Disciplinary Tribunal
The Townsville Touch Football (TTF) Disciplinary Tribunal is responsible for hearing and determining serious misconduct matters that arise in TTF competitions. Its purpose is to uphold the values of fairness, respect, and integrity within the sport by addressing behaviour that falls outside the expected standards of conduct.
Governing Framework
Townsville Touch Football's Disciplinary Tribunal operates in accordance with the Touch Football Australia (TFA) Disciplinary Regulations, which set out the processes, powers, and responsibilities for handling disciplinary matters at all levels of the game. The current version of the TFA Disciplinary Regulations can be accessed via the TFA website.
All disciplinary proceedings follow a structured and impartial process that respects the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.
Understanding the Terminology
The TFA Disciplinary Regulations deliberately avoid legal terminology such as "guilty" or "not guilty", instead using clearer, more neutral terms that reflect the disciplinary nature of the process rather than a legal one.
The list below explains some of the key terms used during a Tribunal process:
- Accept the Charge – The Charged Person agrees with the charge. This is similar to pleading guilty.
- Contest the Charge – The Charged Person does not agree with the charge. This is similar to pleading not guilty.
- Proven – The Tribunal has determined, based on the evidence, that the charge is established. This is similar to a finding of guilty.
- Not Proven – The Tribunal has determined that the charge is not established. This is similar to a finding of not guilty.
- Charged Person – The individual (e.g. player, coach, official) accused of breaching a rule or regulation.
- Reporting Official – Usually a referee or authorised official who submitted the report that led to the charge.
- Tribunal – The three-person panel appointed to hear the matter and determine the outcome.
- Tribunal Chairperson – The person who leads the Tribunal and manages the hearing.
- Witness – Someone called to provide evidence, either by the Charged Person, Reporting Official, or Tribunal.
- Penalty – A specific consequence imposed by the Tribunal (e.g. suspension, warning).
- Sanction – A broader term for any penalty or condition placed on a participant or team.
- Appeal – A formal process that allows a Charged Person to challenge the outcome of a hearing, under specific conditions.
This terminology helps ensure the process remains fair, consistent, and focused on maintaining the integrity of the sport.
When Matters Are Referred
A matter may be referred to the Disciplinary Tribunal when:
- A serious breach of the rules or code of conduct is alleged;
- An incident is deemed to warrant a formal hearing rather than being dealt with through immediate sanctions or informal resolution;
- A repeat or escalating pattern of misconduct is identified;
- The conduct presents a potential risk to the safety, reputation, or integrity of the sport.
Referrals are typically made by the TTF Disciplinary Tribunal Chairperson, the TTF Office, or in some cases, by referees or competition officials following an incident.
Tribunal Composition
Tribunal Panels are made up of three members, drawn from a standing pool of eligible individuals. Panel members may include referees, coaches, players, administrators, or others with relevant knowledge or experience.
The panel for each Hearing is appointed by the Tribunal Chairperson and selected based on:
- Impartiality – no conflicts of interest with the involved parties;
- Suitability – relevant experience, perspective, and diversity;
- Availability – ability to attend the scheduled hearing(s).
How Hearings Work
Disciplinary Tribunal hearings are usually held in the evening at Queens Park. They follow a clear and fair process to ensure all parties are heard and the matter is properly considered.
Non-Attendance
If a Charged Person does not attend the Hearing, the Tribunal may proceed in their absence and make a determination — as long as the Tribunal is satisfied that all notification procedures were followed.
If a Charged Person does not attend the Hearing, the Tribunal may proceed in their absence and make a determination — as long as the Tribunal is satisfied that all notification procedures were followed.
The hearing begins with introductions and a brief explanation of the process. The charge(s) are read aloud, and the Charged Person is asked whether they accept or contest them. If the charge(s) are contested, both the Reporting Official(s) and Charged Person may present evidence, call witnesses, and ask questions.
Once all evidence has been presented, the Tribunal considers its decision in private. The Charged Person is then recalled, informed of the outcome, and—if the charge(s) are proven—given the opportunity to respond to any prior offences before a penalty is determined.
Penalties may include:
- A warning or reprimand
- Suspension from matches or competitions
- Conditions on participation (e.g. a good behaviour bond)
- Other sanctions as deemed appropriate
All outcomes are formally documented and may be published in summary form if relevant to the wider competition.
Who Can Attend a Hearing?
A Disciplinary Tribunal hearing is not an open forum — only those directly involved in the matter are permitted to be present during proceedings, as outlined in the Touch Football Australia (TFA) Disciplinary Regulations.
The following persons are required to attend:
- The Charged Person, or a delegate representing a Charged Team or Club (if a Team or Club has been directly charged)
- The Reporting Official(s)
- Any other person directly involved in the report
- Witnesses notified by the Hearings Officer
- Any other witness required by the Tribunal
The following persons are entitled to attend:
- Players from a Charged Team or Club (if a Team or Club has been directly charged)
- Witnesses called by the Charged Person or the Reporting Official(s)
- Where the Charged Person or Reporting Official is under 18, an adult adviser
The following persons may attend only with permission of the Tribunal:
- Representatives of Townsville Touch Football and/or its clubs
- Any other person invited or approved by the Tribunal Chairperson
Legal representatives or legal advocates are not permitted to appear unless the Tribunal Chairperson grants permission in exceptional circumstances. Such cases should be requested in writing at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled date of the Hearing.
If a charged person is unable to attend and does not intend to contest the charge, they may appoint a non-legal representative to appear in their place. This must be supported by a written letter of consent and a signed statement from the Charged Person that they are not contesting the Charge(s). This is the only situation in which representation is explicitly permitted under the Regulations.
My Right to an Appeal
If you have been the subject of a decision by the TTF Disciplinary Tribunal, you may have the right to appeal that decision under the Touch Football Australia (TFA) Disciplinary Regulations.
Appeals can only be lodged by the person who was charged (or, in the case of a sanction applied to a team or club, by a nominated representative of that team or club). A Reporting Official or other third party does not have a right of appeal.
To lodge an appeal, the Charged Person must satisfy one of the following grounds:
- Significant new or additional evidence has become available that was not reasonably available at the time of the original hearing; or
- They are challenging the severity of the sanction imposed.
There are two levels of appeal available under the TFA framework:
- First Level: An appeal to the TTF Appeal Tribunal, which is managed by Townsville Touch Football.
- Second Level: If required, a further appeal may be made to the TFA Appeal Tribunal, which is conducted by Touch Football Australia. This is only available after the first level appeal has been completed. The decision of the TFA Appeal Tribunal is final and binding.
A $200 appeal fee applies when lodging an appeal to the TTF Appeal Tribunal. If the initial appeal is dismissed, and the Charged Person elects to proceed to the TFA Appeal Tribunal, an additional $400 fee applies.
These fees may be waived at the discretion of the Appeals Officer at each level, and they do not apply to appeals lodged by minors. If the appeal is successful (i.e. the charge is dismissed or the penalty is reduced), the appeal fee will be refunded in full. If the appeal is unsuccessful or the penalty is increased, the fee will not be refunded.
Note: the Appeals Tribunal also has the authority to increase a sanction if it determines that the original penalty was inadequate.
Appeals must be lodged within the required timeframe following notification of the Tribunal’s decision. If you believe you have grounds for an appeal, you should contact the TTF Office as soon as possible to discuss the process.
Joining the Tribunal Panel
TTF is always looking for fair-minded individuals to join its pool of eligible Tribunal Panel members. No legal or disciplinary experience is required — only a willingness to listen objectively, respect the process, and act with integrity.