Grievance and Discipline Policy

Effective Date: January 23, 2025

Purpose: This policy provides a transparent and fair process for addressing grievances and disciplinary issues involving players, coaches, umpires, and parents within Nelson Baseball Association (NBA) programming. Upon registration, these conditions bind all players, parents, guardians, and coaches to ensure a positive, respectful, and safe environment for all participants.

Grievance Policy

Reporting a Grievance

• Submit your grievance in writing via email to your player's head coach and the NBA Board of Directors (the board) at nelsonminorbaseball@gmail.com on the same correspondence.
• Include the following information:
  • Name and contact information of the person filing the grievance
  • Description and location of the incident or issue
  • Names of individuals involved
  • Any supporting evidence or documentation
  • Names of any witnesses

Grievance Process

Upon receiving a grievance, the board will acknowledge receipt within 48 hours and begin an investigation.

• The investigation may include interviews with the involved parties and witnesses and a review of relevant documents.
• A decision will be made within 72 hours after concluding the investigation, and the aggrieved will be notified in writing of the board's findings and recommendations.
• If the board finds that a person is in contravention of any of its publicly posted policies, practices, or procedures (available at nelsonbaseball.ca), it will inform them as such, and the NBA may elect to extend an opportunity to make corrections.
• Should the alleged party/parties named in the grievance elect not to respond or cooperate with the board's investigation, they may lose their ability to participate in or attend any/all future NBA functions and programming. Any player registration fees will not be refunded.

Appeals

• If the aggrieved party or alleged party/parties named in the grievance are dissatisfied with the board's decision, they may file an appeal within seven (7) days of receiving the decision.
• Appeals must be submitted in writing to the NBA president, who will review the appeal and make a final determination.
• Should the aggrieved party or alleged party/parties named in the grievance remain dissatisfied with the NBA’s proposed course of action, they are encouraged to file an official grievance with Baseball BC at info1@baseball.bc.ca. The NBA will participate in its associated processes.

Discipline Policy

1. Code of Conduct

• All players, coaches, and parents are to adhere to the publicly posted policies, practices, procedures, and/or codes of conduct as posted on the NBA website, which are designed to promote good sportspersonship, respect, and fairness.

2. Disciplinary Actions

• The following actions may result in disciplinary measures:
  • Unsportspersonship like behaviour
  • Verbal or physical abuse, racist or discriminatory language
  • Foul language, threats, bullying, or acts intended to intimidate
  • Violation of league rules or policies
  • Substance use or intoxication
  • Physically or emotionally harming a player
  • Engaging in sexual jokes and/or making comments to a child that are in any way suggestive, explicit, or personal
  • Physical contact/touching in a manner not germane to the requirements of the game
  • Criticizing, embarrassing, shaming, or humiliating a player, coach, or umpire
  • Any conduct that brings disrepute to the NBA

3. Investigation and Hearing

• When a disciplinary issue arises, the board will conduct an investigation.
• The involved parties will have an opportunity to present their side of the story during a hearing.

4. Disciplinary Measures

• The board may impose the following disciplinary measures, depending on the severity of the offence:
  • Warning: A formal written warning.
  • Probation: A period during which behaviour is monitored.
  • Suspension: Temporary removal from league activities.
  • Expulsion: Permanent removal from the league.
  • Other measures: As deemed appropriate by the board.
  • Unlawful behaviours will result in an immediate notification to law enforcement.

5. Notification

• The involved parties will be notified in writing of the disciplinary decision and any required actions.

6. Right to Appeal

• Individuals subject to disciplinary action may appeal the decision within seven (7) days of receiving the notification.
• Appeals must be submitted in writing to the NBA president at nelsonminorbaseball@gmail.com for final review and determination.

Confidentiality: All grievances and disciplinary matters will be handled with confidentiality and respect for the privacy of the involved parties

Contact Information: For any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact nelsonminorbaseball@gmail.com.

Policy Changes: The NBA reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. Changes will be communicated to participants via email and updated on the NBA website or revised within the next season's registration process.