Disciplinary Procedure

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

Esports Wales is committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and respectful environment for all participants in its activities. In line with the standards and best practices set by the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), Esports Wales has implemented a clear and structured disciplinary procedure to address any breaches of our rules, policies, or codes of conduct. This procedure is designed to maintain the integrity of esports, promote a level playing field, and ensure accountability.

1. Reporting Violations

Any individual or organisation may report violations of the Esports Wales Code of Conduct, Anti-Doping Code, Anti-Corruption Code, or any other relevant policies. Reports can be made confidentially through official channels such as the Esports Wales website or directly to the Esports Wales Disciplinary Team. All reports will be handled with due respect for confidentiality and will be carefully assessed.

2. Investigation Process

Once a report is received, Esports Wales will initiate a thorough investigation to determine if a breach of the rules has occurred. The investigation will be conducted in a fair and impartial manner, ensuring all parties involved have the opportunity to present their case. The steps of the investigation process include:

  • Initial Review: A preliminary assessment of the report will be conducted to determine whether the matter falls within the scope of Esports Wales’ policies and warrants further investigation.

  • Evidence Collection: Esports Wales will gather evidence, which may include statements from witnesses, digital content, recordings, and other relevant materials.

  • Participant Interviews: The accused individual(s) and other involved parties will be interviewed, and all relevant information will be considered before proceeding.

3. Disciplinary Panel

If the investigation indicates that a violation has occurred, a Disciplinary Panel will be formed to review the findings. This panel will be independent, impartial, and made up of a combination of Esports Wales staff, legal professionals, and esports experts, ensuring the decision-making process follows fair practices in line with ESIC’s guidelines.

The Disciplinary Panel will:

  • Review all gathered evidence.

  • Hear representations from the accused individual(s).

  • Consider any mitigating or aggravating factors.

4. Sanctions

Should the Disciplinary Panel determine that a breach of the rules has occurred, appropriate sanctions will be imposed, based on the severity of the violation. These sanctions may include:

  • Warning: A formal notice that further breaches will result in more severe consequences.

  • Fines: A financial penalty may be imposed for certain breaches.

  • Suspension: A temporary ban from participating in Esports Wales events or activities.

  • Disqualification: The individual may be permanently disqualified from participating in Esports Wales events.

  • Forfeiture of Results: In cases of cheating or fraudulent activity, results from previous events may be voided.

  • Public Disclosure: In accordance with ESIC guidelines, details of the breach and the sanction may be disclosed publicly to maintain transparency.

The severity of the sanction will depend on factors such as the seriousness of the breach, the level of intent or negligence involved, and any previous disciplinary history.

5. Appeals Process

Any individual subject to a disciplinary sanction has the right to appeal the decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing to Esports Wales within 14 days of the decision. The appeal will be reviewed by an Independent Appeals Panel, which will assess whether the original decision was fair and in line with ESIC regulations. The Appeals Panel will not re-investigate the matter but will consider whether due process was followed.

All appeals will need to be sent to [email protected] 

The outcome of the appeal will be final and binding.

6. Confidentiality

Esports Wales commits to maintaining the confidentiality of all parties involved throughout the disciplinary process. Any personal or case-specific information will be kept confidential, with only necessary details disclosed, in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

7. Alignment with ESIC Standards

Esports Wales’ disciplinary procedure is designed to comply with the standards and procedures outlined by the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC). ESIC’s framework promotes fairness, transparency, and consistency in the handling of disciplinary matters, and Esports Wales fully adheres to these guidelines in all investigations and disciplinary actions. Any breach of the ESIC Code of Conduct, Anti-Corruption Code, Anti-Doping Code, or any other relevant regulations will be handled in accordance with ESIC’s processes.

8. Education and Prevention

Esports Wales is dedicated to preventing misconduct through proactive education and training initiatives. All participants are expected to understand and abide by our rules and codes of conduct. Esports Wales will continue to provide educational resources on esports integrity, ethical behavior, and the consequences of violations, helping to foster a positive and professional environment for all.

Esports Wales is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness in all of its activities. By ensuring that all participants are held accountable for their actions, we aim to create a safe, respectful, and competitive space for everyone involved in esports.