2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

23 deemed improper, unethical, dishonest, intemperate, or displaying poor sportsmanship, either by affirmative action or inaction. G. Rules Not Specifically Cited : Violate any of the rules of the MFTHBA not herein specifically cited; or fail to obey any penalty imposed by the MFTHBA. See “Schedule Section 2. Actions Resulting from Failure of Members or Non-Members to Comply with Rules Those contemplating a complaint are encouraged to first attempt to resolve the complaint informally by discussing the alleged violation with either the other person(s) involved, management at the event where the action occurred and/or the appropriate Director of the region involved. Any MFTHBA member may bring a complaint alleging violation of MFTHBA rules and/or bylaws. A. A complaint must be filed with the MFTHBA office no later than 14 days from the date of the alleged violation, and receipt in the MFTHBA office shall constitute the date of filing. Any complaint filed after the stated deadline, or which does not contain the following minimum information required shall be rejected by the MFTHBA and not considered on its own merits. B. Minimum information required shall include: 1. The alleged violator’s full name and address, the date, location and event where the incident occurred, if applicable 2. A summary of the act(s) of the accused member which constitutes a violation of MFTHBA rules. 3. The specific MFTHBA rule(s) involved. 4. The complaint must be in written form and signed by the member bringing the complaint. 5. A $200 deposit. If the complaint is upheld, the deposit shall be returned to the one making the complaint. If the complaint is dismissed, the deposit shall remain with the organization. C. Upon receipt of a properly initiated complaint, the MFTHBA office shall immediately transmit a copy of the complaint and all supporting evidence to the Board of Directors. The MFTHBA office shall at the same time transmit copy of the complaint and all supporting evidence to the member against whom the complaint is filed, via certified mail to the member’s address of record, delivery receipt requested. D. The person against whom the complaint is filed will have 14 days from date of receipt of notification from the MFTHBA to furnish a response in written form to the Board of Directors at the Ava, MO office. Delivery receipt will indicate start of the 14-day period. E. Upon either receipt or written response by the alleged violator (within the response period) or upon the expiration of the 14-day response period, the Board of Directors shall, within an additional fourteen (14) days, either: 1. Dismiss the complaint advising that no further action appears warranted. 2. Make a decision on the complaint based on a 2/3rd or greater vote by the Board. 3. Forward the complaint to a mediator as designated by the Board of Directors. 4. The fourteen-day window will be observed in options 1, 2, or 3, and can be handled via a special called meeting in person or electronically. F. After a complaint is filed, the matter shall be treated as confidential. Persons held accountable for such confidence shall include board members, office personnel, mediators and anyone involved in complaint review or mediation process. If such breach of confidentiality occurs, the Board of Directors, along with the MFTHBA attorney, shall immediately investigate the breach and report their findings within 30 days. Anyone found to breach confidentiality shall be deemed to have committed a major violation and be subject to appropriate penalties including suspension of position. G. If two-thirds of the Directors believe the interests of the MFTHBA or its members would be better protected by an immediate suspension of the member against whom the complaint is lodged, that member shall be temporarily suspended pending a final determination. H. After the Board of Directors’ decision to forward a complaint to mediation, the mediator shall contact the party who filed the complaint and the person against whom the complaint is filed. Date and time for a private mediation shall be arranged within thirty (30) days from the decision by the Board to refer the complaint to mediation. No one other than the mediator and the involved parties shall be involved in the mediation. I. The results of the mediation shall be reduced to writing by the mediator at the conclusion of the mediation, signed by the parties involved, and a copy shall be provided to the parties as well as to the Board of Directors for record.