Introduction
From time to time, there are situations where members of the club do not adhere to the Policies and/or Guidelines set forth by the Board of Directors. In such cases, the following are the steps to be followed:
- Whoever becomes aware of an offense should report it to either the Manager, or a member of the Board, preferably in writing.
- The Executive Committee shall be made aware of the offense immediately.
- The Executive Committee will discuss and determine the appropriate course of action. See ‘Options for disciplinary action’ below.
- Should the offense require a Board decision, the results of the decision will be forwarded to the member in a formal Letter of Reprimand, signed by the President on behalf of the Board.
It is important that the elected volunteers are the ones to deal with members rather than the staff thereby reducing the chance of long-term acrimony towards our staff.
Bylaw
Based on the Granite bylaws, the Board is fully within their purview to take disciplinary action for conduct of a member that is not appropriate or contrary to Club Policies or Guidelines, that may have the potential to adversely impact the club and/or its members. From the bylaw:
12, Discipline
The rights of a member or members, including the right to vote and the right to enjoy the privileges of the Club may be suspended for a limited time or terminated completely by resolution of the Board of Directors, where in the sole discretion of the Club’s Board of Directors, the conduct of such member or members is detrimental to the welfare of the Club or interferes with the enjoyment of the facilities of the club by other members, provided that no such suspension or termination shall be effective unless approved by two-thirds of the Board of Directors.
Options for disciplinary action
For the first offense, a verbal reprimand from either the league convenor or a member of the Executive shall be made to the member.
For a second offense, a written Letter of Reprimand shall be issued by the Executive Committee. Such a letter will be signed by the President on behalf of the Executive Committee. It will note that further violations will be dealt with per the Club bylaws. This will have the effect of putting the member on notice that their behaviour was inappropriate.
For a third offense, the President will put forward to the Board, a motion for disciplinary measure against the offending member. As per the Club bylaws, the Board will render a decision on the proposed motion and the decision will be communicated to the member via a Letter of Reprimand, signed by the President on behalf of the Board.
Should the Board decide to terminate or suspend the member’s membership, no membership fees (full or partial) will be refunded.
Examples of offenses
Examples of offenses, but not limited to, are:
- Jeopardizing the club’s liquor license by bringing alcohol into the ice shed.
- Using personal warming devices while on the ice (ex. Heated socks or gloves, Hot Pockets, etc.).
- Disrespecting or verbally abusing staff or other members.
- Smoking and/or vaping within the club or ice shed.
- Willfully damaging Club property or another member’s property.
