Browser Cookies
This site uses cookies necessary to properly function. By closing this popup, clicking a link or continuing to browse otherwise, you agree to the use of cookies. View our policies.






General Dispute and Resolution Policy 

 

Purpose  

The Hamilton Skating Club (“the Club”) is committed to fostering a safe, professional, inclusive, and respectful environment for all individuals involved in Club activities. The purpose of this General Dispute and Resolution Policy (“the Policy”) is to promote fairness, equity, transparency, and timely response in the handling of disputes.  

 This Policy establishes clear procedures for the reporting and resolution of general disputes, and emphasizes the importance of prevention, accessible communication channels, and equitable outcomes.  

General disputes may include breaches of contracts, as well as violations of the rules, regulations, and policies of the Club, Skate Ontario, or Skate Canada.  

  

Scope  

This Policy applies to all individuals participating in Club activities, on or off the ice, including but not limited to:  

-Registered skaters  

-Coaches and staff  

-Parents/guardians of skaters (including minors)  

-Volunteers and Club members  

-Participants in Club-hosted programs, competitions, and events 

 

The Policy governs disputes between or among any of the above individuals in accordance with the Club’s General Dispute and Resolution Procedure.  

 

 

Policy Statement  

Violations of this Policy or of any Club, Skate Ontario, or Skate Canada regulations may result in actions ranging from a formal warning to suspension or expulsion from the Club. Disciplinary measures will reflect the nature and severity of the violation and will align with the Club’s bylaws and dispute procedure.  

This Policy ensures an appropriate, impartial, and timely resolution process for reported concerns.  

 

Reporting a Dispute 

Disputes should be reported in writing to one or more of the following Club contacts: 

  • Board of Directors – president@hamiltonskating.ca

 Good Faith Reporting 

Individuals submitting complaints are expected to act in good faith and provide accurate, truthful information. Submissions found to be intentionally false, malicious, or misleading will be treated as serious violations and may lead to disciplinary action, including expulsion from the Club. 

 

Review and Investigation 

Upon receiving a complaint, the General Dispute and Resolution Committee will conduct a review to assess the validity of the issue and determine the next steps as outlined in the Procedure. 

After a full investigation, the Committee will determine whether a violation has occurred and recommend appropriate actions. These may include corrective steps or disciplinary measures. 

Sanctions, if applied, will be proportionate to the seriousness of the violation and may include reprimand, temporary suspension, or permanent expulsion from the Club. 

 

Final Decisions and Sanctions 

The Committee will present its findings and recommended actions to the Board of Directors for a final decision. 

In cases involving multiple or repeated violations by the same individual, stronger disciplinary measures may be applied, especially when previous corrective actions have been ignored. 

 

Appeal Process 

Decisions may only be appealed under specific procedural grounds, including: 

  • A decision was made outside of the Club’s authority 

  • Procedural errors occurred in violation of the Club’s bylaws or policies 

  • Bias influenced the decision 

  • Discretion was used improperly 

Appeals must follow the steps outlined in the Procedure. Appeals of Club decisions may be escalated to Skate Ontario, if applicable. 

 

Confidentiality 

All complaints and investigations are confidential. Until a decision is issued, no individual may disclose the existence of a complaint or any related information outside of those directly involved in the resolution process, unless legally required. 

Breaches of confidentiality will be treated as serious violations and may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the Club. 

 

Timelines 

Efforts will be made to resolve all disputes promptly. However, in certain circumstances, the Club reserves the right to modify timelines outlined in the Procedure to ensure a fair and thorough investigation. 

The Club will maintain documentation of all complaints, investigations, decisions, and any resulting actions. 

 

Exceptions – Allegations of Misconduct 

If a complaint involves allegations of Misconduct, it must be referred immediately to the Skate-Safe Independent Third Party: 

  • Phone: 1-833-723-3758 

Misconduct includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Abuse (physical, psychological, sexual) 

  • Neglect or grooming 

  • Bullying, harassment, and discrimination 

  • Retaliation or interference in investigative processes 

  • Failure to report maltreatment or inappropriate conduct 

  • False or malicious reporting 

  • Abuse of authority 

Such cases are outside the jurisdiction of this Policy and must be handled by Skate Canada’s third-party process. 

GENERAL DISPUTE AND RESOLUTION PROCEDURE

 

Sponsors

Uplifter Inc Uplifter Inc