Banwell Bowls Club Disciplinary and Misconduct
Policy and Procedures

Introduction

 

Banwell Bowls Club is affiliated to Bowls England and is committed to maintaining a welcoming, respectful and fair environment for all members and visitors. To support this, all disciplinary and misconduct matters are handled in line with Bowls England Regulation 9 (R9).

​

What is Regulation 9 (R9)?

Regulation 9 (R9) is the national framework used by Bowls England and all affiliated clubs to deal with complaints of misconduct. It ensures that issues are handled fairly, consistently and transparently, following the principles of natural justice. Bowls England R9 overview

 

The updated R9 process provides a proportionate approach:

• Informal resolution for low-level concerns

• Mediation where appropriate

• Formal hearings for serious matters

 

Code of Conduct

All members, visitors and officials are expected to follow the Bowls Code of Conduct, which promotes:

• Respect and sportsmanship

• Inclusivity and fairness

• A safe and positive environment on and off the green

Any breaches of the Code of Conduct will be managed through the R9 process.

​

Who can make a complaint?Anyone can make a written complaint against an affiliated club or affiliated member under Regulation 9, a complainant does not need to be a “member of Bowls England” or even a club member.

​

Making or Responding to a Complaint

• Complaints of misconduct must be submitted in writing using the Complaint Form to the Complaint Assessor (Club President or Club Secretary). The Assessor will review the details and determine whether the complaint is unfounded or should be classified as minor, moderate, or serious – each category guiding the appropriate resolution pathway.

• They are handled through a structured process with clear stages and timelines.

• All parties have the right to a fair hearing and to present their case

 

Where possible, the club encourages informal resolution or mediation first, before progressing to formal procedures.

Further Information & Resources

For full details, guidance and official forms, please refer to the Bowls England resources below:

• R9 Information & Resource Hub

• Regulation 9 (Full Document)

• R9 Overview & Guidance

• Model Code of Conduct

• R9 FAQs & Supporting Resources (including forms)

​

Club Commitment

Banwell Bowls Club fully adopts and follows Regulation 9 as required by Bowls England. This ensures that all concerns are handled appropriately, with fairness, respect and integrity for everyone involved.

Banwell Bowls Club: Disciplinary & Misconduct Roadmap

Based on Bowls England Regulation 9 (Revised Dec 2025)

​

To ensure transparency, please utilise the standard Bowls England templates and guidance documents below:

• Regulation 9 Full Policy (Dec 2025 PDF) – The definitive ruleset.

• Official Complaint Form (Template) – Must be used for all formal submissions.

• Banwell BC Safeguarding Policy – To be referenced if the complaint involves a child or adult at risk.

Note: All procedures are governed by the principles of Natural Justice: the right to a fair hearing, the right to know the case against you, and the right to an impartial decision-maker.

​

Club Contacts

If you need to discuss a concern or submit a form, please contact the relevant officer:

• Complaint Assessor: [President ]

• Safeguarding Officer: [Name/Contact]

• Club Secretary: [Name/Contact]