GASP GRIEVANCE POLICY

If a grievance arises within a team, members are encouraged to first discuss the problem with the team manager and coaches.  Managers and coaches are encouraged to work with members to resolve grievances in a meaningful way.  However, some problems may not be resolvable at the team level.  Also, some complaints, by their nature, may cause the member to be concerned abut discussing the matter with the team manager or coaches.  In such cases, the matter may be referred to the Board.

On occasion, a grievance may arise between members on different GASP teams.  In such cases, members are encouraged to first discuss the problem with their own team's manager and coaches.  Managers and coaches of the teams involved should work together to resolve grievances ina meaningful way.  If a grievance cannot be resolved at eh team level, the matter may be referred to the Board.

A grievance may sometimes arise with individuals outside of GASP.  This may include umpires, other officials or opposing players, parents and coaches.  In such cases, the matter may be referred to the Board for further action by the GASP organization.

On occasion, the GASP Board may consider disciplinary actin against a GASP player, coach, parent, or other persons affiliated with GASP.  This might arise due to an icident that comes to the Board's attention.  In addition, persons outside the organization may bring complaints made against GASP members to the Board for investigation and resolution.  Such matters will be treated as grievances and addressed under this policy.

Scope of the Grievance Procedures:

The scope of the grievance procedures are intended to resolve issues related to the GASP organization and softball.  They are not intended as a means to resolve private disputes.  Grievances should allege a violation of GASP, CMSA, CWFA, Softball Alberta or Softball Canada rules/policies (collectively "GASP policies").

The grievance procedures are not intended to be used for conducting the general business of GASP teams.  Members may, and are encouraged to, raise questions and concerns about coaching, scheduling, uniforms, fundraising, tournaments, financial matters and other issues with their coaching staff and at team meetings.  The grievance procedures are intended to address situations where there are conflicts due to alleged violations of GASP policies.

The "Twenty-Four Hour" Rule

GASP members are encouraged to wait twenty-four hours after the event before raising a grievance.

Team Mangers:

Grievances about a team, its players or its coaches, should generally first be directed to the team manager.  Team managers should work with the members, coaches and/or managers involved to resolve the grievance in an expeditious and fair manner.

Coaches:

Coaches are encouraged to meet with members to attempt to resolve grievances in an amicable fashion.

Grievances Filed with the Board:

Although members are encouraged to resolve grievances at the team level, this may not always be possible.  In such cases, a grievance may be referred to the Board.  Please contact the GASP president at gasppres@shaw.ca or the players director at gaspplayers@shaw.ca with your concerns and for further information and procedures with respect to filing a grievance with the Board.