Disciplinary Procedures

Understanding that working with you will require disciplinary action, 4-H'ers and leaders are provided with the 4-H Code of Conduct as a standard of behavior.  As outlined in the Code, 4-H'ers are expected to exhibit positive character and behavior including (but not limited to) trustworthiness, responsibility, respectfulness, caring, citizenship, and fairness.

The 4-H Code of Conduct is signed by the 4-H'er and his/her parent/guardian each year and is in effect for 12 months from the date of signing.  4-H'ers must have a 4-H Code of Conduct signed prior to participation in 4-H activities and events that take place off of the 4-H'ers school campus and/or not during school hours.

The 4-H Code of Conduct should be reviewed for the entire group prior to the beginning of a 4-H activity or event.  This includes not only consequences of misbehavior but also expected behavior.

VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
If a 4-H'er is suspected of being in violation of the 4-H Code of Conduct, the 4-H event coordinator should be contacted to assist the leaders with the process.  Leaders must insure throughout the process that the rights of the young person are observed. Leaders are not to invade a 4-H'ers right to privacy or due process in determining offenses.

A 4-H Review Board may be called when an infraction has been noted.  The review board serves to:

1. determine whether a violation has occurred
2. if there is a violation, what disciplinary action should be taken

Orienting & Conducting the Review Board
The Review Board coordinator will:

•     inform the Board and those in question of the purpose of the Review Board called
•     direct everyone participating in the process to treat the matter as confidential
•     appoint a recorder to document the Review Board Proceedings and the discussion of the Board following the proceedings
•     advise members of the offense (or suspected offense)
•     provide opportunity for each person involved to present his/her recollection of the events and allow for additional individuals

    to be included to the process as needed
•     permit Board members to ask questions and call for additional information
•     insure that persons not essential are excluded from the hearing.  Witnesses may only be present in the hearing room

    during their own testimony

Once a determination has been reached through discussion and vote, the Review Board Coordinator and one member of the Board should present to each of the 4-H'ers accused the findings of the board as well as any disciplinary action.  Additionally, the Coordinator should discuss the appeal procedures.

Following the review process, the Review Board  coordinator will make a written record of the event prior to the proceedings, the proceedings as well as the disciplinary action recommended.  The record should be kept on file with the event information and a copy sent to the local staff member coordinating 4-H.

The Appeal Process
If a 4-H’er wishes to appeal the decision of the review board, the 4-H’er must appeal in writing through the County Extension office. Appeals must be filed within 10 days of notification of the disciplinary action.  The appeal is sent to the Program Development Coordinator of the 4-H member and the State 4-H Leader.  If the district and state 4-H staff can not resolve the matter, an appeal board will meet within 30 days of the 4-H’ers request.  The appeal board will consist of one Extension worker, two volunteers and three 4-H members. Following any disciplinary action, the person coordinating the activity must provide written notification concerning the action to the 4-H’ers parent/guardian, the county Extension faculty and the 4-H Program Development Coordinator.

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