Complaints & Disciplinary.

Raising a Complaint

The Obstacle Course Racing Association of Ireland (OCRA ÉIREANN) maintains a disciplinary process to support fair and consistent handling of alleged breaches of rules, ethics or standards of conduct.

Members who believe that a serious breach has occurred can raise the matter with OCRA in writing.

What May Lead to Disciplinary Action?

Matters that may trigger a disciplinary review include:

• Cheating in competition
• Abuse
• Harassment
• Discrimination
• Dangerous behaviour
• Violations of safety rules
• Serious breaches of OCRA rules
• Conduct damaging to the integrity of OCRA or the sport
• Misconduct by coaches
• Misconduct by Technical Officials
• Serious or repeated breaches of applicable Codes of Conduct

Submitting a Complaint

A complaint should be submitted in writing.

The complaint should provide as much relevant information as reasonably possible, including:

• Name of the person submitting the complaint
• Details of the matter being reported
• Date and location
• People involved
• Relevant witnesses
• Supporting documents
• Photographs or video, where relevant
• Any other information that may assist the review

Complaints should be submitted through OCRA's contact process and directed to the appropriate person or Disciplinary Committee.

Initial Review

The complaint will first be reviewed to determine whether it falls within OCRA's authority and whether further investigation is warranted.

Some matters may be more appropriately handled through:

• Competition protest procedures
• Safeguarding procedures
• Another sporting organisation
• An event organiser
• A statutory authority

Where appropriate, the complainant may be advised of the relevant process.

Investigation

Where an investigation is required, this may include:

• Reviewing the written complaint
• Gathering relevant evidence
• Speaking with the people involved
• Consulting witnesses
• Consulting event officials
• Reviewing competition records
• Reviewing video or photographic evidence
• Considering relevant OCRA rules and policies

Right to Respond

A person who is the subject of a disciplinary complaint must be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before a decision is made.

A hearing may be conducted remotely where appropriate.

Possible Outcomes

Following review or investigation, possible outcomes may include:

• No further action
• Warning
• Suspension
• Removal from an OCRA role
• Removal from a coaching role
• Removal from a Technical Official role
• Removal from a committee position
• Membership suspension
• Membership termination

Appeal

A person subject to a disciplinary decision may appeal the decision to the OCRA Board within 14 days.

The Board's decision on the appeal is final under the current OCRA Bylaws.

Competition Protests

A complaint under this process is different from a competition protest or appeal.

Competition disputes involving matters such as:

• Obstacle completion
• Penalties
• Timing
• Results
• Technical Official decisions

should normally follow the protest procedure established for the relevant competition.

Safeguarding Concerns

A matter involving the welfare or protection of a child should not be delayed by treating it solely as an ordinary disciplinary complaint.

Safeguarding

Submit a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted in writing through the OCRA contact process.

Suggested Form Category:

COMPLAINT / DISCIPLINARY MATTER