League governance

Conduct & Disciplinary Policy

North Dorset Darts League · Committee draft · Version 1.0

1. Expected standards

Everyone involved in the League must act fairly and respectfully. This applies to players, captains, officials, volunteers and spectators at fixtures, events, meetings and in league-related online communication.

2. Unacceptable conduct

Misconduct includes cheating; deliberate distraction; intimidation; abusive, threatening or discriminatory language; harassment; violence; damage; falsifying results; misuse of personal information; repeated disruption; and serious or repeated breaches of league or venue rules.

3. Immediate match-night action

1. Captains should first seek a calm, proportionate resolution.
2. A venue may remove anyone whose behaviour threatens safety or breaches its rules.
3. If play cannot safely continue, captains should stop the match, record what happened and notify the Committee as soon as reasonably possible.

4. Reporting a concern

A written report should identify the people involved, date, venue, witnesses, what happened and any supporting material. Reports should normally be submitted within seven days. The Committee may consider a later report where there is good reason.

5. Fair investigation

1. The person complained about will receive a clear summary and reasonable opportunity to respond.
2. The Committee may obtain witness statements, result sheets, messages, photographs or other relevant evidence.
3. Committee members with a conflict of interest must withdraw from the decision.
4. Information will be shared only as needed to handle the matter fairly and safely.

6. Interim measures

Where necessary to protect participants or the integrity of the competition, the Committee may impose a temporary restriction while an investigation is completed. This is a precaution, not a finding of guilt.

7. Decisions and sanctions

Decisions are made on the balance of probabilities. Outcomes may include no further action, advice, a formal warning, match or points adjustment, fine where authorised, venue restriction, suspension, removal from competition or another proportionate measure. Aggravating and mitigating factors will be considered.

8. Appeals

An appeal must be submitted within seven days of the written decision and must identify a procedural error, significant new evidence or a sanction that is clearly unreasonable. The appeal should be considered by people not involved in the original decision wherever practicable. The appeal decision is final within the League.

9. Records and confidentiality

The League will keep proportionate records of reports, evidence, decisions and sanctions. Personal information must be handled carefully and retained only as long as reasonably necessary.

10. Safeguarding and external authorities

Nothing in this policy prevents anyone from contacting the police, emergency services, a venue, safeguarding body or other appropriate authority. Immediate danger should always be reported to the emergency services.