Equity Policy

Club Member Responsibilities

All Club members have a responsibility to challenge discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.

Woods Bowls Club is committed to the investigation of any claims when brought to its attention, of discrimination, harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual, and reserves the right to impose such sanction as it considers appropriate and proportionate, where such is found to be the case.

■ In the event that any member, volunteer, participant or spectator feels that he has suffered discrimination, harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation, they should report the matter in writing to the (management committee) of Woods Bowls Club.

■ Any such report should include: details of what occurred; when and where the occurrence took place; any witness details and copies of any witness statements.

■ The (management committee):

- may decide (at its sole discretion) to uphold or dismiss the complaint without holding a hearing;

- may (at its sole discretion) hold a hearing at which both parties will be entitled to attend and present their case;

- will have the power to impose any one or more of the following sanctions on any person found to be in breach of any policy: (a) warn as to future conduct; (b) suspend from membership; (c) remove from membership; (d) exclude a non-member from the facility, either temporarily or permanently; and (e) turn down a non-member’s current and/or future membership application; and will provide both parties with written reasons for its decision.

■ A party may appeal a decision of the (management committee) to the relevant sports County’s Association by writing to the relevant County Association within 3 months of Woods Bowls Club’s decision being notified to that party.

■ If the nature of the complaint is with regard to the (management committee) of the Woods Bowls Club, the complainant may report the complaint directly to the relevant County Association.