Issue 4.6 -- In effect from 1st March 2024. Incorporating what was previously called the BAFA Disciplinary Code and the BAFA Rules on Member Organisations.
The BAFA Regulations set out BAFA's expectations for the conduct of its members (both individuals and organisations).
They are deliberately couched as a set of principles rather than specific fixed procedures. The expectation is that regulatory committees that implement them will apply common sense and good judgement, and that above all else the spirit of the sport will be upheld at all times.
All participants in the sport, but especially coaches, players and officials, should expect to show appropriate levels of respect towards each other. Those participating in a situation that is physically confrontational by the nature of the sport should play hard and fair while the ball is live, but show restraint and care for their opponents at other times.
Approval is unlikely to be granted if the game or opponent does not have recognition from an IFAF member governing body or equivalent.
In such cases, the Committee may order that the accused/appellant shall pay all or part of the costs.
Individual Action | Response | Timescale | |
---|---|---|---|
Individual verbally raises grievance with the a person with influence over the situation who is closest to the situation (possibly for example a Head Coach or Team Manager ) | Coach/Team Manager should discuss matter and seek mutual agreement to resolve the matter | 7 working days | |
If the matter is unresolved the individual should put the grievance in writing to a BAFA Commission Lead/Director asking for it to be dealt with in writing or requesting a hearing. | Commission Lead/Director arranges to hear the grievance in writing or at a hearing (advising the individual of their right to be accompanied ) as appropriate. | If a hearing is requested it must be arranged as soon as possible. | |
Present grievance at grievance hearing or in writing. | Commission Lead/Director listens to/considers the grievance and undertakes any necessary further investigation and based on the evidence makes a decision. Prepares and sends written response to the Grievance and advises of right to seek a further review if the individual is not satisfied. If appropriate after the decision on the grievance is made the Commission Lead/Director instigates disciplinary action by referring the matter to the BAFA Disciplinary Officer. | Within 7 working days from grievance hearing. A response must be given within 14 working days of receipt of written grievance if it is dealt with in writing. | |
Individual notifies the Commission Lead/Director of request for review in writing and give reasons for their request for the decision to be reviewed. | Within 7 working days of receipt of the Stage 2 decision letter | ||
Commission Lead/Director to arrange review at Stage 3 | Within 7 working days of receipt of review request letter | ||
Individual presents reasons for requested review at hearing or in writing | Director conducts review (including if necessary further investigation) and considers findings. Sends written response of final decision to employee | Within 7 working days of review hearing or within 14 days of receiving the request for a review if it is dealt with in writing. |
If during any stage of investigation BAFA determines an act to be potentially unlawful, we withhold the right to immediately suspend the Grievance process and request the complainant to approach the appropriate law enforcement agency (with our support). This is necessary because any further action from BAFA may hinder a potential criminal investigation. If legal proceedings do not result from the complaint BAFA will recommence the grievance process at the request of the complainant.
Editor: Jim Briggs, BAFA/BAFRA Rules Committee
rules@britishamericanfootball.org