YORK CURLING CLUB - DISPUTE RESOLUTION POLICY

Definitions

  1. The following term has this meaning in this Policy:
  1. “Individuals” – All categories of membership defined in York Curling Club’s Bylaws, as well as all  individuals employed by, or engaged in activities with York Curling Club including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, convenors, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, and Directors and Officers of York Curling Club.

Purpose

  1. York Curling Club supports the principles of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) and is committed to the  techniques of negotiation, facilitation, and mediation as effective ways to resolve disputes. Alternate Dispute Resolution also avoids the uncertainty, costs, and other negative effects associated with lengthy appeals or complaints, or with litigation.

  1. York Curling Club encourages all Individuals to communicate openly, collaborate, and use problem-solving and negotiation techniques to resolve their differences. York Curling Club believes that negotiated settlements are usually preferable to outcomes resolved through other dispute resolution techniques. Negotiated resolutions to disputes with and among Individuals are strongly encouraged.

Application of this Policy

  1. This Policy applies to all Individuals.

  1. Opportunities for Alternate Dispute Resolution may be pursued at any point in a dispute when all parties to the dispute agree that such a course of action would be mutually beneficial.

Facilitation and Mediation

  1. The dispute will first be referred to York Curling Club’s Board of Directors for review, with the objective of resolving the dispute via Alternate Dispute Resolution and/or mediation.

  1. If all parties to a dispute agree to Alternate Dispute Resolution or mediation, the Board of Directors may refer the alternate dispute resolution process to a resolution facilitator of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC).

  1. If all parties to a dispute agree to Alternate Dispute Resolution, a mediator or facilitator, acceptable to all parties, shall be appointed to mediate or facilitate the dispute.

  1. The mediator or facilitator shall decide the format under which the dispute shall be mediated or facilitated and shall specify a deadline before which the parties must reach a negotiated decision.

  1. Should a negotiated decision be reached, the decision shall be reported to, and approved by York Curling Club. Any actions that are to take place as a result of the decision shall be enacted on the timelines specified by the negotiated decision, pending York Curling Club’s approval.

  1. Should a negotiated decision not be reached by the deadline specified by the mediator or facilitator at the start of the process, or if the parties to the dispute do not agree to Alternate Dispute Resolution, the dispute shall be considered under the appropriate section of York Curling Club’s Discipline and Complaints Policy or Appeal Policy, as applicable.

Final and Binding

  1. Any negotiated decision will be binding on the parties. Negotiated decisions may not be appealed.