Policy 8: Discipline issues, complaints and proper protocol (NEW 2025

POLICY 8: DISCIPLINE ISSUES, COMPLAINTS, AND PROPER PROTOCOL 

Purpose: This Policy applies to matters that may arise during Lakeland Lacrosse’s business, activities, and Events including, but not limited to, competitions, practices, tryouts, training camps, travel associated with LLA’s activities, and any meetings.

• All discipline issues must be submitted in writing admin@lakelandlacrosse.ca Complaints and discipline issues will be forwarded to the appropriate director if the complaint warrants intervention.
• Player/Coach/General Member: All participants—including players, parents, coaches, and general members—are expected to adhere to the LLA Code of Conduct. Violations may result in suspension or removal from LLA activities or its governing bodies.
• Discipline Procedure: 

8.03.01                  Meet with a coach and/or team board liaison. If there is no satisfactory resolution, proceed to Step 2 (8.03.02).

8.03.02                 Meet with the Discipline Director. If the issue remains unresolved, proceed to Step 3 (8.03.03).

8.03.03                 If required, a meeting of the Discipline Committee will be convened to assess disciplinary actions. Meeting minutes will remain confidential and shared only with directly involved parties.

8.03.04                 A written incident report will be created along with a written disciplinary order and any resulting conditions.

8.03.05                 The Discipline Chair/Committee will follow up to ensure all disciplinary conditions are met.

8.03.06                 Once conditions are met, a final report will be submitted by the Discipline Director/Committee to the Executive Board. This report will be filed with the LLA Executive Board records.

8.03.07                 The Discipline Director will monitor the case as needed. Once all matters are resolved, the file will be formally closed.

• Complaints Procedure:
  • Any formal complaint against a player, coach, or board member must be submitted in writing to the Executive Assistant admin@lakelandlacrosse.ca
  • Complaints must not be anonymous. The email must be from the complainant’s email and signed off with their name. Anonymous emails will be discarded.
  • Complaints will be brought to the discipline director, board, or executive members, depending on the complaint details.
• Timelines: The Executive Assistant or Discipline Director will acknowledge receipt of discipline issues or complaints within five (5) business days. Investigations and resolutions should be completed within thirty (30) days, where possible.
• Confidentiality : All complaints and disciplinary matters will be handled with the utmost confidentiality to protect the privacy of individuals involved, in accordance with LLA privacy standards.
• Retaliation Policy (Expanded)

LLA maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding retaliation. Retaliation of any kind against an individual who files a complaint, reports a disciplinary issue, or participates in an investigation or disciplinary process is strictly prohibited.

Retaliation includes, but is not limited to:

• Verbal or physical intimidation
• Exclusion from team activities
• Unfair treatment, negative evaluations, or unwarranted disciplinary actions
• Any other behavior intended to punish or discourage someone from raising concerns or participating in the process.

This policy applies to all members of the Lakeland Lacrosse Association, including coaches, players, parents, volunteers, and board members.

Particular attention will be given to any coach or adult authority figure retaliating against a player. Such behavior is considered a serious breach of the LLA Code of Conduct and may result in immediate suspension, removal from coaching duties, or permanent expulsion from the Association.

If an individual believes they are being retaliated against, they are encouraged to report it immediately to the Executive Assistant. Retaliation complaints will be investigated promptly, and protective measures may be taken during the investigation.

LLA is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members.