Conflict is a natural part of life. Dealing with it in an effective and meaningful way is the main difference between a healthy organization and an unhealthy one. The FSCM Board of Directors is committed to establishing solid policies and procedures that can prevent conflicts, and tools to deal with conflict when it occurs. We believe that effective conflict resolution can help us learn to disagree respectfully, to understand each other better and to respect everyone in our organization.
The Figure Skating Club of Madison encourages open and direct communication among its leadership and membership including parents, skaters and coaches. We encourage direct communication when conflicts first arise and concerns should first be brought to the attention of the pertinent individual(s). It is both the right and the responsibility of individuals involved in a conflict situation to attempt to resolve conflict.
If any club member(s) has a complaint against another member(s) for an infraction of any bylaw or rule other than USFS rules, they may file such a complaint in writing to the club Board of Directors. Such complaints will be investigated as follows:
The Figure Skating Club of Madison encourages open and direct communication among its leadership and membership including parents, skaters and coaches. We encourage direct communication when conflicts first arise and concerns should first be brought to the attention of the pertinent individual(s). It is both the right and the responsibility of individuals involved in a conflict situation to attempt to resolve conflict.
If any club member(s) has a complaint against another member(s) for an infraction of any bylaw or rule other than USFS rules, they may file such a complaint in writing to the club Board of Directors. Such complaints will be investigated as follows:
- The club president will convene a review panel consisting of a small group of objective, uninvolved people. The panel may include both Board member(s) and general member(s) as long as they are not directly involved with the conflict. The review panel will perform the tasks of gathering information and then ultimately seeing the resolution through with the involved parties.
- The review panel will create a written report to document all that transpired throughout the process. The report will be kept on file for a period of 10 years. Follow-up meetings will be held with all involved to assess progress and verify that the conflict has been resolved.
- In the event, that no solution can be reached among the conflicting parties, a non-involved board member will examine the conflict resolution along the following parameters:
- Ensure only non-involved parties were involved in the resolution process. If so, all parties will attempt to work through the process again.
- Verify that the people mediating are not part of the problem. Also, verify that all the people involved in the conflict are interviewed and part of the process.
- Seek the advice of the USFS membership liaison in the Upper Great Lakes Region. As a last resort, consult the U.S. Figure Skating Grievance Committee chair. Prior to any grievance being filed with USFS, conflict resolution within the FSCM must be attempted. A fee is required to file a grievance with USFS.