Complaints Disciplinary and Appeals Procedure

SGSBC
Jul 17
3 min read

Version 1 Policy Document

Status: Version 1 for committee adoption and use by the South Galway Stormers Basketball Club. This document should be reviewed against current Basketball Ireland, Sport Ireland and legal requirements before adoption and during each review cycle.

Document owner: Club Committee / Secretary (secretary.sgsbc@gmail.com) / Main club email (sgstormersbc@gmail.com)
Version: Version 1
Prepared for: South Galway Stormers Basketball Club
Version date: 14 July 2026
Review cycle: Annual or sooner if Basketball Ireland/Sport Ireland guidance changes

1. Purpose

This procedure provides a fair and consistent process for handling complaints, conduct issues and appeals within South Galway Stormers Basketball Club.

2. Scope

This procedure covers general club complaints, breaches of codes of conduct, team conduct, sideline behaviour, volunteer issues, disciplinary matters and appeals. Child protection concerns, alleged abuse or immediate welfare risks must be handled under the safeguarding policy and reported to the Designated Liaison Person (dlp.sgsbc@gmail.com) or Club Children's Officer (cco.sgsbc@gmail.com).

3. Principles

Concerns should be handled promptly, respectfully and proportionately.
Everyone involved should be treated fairly and given the opportunity to be heard.
Confidentiality should be maintained as far as possible.
Safeguarding and welfare concerns take priority over internal dispute resolution.
The Club may seek guidance from Basketball Ireland where appropriate.

4. Informal Resolution

Where appropriate, concerns should first be resolved informally through respectful discussion with the relevant coach, team manager, committee member or Club officer. Informal resolution is not suitable for serious misconduct, safeguarding concerns, bullying, discrimination or repeated behaviour.

5. Formal Complaint

A formal complaint should be submitted in writing to the Club Secretary (secretary.sgsbc@gmail.com). If the complaint concerns the Secretary, it may be submitted to the main club email / General Manager (sgstormersbc@gmail.com). The complaint should include the names of those involved, dates, what happened, witnesses, any evidence, and the outcome sought.

6. Initial Assessment

The Committee, or a nominated sub-group, will decide whether the matter should be treated as a safeguarding concern, a disciplinary issue, a general complaint, or referred to Basketball Ireland or another body.

7. Investigation

Where investigation is required, the Club may appoint one or more suitable persons who are not directly involved. They may speak with relevant parties, review documents and make a written recommendation.

8. Possible Outcomes

No further action.
Informal guidance, apology or mediation.
Written warning.
Training, supervision or behavioural agreement.
Temporary suspension from training, matches, sideline attendance or volunteer duties.
Removal from a role or membership.
Referral to Basketball Ireland, statutory authorities or another relevant body.

9. Appeals

A person directly affected by a disciplinary decision may appeal in writing within 10 working days of receiving the decision. Appeals should state the grounds of appeal, such as procedural unfairness, new evidence or disproportionate sanction. An appeal panel not involved in the original decision should review the matter where possible.

10. Records

The Club shall keep confidential records of formal complaints, investigations, decisions and appeals. Records relating to children or safeguarding must be stored securely and handled under safeguarding and data protection requirements.

Reference Points Used for Version 1

This Version 1 document has been prepared as a club-level document using Basketball Ireland and Sport Ireland resources as reference points. The club should adopt official Basketball Ireland documents where required and update this document whenever national guidance changes.

Basketball Ireland Complaints Procedure for Matters of Prejudice, Discrimination and Child Safeguarding: https://ireland.basketball/downloads
Basketball Ireland Safeguarding / Child Welfare: https://ireland.basketball/childprotection
Basketball Ireland Garda E-Vetting: https://ireland.basketball/e-vetting
Basketball Ireland Coach Licensing: https://ireland.basketball/coach-licencing
Basketball Ireland Coaching Minimum Standards: https://ireland.basketball/coaching-minimum-standards
Sport Ireland Safeguarding Sport: https://www.sportireland.ie/ethics/safeguarding-sport
Sport Ireland Garda Vetting: https://www.sportireland.ie/ethics/garda-vetting

Committee Review Record

Date: Reviewed by Decision / Changes Next review
[Insert details]: [Insert details] [Insert details] [Insert details]