audio-talk

One for our Dennis (DQ) if he can offer advice.


I was recently asked to play in a bowls match, then told a few days later by the club secretary that I was not to play because of an unspecified "behaviour" problem.

At no time did anyone contact me prior to the notice, so there was no discussion or warnings, verbal or written.

As I understand things my grievance is not with the club as such, but with the officer or officers that made the decision.

Is that correct please ?

Rather than be lazy, I did some looking (not research ) and found this web site.

Is all I need to know on there DQ ?

https://www.myerssolicitors.co.uk/the-l ... be-tricky/

Bottom line seems to be that you need to get a copy of the club's constitution and read it very carefully...

jack wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 3:24 pm Bottom line seems to be that you need to get a copy of the club's constitution and read it very carefully...

Thanks, I'd already asked for a copy.

I guess my question would be what do you hope to gain?

Nick wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 4:03 pm I guess my question would be what do you hope to gain?

An apology.

If it’s a members club, legally they can do what they want .

The only exception would be if the decision was because of your race , sexuality or disability , but thier unlikely to admit it .

The constitution are thier rules , they are largely irrelevant to the issue .

pre65 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 4:06 pm

Nick wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 4:03 pm I guess my question would be what do you hope to gain?

An apology.

Not sure how you would make them do that. Also what is the value in an apology that you have forced them to make?

Nick wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 4:34 pm

pre65 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 4:06 pm

Nick wrote: ↑Sun Jul 31, 2022 4:03 pm I guess my question would be what do you hope to gain?

An apology.

Not sure how you would make them do that. Also what is the value in an apology that you have forced them to make?

I'd say it was better than no apology.

But, I'm fairly sure that he won't apologise.

Can one go to the small claims court and ask for an apology in lieu of a financial consideration ?

No .

You can’t stop people behaving in ways you do not like .

Defamation, race, sexuality and disability are the only issues with legal recourse in such circumstances .

You can’t stop people behaving in ways you do not like

Well, unless you happen to be the Secretary of State

As a sports club chairperson, as DQ says the clubs constitution is law. We have added clauses to our to refuse people joining and renewing membership as some individuals are a PITA and spoil it for others. They can claim victimisation, but it won’t go any further. If the officer has acted outside of the constitution, then you can take it up with the committee. Ask for documented evidence of the charges against you, so you can grovel and amend your ways. Other than that join another club.

progressing this may make you more unpopular than you seem to be already.

IME I have seen members who have been agrieved try and make a statement.....they have resigned.

I have been in contact with an old club member who was the treasurer, and although he has not got a copy of the club constitution, he actually wrote it many years ago, and remembers what the disciplinary procedure was.

It's allied to that of Bowls England, one of the governing bodies of the sport.

I have located said procedure on the BE web site, and sent a link to the club secretary.

Needless to say, the way they have handled my case (so far) is in flagrant disregard of the policy BE expect clubs to adhere to.

In the event the committee judged me in my absence, without consultation, and had my membership terminated.

The chairman has been doing more daft things, and has upset many more members. Some have resigned, and quite a few won't be renewing their outdoor membership next season.

Most (if not all) the disgruntled members will be joining another local club, so I will still be playing with my friends.