New Independent Complaints and Mediation Service Launched for Sport and Recreation
Embargoed – Monday, 12pm 22 February 2021
Today’s launch of a new independent Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service
(SRCMS) will provide a safe environment for anyone engaged in sport and active recreation – from community to elite level – to lodge a complaint, issue or dispute and have it resolved in a timely manner.
Immediation New Zealand has been appointed to run the service on behalf of Sport NZ as a fully independent and free mechanism designed for the sector.
The service means anyone can raise a sport or recreation issue. Individuals will be provided with information on the dispute resolution options available to them, and if appropriate, will be offered early facilitation or mediation.
The provision of a SRCMS was one of 22 recommendations outlined in the Sport NZ 2019 Sport Integrity Review. Sport NZ has contracted Immediation to run the independent service following an open tender process.
A team of experts are part of Immediation’s panel, which include leading sports law and dispute resolution lawyers, such as Maria Dew QC, Stephen Cottrell, Mark Kelly, David Clark and Nina Khouri.
Immediation New Zealand Chairman and sports barrister Michael Heron, QC has welcomed the establishment of the new service.
“Having an independent service that lets participants, athletes, volunteers and all those within the sector feel safe in stepping forward to raise or escalate issues is a big win for sport and active recreation.
“This completely independent service now gives people the means and confidence to step forward, and have their issue resolved,” he said
Immediation New Zealand’s founder, Laura Keily, says the new service will allow any sport or recreation participant to voice their concerns in a safe space.
“It’s a positive step forward in helping ensure sport and recreation is safe, fair and inclusive for all Kiwis – whether you’re an elite athlete or someone who enjoys a weekly football session at their local sports field,” she says.
Sport NZ’s Chief Executive, Raelene Castle, says Sport NZ is pleased that the service is live.
“The vast majority of people who work and volunteer in sport and recreation understand what it takes to protect the interests of those taking part, however we know from experience there are times when issues arise and a service like this, that is independent, open to all and free to access, is needed.
“We’re delighted to have Immediation as the provider and encourage sport and recreation bodies at all levels of the sector to promote the service to their participant communities,” she says.
The Sports and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service is available from today and can be accessed here.
About Immediation
Immediation is a secure, confidential online dispute resolution platform, providing cutting-edge virtual courtroom and mediation technology to courts, tribunals, government and law firms.
Immediation also provides an easy, quick, amicable and efficient method of resolving disputes, where it enables users to directly access online dispute resolution as an alternative to expensive judicial proceedings or traditional mediation and arbitration.