The Constitution of the
St. Catharines Ladies Softball League
(revised - 2009)
ST. CATHARINES LADIES' SOFTBALL LEAGUE
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
Revised SPRING 2009
ST. CATHARINES LADIES' SOFTBALL LEAGUE
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of the organization shall be the ST. CATHARINES LADIES' SOFTBALL LEAGUE.
ARTICLE II - HEAD OFFICE
The head office of the organization shall be in the City of St. Catharines, in the Province of Ontario (subject to change by special resolution) and at such place within the municipality in Ontario where the head office is from time to time situated as the directors of the organization may from time to time by resolution fix.
ARTICLE III - SEAL
The seal shall be the seal of the organization.
ARTICLE IV - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. To foster, develop, promote and regulate the playing of amateur softball.
2. To provide the game of softball with proper safeguards in accordance with the spirit of true sportsmanship.
3. To organize and co-ordinate teams, to arrange games, prepare schedules, and to regulate competitions among those ladies engaged in playing the game of softball.
4. To encourage the union of all eligible teams best adopted to advance the cause of ladies' softball.
5. To establish and maintain by allied membership, alliances with associations at a provincial and national level devoted wholly or partially to the promotion of the game of softball; and
6. To collect moneys by way of donations, dues or otherwise and to hold and expend the same in furtherance of the objects of the corporation.
ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the league shall be composed of such Softball teams and Associations in the St. Catharines' district as shall agree to abide by, and comply with the constitution, by-laws, and rules of this league, the Provincial Women's Softball Association, and Softball Canada where they do not conflict with those of this corporation. Associate Memberships, in all groups, shall be granted to teams in other districts upon a unanimous vote of acceptance by teams in good standing in their respective groups in the S.C.L.S.L. Representatives of these associate members will vote only on those issues that affect their association in the league and will not have the power to vote on issues that affect the constitution of the League. Associate memberships shall be for one year only and must be renewed annually in accordance with the requirements of this article.
ARTICLE VI - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. The affairs of the League shall be managed by Board of Directors referred to as "The Executive".
2. The Board shall have the power to fill any vacancy which may occur in the Board between annual meetings.
3. The directors shall serve without remuneration; provided that a director may be paid or reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred by him/her in the performance of his/her duties.
ARTICLE VII - THE EXECUTIVE
1. The Executive Members shall comprise of the Executive officers PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, PAST PRESIDENT, TREASURER, SECRETARY, AND REGISTRAR TOGETHER WITH THE CONVENORS, PARKS CONVENOR, UMPIRE IN CHIEF, EQUIPMENT MANAGER, REP LIASON, DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT, WEBSMASTER AND THE DIVISIONAL CONVENORS.
2. The Executive Members shall conduct the business of the League between the annual meetings of the League.
3. The Executive Members shall carry out such duties as are required of it by the Letters Patent and the By-Laws of the League.
4. The League shall have the following elected officers: Past President, President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Registrar.
ADD: ELECTED OFFICERS
5. (a) Any member of the S.C.L.S.L. with at least 1 year experience as a coach, manager, parent or player with a ball team in this organization, shall be eligible for appointment to any of the appointed positions with the league. This would exclude the officers, which would require previous executive experience with this league.
(b) A person may be elected to only one position.
6. The Executive shall continue in office until their respective successors are elected or appointed as provided by the Corporations Act and this League.
7. Any executive member who is absent without adequate reason from two successive regular meetings of Executive may, by resolution by two-thirds of the members of the Executive, be removed from office.
8. A member of the Executive must submit in writing all reports as required. Failure to abide by this and they shall be removed from the Executive if necessary by a quorum of three Executive members and the President and not be in good standing with this League.
9. APPOINTED POSITIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE SHALL BE BUT NOT LIMITED TO: PARKS CONVENOR, UMPIRE IN CHIEF, EQUIPMENT MANAGER, REP LIASON, DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT, WEBMASTER AND THE DIVISIONAL CONVENORS INTERESTED IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE LEAGUE.
ARTICLE VIII - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
1. The President shall
A) PRESIDE AT ALL MEETINGS OF THE LEAGUE
B) SUPERVISE THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE LEAGUE
C) SUPERVISE THE WORK OF THE SECRETARY AND TREASURER
D) SUPERVISE TASKS ASSIGNED TO MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND ENSURE THAT ALL LEAGUE CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS, OPERATING RULES AND POLICIES ARE RESPECTED
E) PROVIDE THE LIAISON BETWEEN THE LEAGUE AND ALL EXTERNAL AGENCIES
F) ASSIGN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
G) DESIGNATE AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER TO BE HIS/HER REPLACEMENT IN THE EVENT THAT HE/SHE IS UNABLE TO ACT DUE TO ILLNESS AND
H) ATTEND MEETING WITH CITY OFFICERS REGARDING USE OF PARKS FACILITIES
2. The Vice-President shall assist the President and in the absence of the President he/she shall act and perform the duties of the President.
3. The Secretary shall cause to be kept the records of the corporation, save for those under the control of the Treasurer, including:
(i) a copy of the articles of incorporation
(ii) all by-laws and resolutions
(iii) a register of members including names and addresses
(iv) a register of directors including names and addresses
(v) the minutes of all proceedings at meetings of the Executive and Membership
(vi) the correspondence of the corporation
4. The Treasurer shall cause to be maintained proper accounting records of the League, including:
(i) depositing all monies received on behalf of the League in a chartered bank or trust company as approved by the Executive
(ii) the payment of all accounts as may be approved by the Executive. All cheques shall be signed by any two of the President, the Treasurer and the Secretary
(iii) a record of all sales and purchases
(iv) a record of the payment of all fees and dues required by the Executive
(v) the assets and liabilities of the League
(vi) all transactions affecting the financial position of the League.
5. The Registrar shall keep a record of all teams approved for membership in the League, including coaches, players and proof of age of all players, where applicable.
THE REGISTRAR WILL ORGANIZE THE COLLECTION OF ALL REGISTRATION MONIES AND HAND THEM OVER TO THE TREASURER AT REGULAR INTERVALS OR AS REQUESTED BY THE TREASURER.
5A) PAST PRESIDENT SHALL SERVE until a new President is elected. DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO: ASSISTING AND ADVISING THE PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE. THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE PAST PRESIDENT IS TO HELP THE NEW PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE WITH THE TRANSITION INTO THEIR POSITIONS.
6. Each of the officers shall be required to perform such other duties as may be assigned to him/her by the Executive and as considered in the best interest of the League.
7. The Convenors shall be responsible for the organization and direction of their respective divisions as established from time to time by the League Officers.
8. The Executive shall continue in office until their respective successors are elected or appointed as provided by the Corporations Act and this League.
9. Any executive MEMBER who does not perform their duties as outlined in the current guidelines shall be removed from office with two-thirds vote of the executive.
10. LEGAL
A) TO GOVERN AND DIRECT SCLSL ACCORDING TO ITS CONSITITUTION, BY-LAWS AND SPECIAL OPERATING RULES, ENSURING THAT THESE ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE PURPOSES; AND
B) TO REVIEW AND APPROVE RECOMMENDATIONS OF REVISIONS OF ITS CONSTITUTION, BY-LAWS AND SPECIAL OPERATING RULES, WHEN NECESSARY, AND FORWARD THESE TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FOR RATIFICIATION.
11. CULTURE AND VALUES
A) TO ESTABLISH AND REVIEW FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND BELIEFS THAT FORMS THE FOUNDATION OF SCLSL, TO GUIDE THE LEAGUE’S BEHAVIOUR, SERVICES AND PROGRAMS.
B) TO COMMUNICATE, ENCOURAGE AND MONITOR THE APPLICATION OF THESE FUNDAMENTSL BELIEFS THROUGHOUT THE SOFTBALL COMMUNITY
12. FINANCIAL
A) TO ENSURE THAT THE BUDGET REFLECTS THE PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIC DIRECTION OF THE LEAGUE THROUGH THE APROVAL AND MONITORING OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET AND WITHIN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
B) TO PLAN FOR AND ACQUIRE SUFFICIENT FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO IMPLEMENT THE PLANS OF THE LEAGUE IN PRUDENT, FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE WAY.
C) TO ENSURE THAT EFFECTIVE FINANCIAL CONTROLS AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ARE IN PLACE TO PROTECT THE ASSETS OF THE LEAGUE.
D) TO ENSURE INDEPENT AUDITING OF THE FINANCIAL OPERATION.
13. DUTIES
A) CONDUCT THE BUSINESS OF THE LEAGUE BETWEEN THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS.
B) HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO SUSPEND PLAYERS, MANAGERS, COACHES OF UMPIRES WHO DO NOT ABIDE BY THE LEAGUE’S BY-LAWS AND OPERATING RULES.
C) CARRY OUT OTHER DUTIES ASSIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT WHO SHALL STATE THEIR EXTENT. SPECIFIC COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS SHALL BE MADE AT THE FIRST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING AFTER THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
ARTICLE IX - MEETINGS
1. The Annual Meeting of the League shall be held in the third week of October or at such other time and in such place as the Executive may determine.
2. A full membership meeting shall be held by the last week of April to outline the program of the year and to consider such other business as might come before it.
3. Special General meetings of the membership may be called at any time by the President who shall in any event do so when requested so to do by at least three officers of the League. The notice calling the meeting shall set forth the nature of the business to be conducted at any such special meeting.
4. The Executive shall hold meetings from time to time at the call of the President.
5. Divisional meetings are subject to the call of the Divisional Convenor provided, however, that there be a meeting of each division after general registration. The President or his representative shall be in attendance at all divisional meetings.
6. There shall be not less than thirty days notice for the Annual Meeting, ten days notice of any other meeting of members and two day's notice of any Executive meeting. Any person entitled to notice may waive notice or signify their consent in writing to the meeting being held and the transaction of the business that may come before it.
7. QUORUM - A quorum for the holding of membership meetings
shall be one-third of the then current membership. A bare majority present including at least 3 Executive Officers at any meeting of the Executive shall be a quorum for the transaction of business.
8. (a) Each team in good standing shall be entitled to one vote which shall be cast by the declared team representative which could be anyone of the following: coach, assistant coach, manager, ADULT player or parent of a player registered with that team. Any dispute in voting power will be decided by the Executive.
(b) Each Executive member shall be entitled to one vote.
9. Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes cast at that meeting.
ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
A) LEAGUE ELECTIONS SHALL BE CARRIED BY BALLOT AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
B) THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS SHALL BE ELECTED BY FIFTY PERCENT PLUS ONE OF THE VOTES CAST. UNTIL THIS NUMBER IS REACHED THE CANDIDATE RECEIVE THE LEAST NUMBER OF VOTES ON ANY BALLOT SHALL BE REMOVED FROM THE NEXT BALLOT TO BE CAST FOR THE OFFICE
ARTICLE X - ORDER OF BUSINESS - ANNUAL MEETING
This Order of Business shall be:
1. Call to order by the Chairman.
2. Read the Notice or call on the Secretary to report on the Notice given calling the meeting.
3. Read the minutes of the last general meeting.
4. Business arising from the minutes of the last general meeting.
5. Correspondence, if any.
6. Presentation of the President's written Report.
7. Presentation of the Secretary's written Report.
8. Presentation of the Treasurer's written Report.
9. Presentation of the Registrar’s written Report.
10. Presentation of Convenors' written Reports.
11. Election of Officers.
12. Amendments to By-Laws.
13. General Business.
ARTICLE XI - FINANCE
1. The Fiscal Year of the League shall be the calendar year.
2. Borrowing:
The Executive Committee may from time to time:
(a) borrow money on the credit of the League.
(b) issue, sell or pledge securities of the League.
(c) charge, mortgage or pledge all or any of the assets of the League and undertake to secure any money borrowed, or other debt, or any other obligation or liability of the League.
3. Distribution of Assets:
Subject to the provisions of the Letters of Patent upon the dissolution of the corporation and after payment of all of the debts and liabilities of the league, the remaining property shall be transferred or disposed of to an organization or association within the Regional Municipality of Niagara promoting the interest of ladies' softball.
4. All monies paid out must be approved by the Executive.
5. Two (2) persons shall be appointed annually to act as Auditors by the Executive.
6. The auditors report shall be available by the Annual GENERAL SPRING Meeting.
1. Contracts, documents, or any instruments in writing requiring the signature of the League shall be signed by either the President or the Vice-President and the Secretary or the Treasurer.
2. The Executive shall have the power from time to time by resolutions to appoint an officer or officers to enter into agreements and to sign documents or papers for and on behalf of the League.
ARTICLE XIII - OPERATING RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Executive from time to time may make rules and regulations relative to the operation of the League and prescribe fees and dues, which schedule of fees and dues, duties and regulations, shall form an appendix and be part of the general operating By-Law of the League.
ARTICLE XIV - AMENDMENTS
This By-Law may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present in annual meeting or at a special general meeting called for the purpose. Notice of the proposed amendment must be in the hands of the Secretary at least ten days prior to the meeting at which the amendment is to be considered. The Current Amendments will be available from the Secretary one week prior to the meeting.
BY-LAWS
By-Laws in this constitution are to be restricted to constants. Variables are to be covered in the motions-in-the-minutes as the need arises. All Divisional Variables to be in the hands of the Secretary of the League 48 hours after divisional meetings. All Divisional Variables must be approved by the Executive.
BY-LAW 1 - FEES
Registration Fees shall be set by the League Executive.
BY-LAW 2 - MEMBERSHIP
Every team desirous of joining or affiliating with this League shall apply for membership by paying membership fees as prescribed in By-Law 1 and governed by Article 5.
BY-LAW 3
(a) All games shall be played under P.W.S.A. and Softball Canada Rules. (Excluding Softball Canada Minor Playing Rules). Unless altered for the Leagues purposes in Divisional play and referred to as “Variances”.
(b) All girls present at the beginning of the game shall be placed on a continuous batting order. They will bat in that order throughout the game regardless of the time spent on the field.
(c) All coaches and players must remain in the playing area during the game.
Effect: After one (1) warning, the player or coach will be ejected from the game. Continued abuse of the rule, the coach and or player will be removed from the team and the league.
(d) All players present are to play at least every alternate inning; therefore unlimited substitution shall be allowed. Late arrivals will be added to the bottom of the batting order. They will be eligible to play in the next inning.
(e) No player can pitch in more than (3) innings, making no more than two appearances per inning.
EFFECT: (a-d) Abuse of this rule will be dealt with by the Executive.
(f) Any person who is accepted as an REP Coach, shall not be allowed to coach a House League team, during the same season, unless the Executive approves.
(g) Any coach or coaches knowingly using an illegal player in any position shall be suspended for:
first offense 3 games
second offense 5 games
third offense indefinitely
BY-LAW 4 - PLAYER-LIMITS AND CLASSIFICATION
(a) Minor Teams will be formed after registration in the following method:
1. RETURNING PLAYERS REGISTERING PRIOR TO PAID REGISTRATION DEADLINE WILL BE GIVEN THE PREFERENCE TO RETURN TO PREVIOUS TEAM, IF POSSIBLE
2. SPECIAL REQUESTS WILL BE GRANTED, WHERE POSSIBLE, I.E. FOR ITEMS SUCH AS RIDES TO GAMES, COACH’S DAUGHTER AND RELATIVES.
3. NEW PLAYERS PAID (REGISTRATIONS) AND/OR LATE PAID REGISTERS PLACED ON TEAMS TO EVEN OUT THE REGISTRATION NUMBERS AND/OR THE ABILITY OF THE TEAMS.
4. RATING SHEETS AND/OR KNOWLEDGE OF THE SKILL AND ABILITY OF THE PLAYERS WILL BE USED TO EVEN OUT THE TEAMS WITHIN THE DIVISION.
5. NO TEAMS MAY HAVE MORE THAN 15 REGISTERED PLAYERS AT ANY ONE TIME UNLESS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE. NOTED IN AN APROVED DIVISION VARIANCES.
6. Divide players into teams by the draw of the hat, if more than one team in a district.
7. Rearrange those 'special' requests when physically possible.
8. No Team may have more than 15 registered players at any one time unless approved by the Executive.
8. A house league player assigned to one classification may not play more than three games in a higher house league classification. Any deviation from this rule will REQUIRE PRE APPROVAL FROM THE CONVENORS OF BOTH DIVISIONS, otherwise is could result in automatic forfeiture of any games past the original three and could result in further disciplinary action.
(9. In order for a player to 'play up' in a higher classification, the requesting coach must advise both convenors and the players coach within 24 hours of the game or the game will be forfeited and could result in further disciplinary action.
(10. No player may play for two teams. (Exception (1) as a substitute player under section c.) (2) As an additional signed player to a respective Rep team so as to avoid forfeiture of that same Rep team, on condition it does not interfere with the player's own league game, or on approval of her house league coach and convenor. (3) As a select player on a Provincial registered team, where all players are also assigned to a house league team.
(11. No coach can exceed a team of 11 players if player(s) are brought up for that game THE OFFENDING TEAMS COACH may BE SUBJECT TO A DISCIPLINARY HEARING. A player brought up may play any position.
(12. No player shall play both house league and all-star softball in any league or organization in the same season. WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM REP LIAISON AND THE DIVISIONAL CONVENOR.
(Exception: BY-LAW 4e)
BY-LAW 5 - CERTIFICATES
All players in this league must procure birth certificates or other legal proof of age where applicable and present these to the Registrar for ratification before they are allowed to play in any League games. A list of Players, their age, and other pertinent information will be recorded by the Registrar and a duplicate will be filed with the Divisional Convenor. Each player must play the whole season on the team assigned. Releases from one team to another for a player during the season will be reviewed and approved by the League Executive only. Coaches, Managers, and Executive members must also register with the League.
BY-LAW 6 - SCHEDULES AND GAMES
(a) Rainouts, poor playing-field conditions, examinations, GRADUATIONS OR A LACK OF AVAILABLE PLAYERS shall considered reasonable REQUEST for postponement.
(b) Convenors must rule on any other REQUEST for postponement.
(c) Penalties for defaults to be assessed by the Executive on the advice of the convenor.
(d) Convenors shall reschedule postponed games within 10 days. OR A TIME MUTUALLY AGREED UPON BY THE CONVENOR AND COACHES INVOLVED.
(e) All games shall be seven innings with no new innings to begin after 1 hour and 25 minutes of play.
(f) Coaches shall notify convenors of postponed games within 24 hours. Note: Item (a) above.
BY-LAW 7 - PROTESTS
In order for any protest to be considered, the protesting party shall pay a fee of $25.00 and submit it within 24 hours of the protestable event, along with a written submission to the Secretary of the S.C.L.S.L. A protest committee shall consist of three members (excluding the President), two of these from outside the division. THE UMPIRE IN CHIEF, IF POSSIBLE, WILL BE ONE OF THE THREE PERSONS TO SIT ON THE PROTEST COMMITTEE. The President shall act as chairman for this committee without a vote.
BY-LAW 8 - SCHEDULE AND PLAYOFF ARRANGEMENTS
(a) The schedule shall be arranged by the PARKS CONVENOR ALONG WITH THE Divisional Convenor with the help of appointees in committee and subject to approval of the governing body. The format of the playoffs is to be arranged annually by the executive at the meeting to close entries and may not be subsequently changed for any reason.
Playoffs: Dates to be set by the PARKS Convenor, and APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE subject to written appeal by the team involved within 48 hours of the receipt of the schedule.
(b) All playoffs shall be in the form of a double knockout tournament with all teams participating UNLESS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE. FIRST PLACE TEAM TO RECEIVE A BYE IF MORE THAN 4 TEAMS.
(c) All seasonal rules shall be used for Play-offs UNLESS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE.
(d) The following procedures will be used, in this order, until a tie in final standings is broken (when necessary):
i) most wins between tied teams;
ii) most wins in all games;
iii) least number of losses in all games;
iv) tie-breaking game(s) will be played
(To have some method in writing for convenors)
BY-LAW 9 - UMPIRES
The Umpire-in-chief shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Executive at the OFFICERS meeting for the closing of entries each year and shall have the sole power to secure umpires for each game. All assigned umpires are invested with full authority to handle the game and render decisions as per the P.W.S.A. and Softball Canada rule books and LEAGUE VARIANCES shall be responsible to the Umpire-in-chief.
BY-LAW 10 - SUSPENSIONS AND REINSTATEMENTS
Any team, player, coach, manager or Executive of the league who violates any section of this constitution, by-laws or the P.W.S.A. or Softball Canada Rules or refuses to abide by the decisions of the league shall be liable to suspension. All suspensions and reinstatements must have a TWO THIRDS majority vote of the members present to be enforced. That a minimum penalty of three games and a maximum of life suspension be set down as guidelines for a suspension committee, for physical violence on the diamond or at the ball park, this to include league games and playoffs.
BY-LAW 11 - EXHIBITIONS
No out of town games can be played by house league teams without first notifying the Secretary in writing with a list of players and coaches involved.
EFFECT: Failure to comply will place all personnel under automatic suspension.
BY-LAW 12 - TROPHIES AND AWARDS
All trophies are the property of this league. Trophies and awards shall be arranged divisionally and the criteria for the standards used as guidelines for judging the winning of the various awards and trophies established within the divisions and are subject to the approval of the executive. All team trophies are the responsibility of the recipient who will bear the cost of repairs to damages or replacement if lost. The league will pay for all engraving of team trophies. All league trophies are to be signed for and the condition of the trophy to be noted on the receipt. All trophies are to be returned to the league by April 1st. All championship trophies are to be presented to the winning team by the League President or his/her delegated assistant at the end of the championship game.
BY-LAW 13 - LEAGUE EQUIPMENT
All coaches and managers are liable for all league equipment including bases. All equipment must be labeled clearly with the league name and the team name (or distinguishing mark). The equipment must be itemized at the beginning of the season on the league Equipment Sheets. These sheets will be signed by the coach/manager the equipment convenor and will be the official receipt of such equipment as each team is allotted. Equipment added to the team during the season must also be signed for. Requests for more or replacement equipment must be made to the Equipment Convenor who will have league approval to purchase such equipment as he or she sees fit within the financial guidelines set out at the initial executive meeting of the year.
Discipline Committee Procedures
Designate receives a written request.
involved of their responsibility to ensure that the committee has all pertinent information
submitted of their perusal within 48 hours of this notification.
Appeals Committee Procedures
1. The Appeals Committee will convene when a written request for an appeal, including the reason(s) for the appeal, is filed with the President/Designate of the S.C.L.S.L. A request for an appeal can only be filed by the person (if a minor then parent/guardian) who was assessed the Discipline Committee decision.
2. It is the responsibility of the person requesting the appeal to compile letters and other information, which substantiates the reason for the appeal. It is the responsibility of the S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate to notify any other interested parties of the appeal, so that they can provide further information if they deem necessary. The Discipline Committee’s ruling will stand while awaiting an Appeals Committee decision.
3. The Appeals Committee shall be appointed by the S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate and comprised of five (5) persons. These persons may be from the S.C.L.S.L. Executive or from other non-involved members of the association, who have no pre-set attitude or apparent interest in the result of the complaint. The members of the original Discipline Committee cannot be members of the Appeals Committee, but do have the right to speak at the hearing if they so wish.
4. The Appeals Committee will convene within two (2) weeks of receipt of the appeal and appoint a Chairperson from the five members. The S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate will act as Secretary for the committee and make available any letters, etc. the committee deems necessary.
5. The Appeals Committee shall conduct research, hearings and render a decision on whether the appealed question needs to be reviewed. If the decision of the Appeal Committee is such that a greater or lesser action is warranted, so be it.
6. The members shall hold discussion, information, and findings expressed during the course of an Appeals Committee in the strictest confidence. Specific findings will be made available to the Executive, Appellants, and the Respondents in the form of written directives.
7. The decision of the Appeals Committee will be delivered in written form only by the S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate or by courier or registered mail as time permits.
8. Minutes and any correspondence of this committee will be confidential to the committee members and the S.C.L.SL. President/Designate and Secretary.