SSBL ETHICS REVIEW
SSBL is committed to maintaining a respectful, fair, and inclusive softball community grounded in strong ethical standards. This page outlines the Ethics Review Process, which allows players to raise concerns regarding conduct, sportsmanship, or potential violations of league policies. Any player may request a review by submitting a clear and detailed account of the incident, including relevant dates, individuals involved, and supporting information. All submissions are handled confidentially and reviewed impartially by designated league representatives, with timely follow-up and appropriate action taken when necessary. This process exists not only to address concerns, but to uphold the integrity, accountability, and sportsmanship that define SSBL.
For greater detail the process is outlined below.
The petitioner may file an ethics review, and may choose do so anonymously, through the button below.
PROCESS
Petition for Discipline
A player, a team (through its manager), an umpire with the concurrence of a sport/season coordinator or member of the Board of Directors, or a member of the Board of Directors or a sport/season coordinator may file a petition seeking discipline against a team and/or individual. The petition shall include the following information to be accepted:
a. Name(s) of the alleged violators
b. Date(s) of the alleged violations
c. Reference to the rule(s) violated
d. Brief Summary of the violation
Screening of Petition
The Assistant Commissioner & Chair of the Ethics Committee shall screen all petitions received and ensure that the required information is presented and the petition is not frivolous. All attempts will be made to assist in correcting a petition. Any petition that is screened out shall not be forwarded to the Ethics Committee for action, except that a report shall be made by the Chair to the Commissioner of the petition and its nature. All petitions accepted shall be forwarded for action under this chapter.
Hearing
The following procedure shall be followed in all actions where discipline may be applied:
a. Hearing – Prior to disqualification by the Ethics Committee, a Team or Team member must be given an
opportunity for a hearing by and in front of the Ethics Committee.
b. Notification – If the Ethics Committee is taking the action, the Secretary will notify the person and/or
team in question at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled hearing date, electronically and/or in writing
of the time, place and date of the hearing.
c. Rulings - After hearing all of the evidence, the Ethics Committee may take whatever action it deems
necessary and appropriate in accordance with the bylaws and policies of this organization. The person
and/or team in question must be advised electronically and/or in writing of the action taken.
d. Right of Appeal – A person and/or team disqualified from SSBL may appeal to the Commissioner who shall
determine if a fair hearing was held and an equitable decision reached. The decision of the Commissioner
shall be final.
e. Timing of Appeal - Any disqualified person and/or team must notify the Commissioner of their desire to
appeal the decision within three (3) days of being notified of the disqualification. Such appeal must be
made in writing.
Sanctions & Penalties
The Ethics Committee’s action to set sanctions as it sees fit, in accordance with the bylaws and the policies of this organization, shall be recorded the Secretary. The Ethics Committee may order financial sanctions, including fines and/or fees.
Any or all of the following penalties, but not limited to these stated, may be imposed by the Ethics Committee:
a. Suspension of participation or right to be present for all or any members of the team, any national or
regional tournament, any SSBL Event or any combination of these for any length of time at the discretion
of the Ethics Committee.
b. Suspension of participation or right to be present for any non-playing person(s) at any SSBL event for any
length of time at the discretion of the Ethics Committee.
c. Suspension of the team's voting privileges.
d. Permanent expulsion of the Manager.
e. Permanent expulsion of the player(s) involved.
f. Permanent expulsion of the person(s) involved.
g. A fine.