SETTA Disciplinary Process

SETTA Disciplinary Process                                                                                                                                                                                                         15 June 2026

Introduction

SETTA is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all members, players, volunteers, officials and visitors. To achieve this goal, SETTA have two complaint handling processes – Grievance and Disciplinary.The Grievance process handles disputes and minor behavioural misdemeanours.The Disciplinary process handles significant or repeated behavioural issues.The Grievance process seeks resolution of a dispute. The Disciplinary process determines whether misconduct has occurred and whether sanctions are required.

A matter may be:

• referred directly to the disciplinary process or
• escalated from a grievance process if misconduct is identified.

1.Purpose

The purpose of this Disciplinary Policy is to:

• Ensure that significant breaches of rules, codes of conduct, or expected behaviour are addressed consistently and transparently.
• Provide a fair process that follows principles of natural justice
• Ensure that disciplinary action is only taken after proper investigation and due process
• Maintain a safe, fair and respectful environment for all SETTA members

This policy applies to all SETTA members, including players, coaches, volunteers, officials, and committee members.

2. Scope

This Disciplinary Policy applies to alleged serious or repeated misconduct including, but not limited to:

2.1 On-Court Conduct

• Verbal abuse of players, officials, or spectators
• Significant or repeated unsporting behaviour
• Intentionally disrupting matches
• Refusing to follow match rules or umpire directions
• Repeated time wasting after prior warning
• Throwing equipment or damaging facilities

2.2 Off-Court Conduct (SETTA-related)

• Harassment, bullying, or intimidation of members
• Discriminatory or offensive language or behaviour
• Disputes that escalate into threats or ongoing hostility

2.3 Integrity and Compliance

• Cheating or deliberate manipulation of match results
• Falsifying player eligibility or match records
• Repeated breaches of SETTA rules or policies
• Failure to comply with reasonable directions of officials or committee

2.4 Serious Misconduct

• Physical violence or threats of violence
• Severe harassment or discrimination
• Serious damage to property
• Any conduct that brings SETTA or the sport into disrepute

3. Guiding Principles

All disciplinary matters will be managed according to the following principles:

3.1 Natural Justice (Procedural Fairness)

All parties are entitled to:

• Be informed of allegations
• Respond to allegations
• Have their case considered without bias

3.2 Presumption of Innocence

No disciplinary action will be taken unless allegations are substantiated following review.

3.3 Proportionality

Sanctions will be appropriate to the severity and context of the misconduct.

3.4 Confidentiality

Matters will be handled discreetly and shared only with those directly involved in the process.

3.5 Timeliness

Matters will be addressed as promptly as practicable, within 7 days.

4. Disciplinary Procedure

The disciplinary process involves five key stages.It relies on the appointment of a Disciplinary committee that is appointed by the SETTA Committee.

Stage 1 – Complaint or Incident Report

A disciplinary matter may be initiated by:

• Opposing teams or other teams at the venue.
• SETTA officials (eg. Grievance officer or night venue supervisors)
• Committee members
• Written complaint from a member or spectator

The report should include:

• Date, time, and location
• Individuals involved
• Description of alleged conduct
• Witnesses or supporting evidence

Stage 2 – Preliminary Review

The Setta Committee will appoint a Disciplinary Committee (2 to 3 people made up from Setta committee and possibly the MPIO from TTV). They will conduct an initial review to :

• Confirm the matter is serious enough to fall under this policy
• All relevant information has been gathered and documented
• Whether immediate interim action is necessary

Possible interim actions (if required):

• Temporary suspension from play
• Restrictions on participation pending investigation

Interim actions are precautionary and not a determination of guilt.

Stage 3 – Notice of Allegation

If the matter proceeds, the respondent will be provided with:

• Details of the allegation(s)
• Relevant evidence or summary of evidence
• Potential rule breaches
• Information on possible sanctions
• Opportunity to respond in writing or in person

The member will be given a reasonable timeframe of 7 days to respond.

Stage 4 – Investigation and Hearing

The Disciplinary Committee will review all available information, which may include:

• Written statements
• Witness accounts
• Prior relevant conduct (where appropriate)

A hearing may be held where:

• the member can present their version of events
• the member may bring a support person (non legal advocate)
• questions may be asked by the committee

The process is intended to be fair, structured, and proportionate to the seriousness of the matter.

Stage 5 – Decision and Outcome

After review, the Disciplinary committee will determine:

• Whether the allegation is substantiated (fully, partially, or not at all)
• Whether a breach has occurred
• What sanction (if any) is appropriate

The decision will be communicated in writing to the member(s) involved within 7 days.

5. Possible Sanctions

Sanctions may include one or more of the following:

5.1 Informal or Minor Sanctions

• Warning
• Mandatory reminder of code of conduct

5.2 Competition-Based Sanctions

• Loss of match points
• Suspension from specific matches or rounds

5.3 Membership Sanctions

• Suspension for a defined period
• Expulsion from SETTA membership (for serious breaches)

5.4 Additional Measures

• Apology or restorative action (where appropriate)
• Conditions placed on future participation

Sanctions will be proportionate to the severity, intent, and history of behaviour.

6. Escalation.

The disciplinary team should be aware the complainant can escalate to TTV regarding sanctions.If the dispute involves discrimination, vilification, abuse, or breaches of the code of conduct, it falls under member protection and a member can escalate to the TTV's designated Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO). The MPIO acts as an independent sounding board to discuss your concerns confidentially and outline your options. (At this time the TTV CEO serves as the MPIO and can be contacted via email at ceo@tabletennisvic.org.au.)  

So it would be wise for the Disciplinary Committee to consult and check with TTV before any sanctions are decided.For serious issues covered under the National Integrity Framework (such as child safety or severe misconduct), the matter may also be escalated via Sport Integrity Australia.

7. Roles & Responsibilities

7.1  Members.

·        Raise concerns respectfully and promptly (within 7 days).

·        Participate in good faith in the Disciplinary Process and attend hearing if requested.

7.2 Disciplinary Committee (2-3 people).

·        Appointed by the SETTA president/committee.

·        May have people external to SETTA with experience and knowledge of the process.

7.3 SETTA Secretary.

Maintain an official SETTA record of the matter and ensure incident description, investigation materials, committee decisions, sanction agreed and any correspondence with TTV are included.Plus ensure these records can only be accessed by authorised committee members.

8. Appeals Process

A member may appeal a disciplinary decision if there are valid grounds such as:

• New evidence not previously considered
• Sanction being disproportionate to the offence

Appeals must be lodged in writing within 7 days.

The Disciplinary Committee will review the case and may:

• uphold the decision
• modify the sanction
• overturn the decision

The Appeals decision is final.

9. Protection from Retaliation

SETTA strictly prohibits retaliation against any person involved in a disciplinary process, including:

• complainants
• witnesses
• committee members

Retaliation may itself result in disciplinary action.

10. Committee Authority

The SETTA Disciplinary Committee will have authority to:

• interpret this policy
• investigate breaches
• impose sanctions
• refer matters to external bodies if required (e.g. Table Tennis Victoria)

11. Review of Policy

This Disciplinary Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains fair, effective, and consistent with best practice in community sport governance.