Grievance Policy and Procedures
The guidelines outlined in this policy are basic guidelines and may not cover all of the issues that may present themselves over the course of a soccer season. In the event that an incident presents itself that cannot be resolved between the parties involved, the following grievance steps will be taken. The policy is intended to comply with the general requirements for grievances, disputes and appeals of the United States Youth Soccer Organization By-laws.
The Policy is intended to cover the grievances of coaches, participants, parents, spectators, and Commack Soccer League (CSL) Board Members.
In the event of a grievance:
1. Any person and/or persons wishing to file a grievance must do so in writing and/or email to the Commack Soccer League Executive Board of Directors within 7 days of the occurrence. Contact Andrew T. Kasman, Esq., 41 Cedar Ridge Lane, Dix Hills, NY 11746, Phone 516-448-1327, Fax 631-858-0734, E-mail: akasmanesq@msn.com.
2. The CSL Board will notify the person and/or persons involved in the grievance within 7 business days of receiving the notification and advise the parties involved of the nature of the grievance, dispute, or appeal, the names of all parties, a copy of the grievance, dispute, or appeal, and shall advise the persons involved that the CSL Board will gather the related information, which may include eyewitness accounts, written information, (i.e. handbook, registration forms, etc.,) and other such information.
3. If the Board decides that the incident that initiated the grievance and/or the grievance itself has no merit, they will render their decision immediately. If the Board finds that it warrants further consideration, the following steps will be initiated in a timely matter.
a. The CSL Board will appoint a Grievance Committee that will consist of a least 3 CSL members that are not involved in the grievance, dispute, or appeal. The Grievance Committee will notify all the parties involved 7 business days in advance of a date to hear the grievance.
b. All persons wishing to address the Committee, either for or against the grievance, shall notify the committee that they would like to be put on the hearing agenda within 5 business days of the notification.
c. Each person will be allotted 10 minutes to address the committee. If any person cannot attend, they will be allowed to submit in writing their response to the grievance. The Grievance Committee shall have the opportunity to ask questions. There shall be a written record of the hearing, but a formal transcript will not be taken or required.
d. The Grievance Committee will meet separately to consider the grievance and render their decision.
e. All parties will be notified within 7 business days by either a follow up meeting and/or certified mail as to the committee’s decision. The Grievance Committee’s decision will be Final. The committee will inform the CSL Board of the decision and it will be noted in the minutes of the next board meeting.
f. If the decision of the Grievance Committee determines that probation or suspension from the CSL is warranted, then the Board will take into consideration the period of probation or suspension recommended by the committee and implement the decision. The decision may also include follow-up meetings and/or observations as to the probation period, before the incident is resolved and reinstatement has occurred.
