10.1 The Club Committee will hear the complaint, and will be composed of a minimum of six members. The Committee can co-opt past Committee members in the event of any absentees. If a Committee member is directly involved in the complaint, he or she cannot attend the hearing.
10.2 The member’s complaint must be in writing. That member may be asked to attend the hearing.
10.3 The member against whom the complaint has been made, must be informed in writing and given a personal hearing if requested. This member is suspended from playing at the Club from the time the Hon. Secretary receives the complaint and until all the matters have been resolved.
10.4 The Committee will be guided by the current Bye-laws of the English Bridge Union and in particular the Conduct Bye-Law 36-2 and other such Bye-laws that are relevant.
10.5.1 The Committee may find the complaint not established.
10.5.2 The Committee may warn the member as to his/her future conduct. The member is informed in writing. There is no appeal against a warning.
10.5.3 The Committee may expel the member from the Club. In the event of a second warning being upheld, expulsion is automatic. The member is informed in writing.
10.6 The member can appeal against expulsion to a Special General Meeting of the Club. A quorum being 50% of the Club membership. The Hon. Secretary will give 3 weeks notice of any such meeting. An appeal must be lodged within 3 weeks of being notified of the expulsion giving his/her reasons in writing in support of such an appeal. The member can request to personally present his/her case. The decision of the SGM will be by secret ballot, and will be based on a simple 2/3 majority of those present.
10.7 In the event of expulsion of a member, no subscription fees will be returned.