Player Discipline Policy
The following policy provides the framework in which all matters of player discipline shall proceed within the BMBA. All players within BMBA, as a condition of their acceptance, agree to conform to the Code of Conduct as published within the BMBA constitution. Not to restrict the generality of the code, but for greater certainty, the following behaviors are considered to be contrary to the code of conduct under the direction to “cooperate with your coach”:
- Missing and /or being late to practices or games without giving prior notice to the coach.
- Exhibiting disrespectful behavior to a coach or team-mate at any time.
- Failing to give an honest effort in practice or games.
- Violating any other team rule agreed to by players at the beginning of the season, so long as that rule meets the spirit and intent of the code of conduct.
In the event that a coach feels that a player’s behavior is contrary to the code of conduct and requires disciplinary action, the following progressive discipline levels shall be followed in order. A coach may remain at (or return to) a lower level of discipline at their discretion, depending on the nature and the timing of the behaviors, but may not skip a Level:
Level 1
The coach will have a brief chat (in private) with the player indicating the nature of their misbehavior and the coach’s expectations for improvement.
Level 2
In the event that the behavior persists, the player is to be warned, once again in private, that any further behavior will result in the coach contacting their parents and expressing his/her concerns about the player’s behavior to them.
Level 3
If the behavior still persists, the parent is to be called and the coaches concerns expressed, along with the coaches expectations for improvement (a formal verbal warning). The VP for Coaches Support shall be emailed at this point in time by the coach with a description of the situation so far and the coaches feeling on how the call to the parent was received.
Level 4
If the behavior still persists, the coach shall then provide an official written warning (by email, cc the VP Coaches Support) to the parent, making reference the previous phone call to them, and providing a detailed synopsis of the situation to this point and making their expectations for improvement as clear as possible using the template provided in Annex A to this policy. The coach should also offer to arrange a meeting with the parent(s), the player and the VP Coaches Support to formally discuss the matter if the parent wishes.
Level 5
If the behavior still persists, the coach may make a request to the VP Coaches Support that the player be suspended for 1 game, citing the specific behavior that occurred after the written warning was issued. The VP Coaches support will then forward that email to the President with their accompanying recommendation to suspend or not. The President shall make the final determination and either informs the parents that the layer has been suspended by registered mail (cc the VP Coaches Support and the Coach using the template in Annex B) or the VP Coaches Support that the suspension is not supported at this time and his rationale for that decision. If not supported, the VP Coaches Support will then inform the Coach as such.
Level 6
If the behavior still persists after a 1 game suspension, the coach shall notify the VP Coaches Support by email, citing the specific behavior that occurred after the suspension. The VP Coaches Support will then ask the President to call a special Executive meeting where he/she will move (as per Annex C) that the player be expelled from BMBA. The player’s parent(s) shall be offered the opportunity to address the Executive prior to the meeting (for 30 minutes maximum) and/or submit a written statement; however they will not be present while the Executive addresses the motion itself. If the Board votes in favor of expulsion, that decision is immediate, final, and with no avenue for appeal or refund of fees.
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Annex A
Dear Mr/Mrs _____________
On (insert date) I called you to discuss (players name) behavior, specifically (insert what has been happening).
Unfortunately, since that conversation things have not improved, specifically (describe incidents that have occurred after the phone call). In accordance with the BMBA Discipline policy, I am writing to inform you that unless (player’s name) improper behavior ceases immediately, I will be requesting that he be suspended for one game.
If you wish, I can arrange a meeting with the VP Coaches Support and us to discuss this matter further.
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Annex B
Dear Mr/Mrs _____________
On (insert date) you received the enclosed written warning from (players name) coach (insert Coaches name) that any further improper behavior on (player’s name) part would result in a one game suspension. Prior to that email being sent, you were provided a verbal warning on (insert date of phone call to the parent) and (insert players name) was spoken to by the coach at least twice prior to that.
Despite that warning, on (insert date) the following incident occurred (describe the improper behavior that occurred after the written warning). In accordance with my authority under article 4.1 of the BMBA constitution, I am therefore suspending (players name) from participating in the teams game on (insert date). Suspending a player is not a decision I take lightly and a very serious matter. It means that all other avenues of discipline have been exhausted. This suspension shall also be taken as a final warning. Any further improper behavior will likely result in expulsion from BMBA in accordance with Article 5.2 of the BMBA constitution.
