcome in an expeditious manner. At the hearing each party has the right to state their case, call witnesses, give evidence personally, cross examine witnesses called by any other party and finally to summarise their case.
A party may present their case through a representative but professional representation shall be permitted only when at least seven (7) days notice of such representation has been given to the Chairman of the panel.
The normal rules of evidence shall apply except that the Chairman may at their discretion admit evidence which would not be permitted in a court of law.
The disciplinary panel may make whatever order it considers just – including a period of suspension from the Association or from a specific event or events or expulsion from the Association. Both parties have the right of appeal to the Appeals Panel.