1. This procedure explains the circumstances in which a Yellow or Red card may be issued to individuals for incidents of inappropriate/unacceptable behaviour at Kennel Club licensed events. Such sanction may lead to a short fixed term exclusion from licensed events. It is also intended that the system will apply to the improper use of social media in inappropriate comments/criticism of participants in the context of licensed events.
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to support The Kennel Club Code of Conduct and the conduct regulations. This measure is to add to the already existing penalties available under Kennel Club Regulations to give additional support to warnings and present a much sharper ‘deterrent’ value;
i) to give greater reassurance to a complainant that there will be no repetition of the conduct being complained of in respect of a particular individual.
ii) to give reassurance to everyone that The Kennel Club is taking action to address unacceptable or inappropriate behaviour in the context of licensed events and associated social media activity.
iii) to serve as a deterrent to those who engage in inappropriate behaviour whether at an event or on line.
It is not proposed that registered clubs and societies will issue Yellow/Red cards. Clubs and societies already have the right to refuse entry – so the option to exclude individuals from their events for behaviour issues is already available.
Unfortunately, there are occasions when, for any number of reasons, people find themselves in challenging and uncomfortable situations whether at events or because of social media engagement. When social media is used, to criticise shows, judges or exhibitors, especially with inappropriate language or tone, it can cause distress in the context of a hobby and creates a divisive and poor impression of our activities. Words can be misinterpreted – and indiscriminately shared. It makes no sense not to try to promote The Kennel Club licensed event as a positive and safe place to be.
All of these principles are succinctly laid out in The Kennel Club Codes which are there to support everyone.
Scope
2. The procedure may be used by any participant; show official, volunteer, judge, competitor or exhibitor.
3. Show organisers have the authority to deal with and resolve matters on the day and/or club committees have the right to refuse entry to their own club events where conduct issues arise. If behaviour is at such a level that there is a risk to safety of any individual(s) or dogs then the show organisers should contact the police for assistance and advice.
4. Young persons/vulnerable adults – special care is needed if a young person or vulnerable adult is involved or affected by an incident. Parents/guardians should be consulted and it is helpful to obtain an impact statement to share with those involved to highlight the effect of actions or words on young people or vulnerable adults.
5. Complaints may be made either by lodging a report at the event or directly to The Kennel Club (within 7 days). The complaint form may be requested from the conduct complaints team via email or you may download the complaint form (see Conduct Complaint form tab below).
It is important to provide full contact details for yourself and any witnesses. Independent witnesses are helpful to provide support for a complaint.
Social media – examples of the offending content will need to be provided. It is helpful to provide the most illustrative examples rather than multiple pages of a social media thread as we will have to ask you to identify which are the offending comments if not apparent.
A £35.00 fee is payable to lodge a complaint which will be returned if a complaint is upheld.
6. Where a complaint is lodged the Conduct Complaints team will investigate.
The conduct complaints process involves
i) the collection of witness statements and consents;
ii) referral to the respondent for the opportunity to respond and provide witness evidence in support;
iii) review of the matter when that response is received;
iv) early resolution either with no further action (eg where there is insufficient evidence) /warning only/warning plus Yellow card if appropriate and/or
v) escalation and presentation to the Disciplinary Committee for adjudication.
The process works on a summary basis which means it is conducted without full legal formalities such as cross examination and exchange of witness statements.
A response to a complaint will be considered as to whether there has been an admission/acknowledgment of the inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour and whether a direct apology is offered.
Escalation process
7. Disciplinary measures have to be proportionate, effective and dissuasive. We therefore use an escalation process for conduct complaints to find that proportionate level of reaction. There are a number of steps in the escalation procedure with a list of options available depending on the severity of the conduct including;
- Resolution on the day
- Refusal of entry
Right to refuse entries for individual show societies and clubs:
The Kennel Club also has this right to refuse entry to Crufts, and other Kennel Club events.
This is discretionary and does not require the same level of proof as a disciplinary case. - Early warning which is now supported by the Yellow/Red card measure
- Referral to Disciplinary Committee; a breach of The Kennel Club Code of Conduct/Regulation for penalties including fines up to £300.
- Referral to Disciplinary Committee; Rule A11 complaints
- Report to police – in extreme cases involving assault or behaviour that constitutes harassment – this can be useful if cautions/warnings are issued as this will be reflected by The Kennel Club.
It may only be necessary and proportionate to issue early warning or reminders to allow for a period of reflection and for those involved to temper and moderate their actions – and in most cases this does serve to stem further complaints. Such reminders or warnings are issued with the expectation that there will be no repetition.
This is now to be supported by the Yellow/Red card measure
Yellow card status
9. The procedure has two stages (warning and Yellow card/Red card) which are normally intended to be followed progressively.
If a warning is to be issued for a conduct complaint as a breach of The Kennel Club Code of Conduct then a Yellow card may also be issued.
The Yellow card will be in effect for twelve months. A yellow card will be issued by the Governance & Legal Services Team. This will be in accordance with strict criteria agreed with the Disciplinary Committee in terms of the type of cases which should attract the issue of a Yellow card. The Disciplinary Committee will be consulted if there is an exceptional case requiring a preliminary view.
If there are no further complaints during that twelve month period then the Yellow card status will be removed by agreement with the Disciplinary Committee.
Red card status
10. During the twelve months in which a Yellow card status is active if there is a further issue involving conduct at a licensed event or on social media, a Red card may be issued by the Disciplinary Committee. The effect will be a 60 or 90 day exclusion depending on the seriousness of the matter (and the period and commencement date of the exclusion will be determined by the Disciplinary Committee taking into account appropriate seasonal aspects). An appeal against the issue of a Red card on specified grounds (eg new evidence) may be made to the an Appeals Panel appointed by The Kennel Club Board.
11. At the end of the duration of the exclusion period under a Red card status the Yellow/Red card status will end unless the Disciplinary Committee confirms that the Yellow card status should remain in place for a further period of time (up to a further twelve month period).
Tariff/types of conduct for use of yellow/red card
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Overheated rivalry and competitive spirit extend beyond the basic expectation and standards of good sportsmanship. OR Complaints may include verbal aggression, swearing, abusive and offensive comments. Physical aggression such as pushing, shoving, threatening, and standing too physically close in an invasive and intimidating way. |
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In breed showing; ringside etiquette falls short of acceptable standards, ie vocal, hurtful, distracting or disruptive ringside comments/actions or bunching, collisions in the ring. |
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Remonstrating, challenging or ignoring instructions given by show management. It would apply to those who disregard or challenge show management and officials including judges at licensed events either when instructed to do something, or decisions made by judges such as competition course layouts or awards given. |
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Inappropriate or insensitive engagement with children, young persons and vulnerable adults; even where this may be inadvertent due to not appreciating the perception and impact of adult actions and words upon a young person or vulnerable adult. |
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Social media criticism of show management, judges, exhibitors and awards given. Whilst the Kennel Club cannot police individual peer-peer type conflicts on social media or defamation (where personal remedies are available) the scope includes those who criticise licensed events, show/event organisers and judges in inappropriate, offensive or excessive ways. |
Notes on implementation
1. Impact - Where is the line to be drawn?
People need to understand their responsibility for perception and impact created by their action. The following are all examples of behaviour which is not acceptable.
Belittling, ridiculing, spreading rumours, offending, insulting, intimidating or humiliating. Offensive and insensitive jokes, negative comments and actions which generally undermine confidence.
The evidence taken into account will include the impact upon an individual or the events itself.
2. The process is intended to deliver a fast track outcome.
The issue of a Yellow card is the first stage of the process.
There is no immediate consequence for the respondent. It will be issued in line with strict parameters of conduct to which the Yellow card will apply.
The safeguard for the respondent is that if a Red card is issued there is appeal at that stage. Wherever there is doubt or an exception to current precedent/cases then the case is to be checked for a preliminary view with the Disciplinary Committee.
The process will still allow for a referral/opportunity to explain and a review of the matter. If there is an admission/contrition/acknowledgement that the conduct or comment was inappropriate and unacceptable and an apology; this will be relevant in determining the outcome of a matter.
Parameters to address comments made in the social media context including comments made by judges. It is less easy to intervene about one-off postings and we may need to ask to see a pattern of behaviour as evidence of serial conduct.
Such serial evidence carries more force as it would be less easy for someone to explain it either as an aberration, or that it was not intended to offend. Any such serial or pattern behaviour needs to carry some recency rather than be too historical.
It is not intended to censor personal opinion being expressed but in some cases, there will be little excuse or mitigation if specific comments are very clearly beyond the threshold of reasonable, mindful and respectful engagement.
Publication
1. The issue of a Yellow card is intended to be an early warning to put things right and the individual names will not be published. However, we will publish lists of the type of incidents/comments have given rise to a Yellow card issue so that it will help inform what is not acceptable (beyond common sense). The complainant will be informed if a yellow card has been issued. Complainants are always advised that they should not be publicising outcomes from a disciplinary complaint process.
2. We will publish the name and details of the case where a Red card is issued.
The responsibility is on the individual concerned to comply with a Red card and not to attend events/withdraw entries. Not to comply with a Red card will mean the Disciplinary Committee will review such non compliance under Kennel Club Rule A11.
As a general note, clubs and societies are requested to please send in their Incident Reports without undue delay if conduct complaints are lodged. Clubs and societies could consider imposing refusal of entry in appropriate circumstances particularly if a Yellow card is issued for an incident.
Template Yellow card issue notice
Date of Issue
Date of Expiry
- Incident
Date
Issue - You have been issued with a warning under Kennel Club Regulation xx and The Kennel Club Code of Conduct;
Those taking part in Kennel Club licensed/approved events are expected to maintain and abide by the highest standards, in accordance with Kennel Club Rules and Regulations and appropriate Codes of Conduct as published from time to time.
The Kennel Club Code of Conduct provides
Conduct - participants have a duty both to their dogs and to others to make licensed events friendly and welcoming, and are expected to be co-operative and above all to create a safe environment, so all can enjoy their time at licensed events
Sportsmanship - participants should conduct themselves at all times in an appropriate fashion and should display good manners and respect towards other participants, show officials and to the judges - You have also been issued with a Yellow card. This will be in effect for one year from the date of issue.
This means that if a further complaint is received of similar nature during the period of the Yellow card status the Disciplinary Committee will escalate that status to a Red card. That will result in your not being able to exhibit, compete or attend a Kennel Club licensed event for a 60 or 90 day period. - Publication
We will not publish your name in respect of the issue of a yellow card.
We will publish the nature of the incident/comment in The Kennel Club Journal.
If you receive a Red card we will publish your name and the details of the complaint in The Kennel Club Journal. - Kennel Club licensed events need to be welcoming, supportive, encouraging and celebratory and complaints of this nature are extremely disappointing.
Template Red card issue notice
Date of Issue
Date of Expiry
- Incident
Date
Issue - You have been issued with a Red card under Kennel Club Regulation xx and The Kennel Club Code of Conduct;
Those taking part in Kennel Club licensed/approved events are expected to maintain and abide by the highest standards, in accordance with Kennel Club Rules and Regulations and appropriate Codes of Conduct as published from time to time.
The Kennel Club Code of Conduct provides
Conduct - participants have a duty both to their dogs and to others to make licensed events friendly and welcoming, and are expected to be co-operative and above all to create a safe environment, so all can enjoy their time at licensed events.
Sportsmanship - participants should conduct themselves at all times in an appropriate fashion and should display good manners and respect towards other participants, show officials and to the judges. - You previously received a warning and Yellow card issued on 00/00/0000.
As a result of a further complaint during the period of the Yellow card status the Disciplinary Committee has escalated that status to a Red card.
This will mean that you will be unable to exhibit, compete or attend a Kennel Club licensed event for a 60 or 90 day period. This period will commence on 00/00/0000 and end on 00/00/0000. - If you have any pre paid entry to a licensed event you will not be able to complete/attend at such event and must forfeit the entry fee.
All entries made in the period 00/00/0000 and end on 00/00/0000, will be null and void.
You will not be entitled to a refund of entry fee. It will not be possible to use a handler for your dog for any such entry.
If you wish to enter a licensed event beyond the expiry of the stated period of the Red card you may do so. - Appeal
You may lodge an appeal within 7 days of receipt of this notice. However, simply disagreeing with the Red card will not be sufficient. We will consider an appeal, but only if you have substantive grounds e.g. significant new/additional evidence, or some other compelling reason, why the Red Card status should not apply. - Publication
We will publish your name and the details of the complaint in The Kennel Club Journal. - Kennel Club licensed events need to be welcoming, supportive, encouraging and celebratory and complaints of this nature are extremely disappointing.
Conduct complaint form
Witness statement consent form
The Kennel Club Yellow/Red Card Process
