How does a discipline hearing work for a field of play offence?

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A complaint about a breach of the Laws of the Game or a field of play offence (for example a referee report) goes to BC Soccer's independent discipline chair, who can dismiss it as frivolous, refer it to the league or district to be handled under its own procedures, escalate it, or hold a documentary or oral hearing. Attending a hearing does not mean you are taken to have done anything wrong. Your response: once a complaint is accepted you are asked to respond within 72 hours. An extension can be granted and that decision cannot be appealed. Notice: for an oral hearing all parties get at least 10 business days notice. The panel has one to three members. At the hearing: the chair reads the charge. You can ask relevant questions, make submissions, call witnesses (you pay their expenses if they must attend) and make a summary statement. An association representative can accompany you; an observer can attend but cannot take part. If you cannot attend for a valid reason, you can ask in writing to respond in writing or by videoconference. Decision timing: where the expected outcome is 5 matches or fewer, the decision is due within 3 business days of the hearing. For other offences it is due no later than 30 days after the hearing. Postponing: you can request one postponement. It will be granted if requested at least 5 business days before the hearing, and you must still serve the required automatic match suspension. If you do not show up: without due cause you stay suspended until you ask in writing for another hearing and attend it. The panel can still decide on the evidence it has, can charge a re-hearing fee of up to $1000 plus GST, and BC Soccer can fine you up to $500. Costs: the unsuccessful party may be ordered to pay the associated costs.