“Major League Baseball and its clubs are proud to adopt a comprehensive policy that reflects the gravity and the sensitivities of these significant societal issues”, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “And as such want to set an example that makes clear that there is no place for domestic abuse in our society”, MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said. If the disciplinary action becomes an unpaid suspension, the player has the right to offset the time served against the penalty, but must repay any salary he received from his team during the paid suspension. The players association will also implement a domestic abuse policy for its staff. Players who fail to comply with their treatment plan might be subject to discipline. It could also force players to give up weapons or to adhere to “other reasonable directives designed to promote the safety of the player’s partner, children, or victims”.

Baseball’s new policy, which was developed with the input of anti-domestic violence advocacy groups, relies on a combination of discipline, treatment and education, according to a release.

MLB’s policy covers potential treatment and intervention, investigations as well as “training, education and resources”. Consistent with the collective bargaining agreement, Major League Baseball will conduct an interview with the player.

The commissioner’s office will investigate any allegations of domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse, and the commissioner has the power to place accused players on paid leave for seven days during such inquiries.

There is no minimum or maximum penalty under the policy and the Commissioner can hand out the punishment he believes is appropriate. Manfred’s authority to discipline is not dependent on whether the player is convicted or pleads guilty to a crime.

Manfred will also be able to issue punishment regardless of any criminal conviction, while players will have the ability to challenge their case in front of an independent arbitrator. Past discipline, if there is any, can not be used as a basis of appeal. The board will be comprised of three domestic violence, sexual assault and/or child abuse experts, in addition to two representatives each from the league and MLBPA.