1 Introduction
Peterborough & District Angling Association is committed to providing a high-quality experience for all members, day-ticket holders, volunteers, and visitors, and to maintaining a safe, respectful, and lawful environment at our waters.
This policy outlines:
- Part A: how members, day-ticket holders, parents, and the public can make a complaint.
- Part B: how P&DAA handles misconduct by members, volunteers, or visitors.
PART A: COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
2. Our Commitment
We treat complaints as an opportunity to learn and improve. We aim to handle all complaints fairly, confidentially, and quickly.
3. Stage 1: Informal Resolution
Most issues can be resolved on the bankside or by a quick conversation.
- Action: speak to the bailiff on duty, the match organiser, or the relevant Head of department at the time the issue arises.
- Outcome: the volunteer will do their best to resolve the issue there and then.
4. Stage 2: Formal Written Complaint
If informal resolution is not possible or the matter is serious:
- Action: submit a written complaint to support@fishinginpeterborough.co.uk.
- Acknowledgement: within 3 working days.
- Investigation: the relevant Head of department will investigate, interviewing involved parties and reviewing records.
- Response: a full written response with findings and proposed resolution will be sent within 14 working days.
5. Stage 3: Appeal
If you are not satisfied with the Stage 2 response, you may appeal to the Leadership Team.
- Action: write to support@fishinginpeterborough.co.uk within 7 days of the Stage 2 outcome, marking your message "Stage 3 Appeal". Set out why you are not satisfied.
- Outcome: the appeal is considered by Leadership Team members not previously involved in the case (where possible). Their decision is final regarding internal procedures.
PART B: DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
6. Principles
- No disciplinary action is taken until the case has been investigated.
- The individual is informed of the allegations in writing.
- The individual has the right to be accompanied by another member to any formal disciplinary meeting.
- Where the individual is a junior, parents or guardians are involved from the outset.
- Decisions on disciplinary outcomes are made by the Leadership Team — Chairman together with the Heads of department.
7. Categories of Conduct
7.1 Minor / Moderate Misconduct
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Repeated breaches of club rules (e.g. fishing closed swims, exceeding bag limits).
- Inappropriate or abusive language toward other members or bailiffs.
- Minor breaches of safety rules (e.g. poor casting practice in busy areas).
- Failure to follow catch and release protocols correctly.
- Bankside litter or failure to follow biosecurity procedures.
7.2 Gross Misconduct (Serious)
Examples generally resulting in immediate suspension or expulsion:
- Theft or fraud against the club or another member.
- Physical violence, threatening behaviour, or bullying.
- Serious negligence causing risk to life.
- Fishing without a valid Environment Agency rod licence.
- Attending P&DAA waters under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs to a degree that endangers others.
- Serious breach of the Safeguarding Policy or harassment on protected characteristics.
- Poaching, illegal fish movement, or use of prohibited methods (e.g. lead shot in sizes 8–SSG, live-bait imports from other water systems).
8. Disciplinary Process: Members and Volunteers
Step 1: Investigation. The relevant Head of department establishes the facts. The individual may be temporarily suspended from P&DAA waters or volunteer duties while the investigation is underway. Suspension is not an admission of guilt.
Step 2: Disciplinary Meeting. A meeting is held to discuss the allegations. The individual presents their account.
Step 3: Outcome. The Leadership Team considers the evidence and may decide:
- No action, if allegations are unfounded.
- Written warning, for first instances of minor or moderate misconduct, with details of the improvement required.
- Final written warning, for serious or repeated misconduct.
- Temporary ban from P&DAA waters (a stated number of weeks or to end of season).
- Permanent expulsion for gross misconduct or where there is no improvement after a final warning.
Permanent expulsion includes loss of membership without refund, removal from any volunteer role, and may be shared with neighbouring associations under our data-sharing arrangements where appropriate.
9. Disciplinary Process: Junior Members
P&DAA adopts a supportive, educational approach for juniors, but safety is paramount.
- Level 1: Verbal warning on the bankside. The bailiff or coach explains why the behaviour is unacceptable.
- Level 2: Time out / parent contact. Persistent behaviour: the junior may be asked to step away from the water for a short period and parents are informed.
- Level 3: Exclusion. For serious incidents the junior may be banned from a stated number of sessions or, in extreme cases, permanently. Parents are informed in writing.
10. Appeals (Disciplinary)
Anyone subject to a disciplinary decision has the right to appeal:
- Appeals must be lodged in writing to support@fishinginpeterborough.co.uk within 7 days of the decision.
- An appeal is considered by Leadership Team members not previously involved in the case where possible.
- The appeal decision is final.