COMMUNICATION AND GRIEVANCE PROCESS
LSB parents, board members, coaches are encouraged to have open communication at all times. In the event of a significant concern between LSB members, volunteers and coaches, the Grievance Process should be followed. It is the intent of the LSB Board of Directors to provide an opportunity for members (coaches, parents, players) to express their concerns and receive a timely and appropriate response. In order to ensure a respectful and professional experience, the board insists that coaches, parents, players, and board members follow the Grievance Process as presented.
Cooling off period. There are to be no spontaneous grievance related conversations immediately following a game or practice. Players and parents agree to wait at least 24 hours after a game or practice prior to initiating a conversation with a coach or board member. Coaches, parents, and board members agree to not participate in any conversations where the Grievance Procedure has not been followed.
Grievance form. Prior to any conversations being held between a parent and a coach or board member in regard to the significant concern, a Grievance Form must be completed by the complainant. The Grievance Form can be requested from the LSB Secretary. The complainant should email the completed Grievance Form to the LSB Vice President. The LSB Vice President will be responsible for delivering the form to the appropriate party – which will allow the party the opportunity to be prepared to discuss the issue.
Initial Meeting. The Vice President will help arrange a meeting between both parties in order to resolve the issue. The Vice President will facilitate the initial meeting between the two parties in hopes that the significant concern can be resolved without further intervention. Both parties agree to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully at all times.
Second Meeting. In the event the significant concern is not resolved between the two parties at the initial meeting, the Vice President will forward the issue to the LSB Board of Directors. The Vice President will facilitate the second meeting between the complainant and the appropriate group in order to resolve the issue
Decisions/Resolutions: If the significant concern was able to be resolved at the initial meeting or second meeting, the Vice President will document the outcome of the meeting and the grievance will be considered closed. If the Grievance process is not fulfilled completely by either party, the LSB Board will evaluate and determine repercussions to the party (Parent, Player, Coach, Etc.) that did not fulfill the process. At the conclusion of all grievances, the completed form will be stored with the association secretary.
Final Thoughts. In the interest of protecting the family-oriented environment of LSB, it is imperative that this policy be followed by all. All grievances will be kept confidential with the parties involved. The LSB Board of Directors wants to have open communication with all members. Should any questions or concerns arise during the season that aren’t necessarily a grievance, the Board encourages parents to attend a board meeting to discuss the topic at hand. Being open and transparent will help promote a successful organization.