Complaints

Fredericton Youth Ringette Association (FYRA) Complaints & Discipline Policy

1. Purpose

The Fredericton Youth Ringette Association (FYRA) is committed to fostering a positive, safe, and respectful environment for all participants. This policy provides a clear, transparent, and fair process for addressing complaints, ensuring that concerns are handled constructively and that disciplinary matters are managed appropriately and consistently.

2. Scope and Guiding Principles

This policy applies to all individuals participating in FYRA activities, events, and programs. FYRA is guided by the principles of procedural fairness, natural justice, and confidentiality, as outlined in the Ringette New Brunswick (RNB) Discipline and Complaints Policy. The NB Safe Sport Dispute Resolution Program, administered through ITP Sport, is also available for complaints concerning maltreatment or policy non-compliance.

3. Informal Resolution - Resolving Issues Informally

FYRA encourages individuals to attempt to resolve concerns informally whenever possible through direct and respectful communication.

• Initial Steps: Individuals are encouraged to discuss concerns directly with the person involved (e.g., coach, team manager, parent).
• Team Level: For team-specific issues not resolved through direct discussion, individuals may speak with their Team Manager or Coach in a constructive manner.
• Wait Period: It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours after an incident before initiating a discussion or formal complaint to allow time for reflection.
• Documentation: Individuals are encouraged to document key details such as the date, time, location, and a brief description of the issue for future reference.

4. Formal Complaint - When Informal Resolution is Not Possible

If informal resolution is not achieved or is not appropriate, a formal complaint must be submitted in writing using the official FYRA Complaints Form.

• Who to Contact: Submit the completed FYRA Complaints Form to FYRAcomplaints@gmail.com. This inbox is monitored by the Chairperson of the FYRA Complaints Committee, ensuring confidentiality.
• Submission Requirements: Complaints must be signed and filed within fourteen (14) days of the alleged incident.
• Late Submission: Complaints submitted after the deadline must include a written explanation. Acceptance is at the sole discretion of the FYRA Complaints Committee Chairperson and cannot be appealed.

5. FYRA Complaints Committee

Upon receipt of a formal complaint, the Chairperson will review it. If deemed legitimate and not frivolous, it will be investigated.

• Committee Structure: The Committee will consist of a Chairperson from the FYRA Executive Board and two impartial individuals (either Board Members or external parties). If a conflict of interest is identified, the individual will be removed and replaced.
• Investigation and Decision: A written decision will be provided to both parties within fourteen (14) days of the review’s conclusion.
• Sanctions: If an infraction is found, sanctions will be imposed in accordance with the Ringette New Brunswick Discipline and Complaints Policy.
• Confidentiality: All proceedings and documentation will remain confidential unless disclosure is required by law.

6. Safe Sport Complaints (UCCMS)

For serious allegations of maltreatment, individuals may access the NB Safe Sport Dispute Resolution Program. Complaints can be made via phone at 1-800-758-9412 or online at https://app.integritycounts.ca/org/itpsport. FYRA will cooperate with RNB and Safe Sport authorities as appropriate.

7. Policy Review

This policy will be monitored periodically to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with the policies of Ringette New Brunswick and Ringette Canada.

updated October 2025