DENVER GAY & LESBIAN FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE, INC.

WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY

In  keeping  with  the  policy  of  maintaining  the  highest  standards  of  conduct  and  ethics,  Denver Gay & Lesbian Flag Football League, Inc. (“DGLFFL”)  will  investigate  complaints  of  suspected  fraudulent  or  dishonest  use  or  misuse  of  its  resources  or property or violations of the DGLFFL Code of Conduct and By-Laws by board members, independent contractors, volunteers,  or  participants. To  maintain  the  highest  standards  of service,  DGLFFL  will  also  investigate  complaints  concerning  its  programs  and  services. 

Reporting Responsibility

This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable participants and others to raise serious concerns internally so that the organization can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions.  It is the responsibility of all board members, independent contractors, and participants to report concerns about violations of the organization’s Code of Conduct or By-Laws or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern the organization’s operations.

No Retaliation

It is contrary to the values of the organization for anyone to retaliate against any board member, independent contractor, or participant who in good faith reports a violation of the organization’s code of ethics or policies, or a suspected violation of law, such as a complaint of discrimination, or suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any law or regulation governing the operations of the organization.  A board member who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of board status.

Reporting Procedure

Directors, independent contractors, or participants should share their questions, concerns, suggestions, or complaints with someone who can address them properly.  In most cases, directors, independent contractors, or participants should report to the Commissioner.  However, if an independent contractor or participant is not comfortable speaking with the Commissioner or is not satisfied with the response, that independent contractor or participant is encouraged to report to any director of the organization.

Acting in Good Faith

Any good faith report, concern or complaint is fully protected by this policy, even if the report, question or concern is, after investigation, not substantiated.  Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation of the organization’s code of ethics or policies or applicable law.  Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and have been made maliciously or with knowledge that they were false will be treated as a serious disciplinary offense.

Confidentiality

Upon the request of the complainant, the organization will use its best efforts to protect the confidentiality of the complainant for any good faith report.  Violations or suspected violations may be submitted to legal@dglffl.com.  Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, with the understanding that confidentiality may not be maintained where identification is required by law or in order to enable the organization or law enforcement to conduct an adequate investigation.

Handling of Reported Violations

All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.  The complainant will be informed that follow-up has or is occurring within two weeks after the Commissioner or board member has received the complaint or report.  The Board of Directors shall be informed of all such complaints or reports.