Ethics Committee of the Spinone Club of America

INTRODUCTION

The Board of Directors of the SCOA has undertaken to create the SCOA ethics committee. The committee's purpose is to address complaints from the general membership regarding violations of the club's Code of Ethics. Previously, the Board has handled these complaints itself. A perceived need to separate the Board from accusations of favoritism and/or conflicts of interest, and a desire to create an unbiased body to handle theses matters, led to the formation of the ethics committee.

AVAILABILITY OF COMMITTEE MEMBER'S NAMES

The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the committee members will be made available to the general membership by publication in the SCOA Newsletter.

Additionally, Board members will supply ethics committee contacts to any SCOA member in good standing that requests them by telephone, e-mail, or letter. It is also suggested that committee members be designated on the annually updated membership list.

OPERATING PROTOCOL

The ethics committee will limit itself to addressing complaints from the membership that are specific to items listed in the SCOA Code of Ethics. The code is attached at the end of this document.

Allegations and/or complaints must be submitted to a committee member in the form of a letter signed by the party making the complaint. No anonymous allegations, telephone complaints or accusations by e-mail will be considered. A FAXed letter is acceptable.

When a committee member receives a complaint, s/he will bring it to the immediate attention of fellow ethics committee members. After investigation and consideration by the committee, action deemed appropriate, and within the Constitution and Bylaws of the SCOA, will be decided upon. The committee will then report its findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors. The parties involved will then be contacted regarding the resolution of the complaint(s).

While the committee will not accept anonymous complaints, it understands the need for discretion. However we also recognize the basic right of the accused to face his/her accuser.

Items addressed to the ethics committee should be as specific in nature as possible. Besides the names of the individuals involved in the alleged ethical violation(s), the following should be included with as much detail as possible.

The specific portion of the Code of Ethics allegedly violated.

The registered names of the animals involved.

The date(s) the alleged violations took place.

Without specifics, it is very difficult to verify alleged misconduct. The committee does not wish, nor should it be required, to go on wild goose chases.

CONCLUSION

It is hoped that this document will clarify the function and status of the ethics committee and its role in the operations of the SCOA. It is hope of the Board of Directors and the ethics committee that an understanding of the Code of Ethics of the Spinone Club of America, and the function of the ethics committee will minimize the need for the committee to take action.

Click here for the Code of Ethics