DISPUTE RESOLUTION POLICY

Definitions

1. The following term has this meaning in this Policy:
   1. “Individuals” – All categories of membership defined in the Ringette Canada Bylaws, as well as all individuals employed by, or engaged in activities with, Ringette Canada including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, convenors, referees, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, and directors and officers of Ringette Canada

Purpose

2. Ringette Canada 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.
3. Ringette Canada encourages all Individuals to communicate openly, collaborate, and use problem-solving and negotiation techniques to resolve their differences. Ringette Canada 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

4. This Policy applies to all Individuals.
5. Opportunities for Alternate Dispute Resolution may be pursued at any point in a dispute within Ringette Canada when all parties to the dispute agree that such a course of action would be mutually beneficial.

Facilitation and Mediation

6. If all parties to a dispute agree to Alternate Dispute Resolution or medication, the Executive Director may refer the alternate dispute resolution process to a resolution facilitator of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC).
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Should a negotiated decision be reached, the decision shall be reported to, and approved by, Ringette Canada. 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 Ringette Canada’s approval.
10. 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 Ringette Canada’s Discipline and Complaints Policy or Appeal Policy, as applicable.

Final and Binding

11. Any negotiated decision will be binding on the parties. Negotiated decisions may not be appealed.
12. No action or legal proceeding will be commenced against Ringette Canada or its Individuals in respect of a dispute, unless Ringette Canada has refused or failed to provide or abide by the dispute resolution processes set out in its governing documents.

This Policy is subject to review at least once every three years

Date of last review: September 2019

The publication of Ringette Canada policies will be in the English and French languages. In the case of conflicting interpretations, the English version will prevail.