Discipline Process

Free BBQ commits to a fair and independent discipline process. While this is facilitated by Free BBQ representatives, we actually have no voting rights in the decisions made. In some cases Free BBQ may be the complainant. Our community-based approach aims to ensure fair penalties are applied, with the opportunity for appeal.

If you are the subject of this process, know that you will receive an opportunity to state your case, and fair consideration. If it is found to be a genuine issue, you will also receive the opportunity to provide input to the appropriateness of the penalty.

In general we have a firm policy on free speech, this process will not be initiated for internet butthurt, or for upsetting someone by talking poorly about their product/service. We will not mediate these type of disputes. Please see our social media policy. However it WILL be initiated for serious online incidents including but not limited to; bullying, unethical conduct, and illegal conduct.

Matters are reviewed through a series of online conferences (eg. Zoom meetings). For legal purposes, all conferences are recorded.

1. A Free BBQ representative will contact both the subject and the complainant to discuss the issue, and to determine if this process is to be initiated.
2. A written brief will be prepared, and a copy will be sent to the subject.
3. A panel of three adjudicators will be convened from Free BBQ's competition qualified adjudicator pool. These adjudicators will be contacted by a Free BBQ representative, without them knowing who or what they are adjudicating for. The adjudicators will not be permitted to disclose details of the proceedings, both during and after.
4. The subject will be advised of the identities of these people, and have the opportunity to replace one of these panel members should they choose to.
5. Discovery Conference - attended by all parties in which;
   1. The brief will be read by the Free BBQ representative.
   2. The subject will have the opportunity to discuss what happened.
   3. The complainant (should they choose to attend) will have the opportunity to discuss what happened.
   4. The adjudicators will have the opportunity to ask questions of both parties.
6. Decision Conference - attended by the adjudicators and Free BBQ, the adjudicators will deliberate and come to a decision. Their decision must be unanimous or the matter is dismissed.
7. A Free BBQ representative will contact the subject to advise them of the decision. If the matter is dismissed, no further action will be taken.
8. Where the complaint is upheld, the adjudicators will be given 48 hours to independently consider an appropriate penalty.
9. Penalty Conference - Attended by all parties. The subject will be advised of the three penalties suggested by each adjudicator, but without knowing who suggested which penalty. They will have the opportunity to suggest what they consider is a fair penalty.
10. Finalisation Conference - Attended by the adjudicators and Free BBQ, the adjudicators will review the four suggested penalties and come to a consensus utilising but not limited to; the severity of the incident, the personal circumstances of the subject, and other historical penalties.
11. The party will be advised of the penalty by a Free BBQ representative.
12. Free BBQ will assess the appropriateness of releasing a generic statement (minus the details). For example if competition points are revoked, it will be quite public already. If a statement is approrpriate, it will be released within 2 days of the final decision being delivered.

If the party chooses not to participate in this process, it will be conducted in their absence. Conferences will not be rescheduled without significant reason (generally with notice).

In the case of an appeal, this process is repeated with new adjudicators, minus the preparation of a new brief.

Other than a generic final statement, the party is entitled to confidentiality in this process.