Mario Schmidt v Bowls New Zealand (ST13/26)

Appeal – bowls – Bowls NZ (BNZ) – appeal against membership suspension or termination by affiliated bowling club – preliminary issue of Tribunal jurisdiction – appellant sought to challenge email decision of BNZ’s CEO supporting club’s refusal to renew membership – interpretation of appeal rights under BNZ and club constitutions – appeal to Sports Tribunal available only from decision of BNZ Judicial Committee – no decision of Judicial Committee had been made – internal disciplinary and appeal procedures not yet completed – Tribunal found it lacked jurisdiction to hear appeal at this stage – appeal dismissed for want of jurisdiction – Tribunal observed membership had not been properly terminated in accordance with constitutional disciplinary procedures – expectation that BNZ promptly commence and complete internal process in accordance with natural justice.