The Ethics and Membership Committee shall oversee implementation of and compliance with Conflict of Interest statements, Principles of Ethical Behavior Code, Gift and Entertainment Policy, codes of conduct, and such other membership policies and regulations as the Board of Directors may designate (collectively the “Membership and Ethics Policies”) as prescribed by the Board of Directors.  The committee shall review and investigate matters of membership, alleged violations of Membership Policies, and have the power to impose sanctions and discipline, including suspension and termination of a Member, utilizing such procedures as the Board may approve. The committee shall have the power, in its discretion, to review and provide guidance on ethical questions presented to it by the Board, officers, committee and task force members, volunteers, staff and the corporation’s members.

(a)    A review of any alleged violation undertaken by the Ethics and Membership Committee for an alleged violation of Safe Sport Policy or Coaches Code of Conduct shall be governed by the policies and procedures set forth in the USA Wrestling SafeSport Policy, as approved by the USA Wrestling Board of Directors/Executive Committee.

(b)    A review of any other alleged violation by the Ethics and Membership Committee does not bar the application of any other relevant procedures available under the Bylaws to the circumstances of the allegations (e.g., a formal grievance) provided, however, that the Ethics and Membership Committee shall avoid hearing or investigating matters that are properly the subject of an eligibility to compete issue governed by these Bylaws. The appointment of members of the Ethics and Membership Committee shall not be subject to the provisions of Article VII below.

(c)    The Ethics and Membership Committee shall have eight (8) members, three (3) appointed by the Executive Committee, not fewer than three (3) of whom shall be athletes per Subsection 7.1.8, the Secretary (Chair) and one (1) JOWC appointee.  The Secretary’s will only vote when there is a tied vote.

(d)    The Ethics and Membership Committee shall have the power to delegate hearings to hearing panels under rules approved by the Board.