Purpose:

The Governance & Legal Commission (GLC) is responsible for ensuring that the FITB operates within a framework of sound governance, legal compliance, and dispute resolution. The GLC manages complaints made against National Federations, mediates between various governing bodies, and works closely with, yet is independent from, the Ethical Commission to uphold integrity within Tchoukball.

Authority:  

The Governance & Legal Commission operates under the authority of the FITB and reports to the Secretary. It is empowered to:

• Review and propose amendments to FITB governance documents, including statutes, by-laws, and regulations.
• Manage and resolve complaints made against National Federations.
• Mediate disputes between National Federations and Continental Federations or among members.
• Provide legal and governance advice to the Executive Committee and FITB bodies.
• Collaborate with the Ethical Commission on cases related to ethical breaches.

The Governance & Legal Commission shall consist of:

• Richard Jackson (General Secretary / Governance & Legal Commission)
• Legal advisors, mediation experts, or governance specialists
• Representatives from national or continental Tchoukball federations with expertise in governance or law.

Membership will be appointed by FITB for a term of 4 years and will include individuals with relevant expertise in governance, law, mediation, and compliance. Individuals with relevant coaching, organizational, and event analysis expertise.

Responsibilities:

The Governance & Legal Commission will be responsible for:

1. Managing and resolving complaints made against National Federations by investigating and proposing solutions or disciplinary measures.
2. Mediating disputes between National Federations and Continental Federations or among FITB members, providing neutral and fair resolutions to conflicts.
3. Reviewing and advising on FITB’s governance documents (statutes, by-laws, regulations) to ensure they are legally sound and in line with best practices.
4. Working closely with the Ethical Commission to address ethical concerns and ensure alignment in governance, legal compliance, and ethical standards.
5. Providing legal advice on FITB operations, ensuring that FITB is protected from legal risks, including contract management and regulatory issues.
6. Monitoring compliance with international laws, including anti-doping, athlete welfare regulations, and other legal obligations.
7. Recommending risk management strategies, ensuring that FITB governance structures protect the organization from legal, financial, and reputational risks.
8. Collaborating with external legal entities, where necessary, to address specific legal issues, including disputes or regulatory challenges.

Meetings:

• The Governance & Legal Commission shall meet [frequency] or as required, with a quorum consisting of 2/3 members.
• Decisions will be made by [voting/consensus], and minutes will be circulated to the FITB Executive Committee and other relevant bodies.

Reporting:

The Governance & Legal Commission will submit regular reports to the FITB, including:

• Updates on governance reviews, legal compliance, and complaint resolution.
• Proposals for amendments to governance documents.
• Legal advice on ongoing issues, including mediation and dispute resolution.

Resources and Support:

The Governance & Legal Commission will be supported by the FITB Secretariat and will have access to legal counsel and mediation resources necessary to fulfil its responsibilities.

Review and Amendment:

These Terms of Reference will be reviewed annually to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Amendments may be proposed by the Governance & Legal Commission and must be approved by FITB.