Click any of the questions below to be taken to the USATF-provided response.
What is a grievance?
A grievance is a dispute between parties regarding matters governed by USATF. (Article 14-C; Reg. 21-A-1).
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You must write a complaint, clearly stating the dispute. (Reg. 21-F-1). Back to Top
The complaint must allege that a party has violated USATF’s Bylaws or Operating Regulations, the Sports Act, the IAAF eligibility rules, or had engaged in conduct detrimental to the best interests of Athletics or USATF. The complaint must state factual obligations in concise, numbered paragraphs. (Reg. 21-F-1). Back to Top
Yes. (Reg. 21-F-1). Back to Top
Yes, there is a filing fee of $250, payable by certified check or money order to USA Track & Field, Inc. (Reg. 21-F-2). Back to Top
The NABR panel hears all proceedings related to disciplinary complaints filed or prosecuted on behalf of USATF; matters involving persons from more than one Association; matters involving national or international Athletics competitions; alleged violations of IAAF rules, other than doping violations; alleged Sports Act violations; allegations of the denial of the right to participate in an Athletics competition; and allegations involving sexual misconduct. (Reg. 21-C). Back to Top
If the matter arose within the Association’s boundaries, and the relief sought only applies in the Association’s boundaries, you must file the grievance with your Association, unless the grievance falls under one of the categories in the answer to Question 6. (Reg. 21-D). Back to Top
No, but the person or entity must be subject to USATF’s jurisdiction. (Reg. 21-E-2). Back to Top
You must file within one year of when you knew or should have known about the matter. (Reg. 21-F-4). Back to Top
The complaint will be returned to you, and you will have 30 days to amend the complaint. (Reg. 21-F-3). Back to Top
If the matter is a USATF matter, and not an Association matter, National Office Management will serve the complaint on all interested parties, and appoint a mediator. (Reg. 21-G). Association matters are heard under the Association’s bylaws. Those bylaws must include provisions for an impartial panel, the opportunity to challenge to panel members for bias, and a timely hearing. (Reg. 7-G-2). Back to Top
An impartial mediator meets with all of the parties, together, and separately, and tries to get the parties to resolve the matter. There is no requirement to settle. (Reg. 21-G). Back to Top
After mediation, you should expect the hearing to take place within about three months. Back to Top
The panel members for each region are appointed in advance by the Law & Legislation Committee and Athletes Advisory Chairs, and approved by the President. (Reg. 21-B-3). Back to Top
You may challenge the panel member within 14 days after receiving the list of proposed panelists. The unchallenged panel members will promptly rule on the challenge. (Reg. 21-L). Back to Top
National Office Management tracks hearing matters to prevent undue delay. (Reg. 21-J). Panel members who unduly delay the hearing process may be removed by majority vote of the Law & Legislation and Athletes Advisory Committee Chairs and the President. (Reg. 21-B-4.) Back to Top
Most often, no. National (NABR) hearings are conducted by conference call unless one of the parties requests an in-person hearing and shows good cause to the President and CEO. The request must be made within five business days of the prehearing conference. In-person hearings take place in the respondent’s Association. The CEO may change the venue. If the CEO does so, USATF pays the reasonable travel expenses for the persons inconvenienced. (Reg. 21-6). Back to Top
Yes. (Article 14-E). Back to Top
Each party has the opportunity to testify, call witnesses, present evidence, and cross-examine adverse witnesses. (Article 14-E). Back to Top
The NABR panel issues its decision within 15 days after the hearing concludes, and a written opinion within 30 days after the hearing concludes. (Reg. 21-0-2). Back to Top
The panel can expel or suspend a party from USATF; restrict participation in USATF activities; order restitution; censure or admonish; or order specific relief according to the circumstances. (Reg. 21-P-1). Back to Top
The decision will be self-explanatory. If a party fails to comply, an aggrieved party or the panel on its own motion may hold a further hearing, and impose monetary penalties and additional disciplinary measures. (Reg. 21-P-3). Back to Top
The process is designed to be completed in three to four months, unless it is expedited. (Reg. N). Back to Top
Yes. A party adversely affected by an NABR or Association decision may appeal within 30 days of the final decision. (Reg. 21-R). Back to Top
Yes. An NABR panel may, upon its own motion or the motion of a party, impose fines and costs for frivolous grievances. (Reg. 21-T). Back to Top