Judicial Process Guidelines

III. Judicial Committee Authority

The committee, established by the bylaws of USA Ultimate, is responsible for the review of allegations against any member or prospective member for violation of the USA Ultimate policies (the “policies”). The committee has the authority to take the following actions, without limitation:rnu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ea. Suspend membership for a definite or indefinite period of time with or without terms of probation or reinstatement, fine or expel any member of USA Ultimate, as well as any person participating in any capacity in the activities of USA Ultimate, its State-Based Organizations or affiliates, whether such person is a member of USA Ultimate or a prospective member who has violated any of USA Ultimate’s rules or Policies, or who aids, abets and encourages another to violate any such rules or Policies.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003eb. Temporarily impose penalties or suspend imposed penalties on a member or prospective member while a complaint (as defined below) is pending.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ec. Impose and enforce penalties for any violation of the Policies in a manner other than those listed above that the committee or panel deems appropriate, including but not limited to probation, censure, and victim restitution, where applicable.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ed. Determine the eligibility and right to compete of any athlete.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ee. Vacate, modify, sustain, reverse or stay any decision of USA Ultimate or order properly submitted on appeal, or remand the matter for further action.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ef. Modify an existing decision of the Judicial Committee or a panel based on the receipt of new information.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003eg. Interpret any provision of the policies of USA Ultimate.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003eh. Review any revocation, suspension, reinstatement of membership or challenge the granting or denial of membership.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ei. Adopt the findings and/or sanctions of state-based organization, affiliates, or other local disc organization, impose an additional sanction, or request that the local disc organization file a complaint.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ej. Adopt the findings and/or sanctions of any National Governing Body or International Governing Body, or impose an additional sanction.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ek. Adopt the findings and/or sanctions of any governmental entity including, without limitation, the criminal or civil court systems.u003c/pu003ernAny suspension by USA Ultimate under subsections i and j above where USA Ultimate adopts a penalty of a third party, is appealable to the Judicial Committee under the Administrative Appeals set forth in Section V below.

IV. Complaint Process

a. The USA Ultimate judicial process begins with the filing of a report of misconduct (a “complaint”) according to the process outlined in the u003ca href=u0022https://usaultimate.andrewlovseth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/USA-ULTIMATE-BYLAWS-revised-and-approved-June-2018.pdfu0022u003eUSA Ultimate bylawsu003c/au003e.rnrnb. A complaint may be filed by any member, prospective member, aggrieved party or USA Ultimate staff and should set forth the allegations of conduct that may be in violation of the Policies.rnrnc. Upon receipt of a complaint, the committee will determine whether the information is sufficient to warrant review and formation of a panel. In making their initial determination, the committee may consult USA Ultimate staff and, in the committee’s discretion, request that the USA Ultimate staff investigate the allegations laid out by the complaint and provide a recommended course of action.*rnu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003eu003cemu003e* This is not a mandate on USA Ultimate staff, but the committee has the discretion to request investigations in cases that warrant such action. Typically, a case involving a violation of the Athlete Protection Policy is more likely to merit investigation than an incident between two adult parties on the field of play.u003c/emu003eu003c/pu003ernd. In the event that the committee determines a complaint is insufficient to warrant review, the committee will notify the complainant in writing of its determination. If the complaint is deemed credible, the committee will inform the complainant and will also inform the respondent of the complaint, making known to them the allegations being charged.rnrne. The respondent will have thirty days, or such shorter or longer period as the Judicial Committee determines in its discretion, to submit a written response to the Judicial Committee. Upon receipt of the response, a panel will be convened to review the complaint and the response to the complaint.rnrnf. All parties to the complaint or the panel may request a telephone or virtual hearing. A panel may also give the parties an opportunity to submit additional written materials in lieu of or in addition to a hearing. Whether or not a hearing is requested, the panel will consider all written evidence submitted. The panel shall have the discretion to share written materials submitted to it with the other party, in whole or in part, and to give them the opportunity to respond.rnrng. At any time in the process, a panel may ask the parties questions.

V. Administrative Appeals

a. Any USA Ultimate member, who has been actually aggrieved by an Administrative Decision (defined below) made by a USA Ultimate staff member or their agents including, but not limited to, USA Ultimate committees and volunteers, may file a formal appeal against a decision with the USA Ultimate Judicial Committee (an “Administrative Appeal”). No appeals may be made on behalf of another person or individual.rnu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ei. An u0022Administrative Decisionu0022 is any decision made by a USA Ultimate staff member, committee, or volunteer, or its designee which is an application of existing USA Ultimate Policy and directly affects a USA Ultimate member, team, or group of members, such as decisions involving rosters, eligibility and sanctioning of USA Ultimate events. This is to be distinguished from broader policy or strategy decisions made by the USA Ultimate administration and USA Ultimate Board of Directors such as changes to the structure of the national college or club series, the roles and responsibilities of observers or budgetary decisions that have only indirect impacts on a specific USA Ultimate member, team or group of members. Appeals made under this Policy are concerned with administrative decisions with a specific, direct and immediate impact on an aggrieved party.u003c/pu003ernb. In the event that the committee determines that an Administrative Appeal is insufficient to warrant review, the committee will notify the appellant in writing of its determination. If the complaint is deemed credible, the committee will inform the appellant and USA Ultimate staff.rnrnc. USA Ultimate will have thirty days, or such shorter or longer period as the Judicial Committee determines, in its discretion, to submit a written response to the Judicial Committee. Upon receipt of the response, a panel will be convened to review the appeal and the response.rnrnd. All parties to the Administrative Appeal or the panel may request a telephone or virtual hearing. A panel may also give the parties an opportunity to submit additional written materials in lieu of a hearing. Whether or not a hearing is requested, the panel will consider all written evidence submitted.rnrne. At any time in the process, a panel may ask the parties questions.

VI. Hearings

If a hearing is requested, the hearing will take place using the following procedures:rnu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ea. General Hearing Issues:u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003ei. Each party is entitled to representation of their choosing at the hearing, whether legal counsel or designated advocate (a “representative”).u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003eii. The hearing will be closed to the public with the exception of the panel, the parties, their representative, or other persons approved by the panel.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003eiii. Each party is entitled to call witnesses, produce evidence and submit information supporting the party’s position.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003eiv. Conformity to formal rules of evidence is not necessary, provided, however, that the rules of evidence generally accepted in administrative proceedings shall apply.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003ev. The hearing will be informal, except that testimony will be taken under oath.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003evi. A party may have a written record made of the hearing, as described in the u003ca href=u0022https://usaultimate.andrewlovseth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/USA-ULTIMATE-BYLAWS-revised-and-approved-June-2018.pdfu0022u003eUSA Ultimate bylawsu003c/au003e. The hearing may be recorded by the panel. Any record of the hearing will be considered confidential.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003eb. Hearing Procedure:u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003ei. Pre-hearing administrationu003c/pu003ernrnu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cliu003eAs of a deadline determined by the panel prior to the hearing, all parties must submit any additional documents they wish the panel to review and a witness list of all witnesses with a very short description of the topics such witnesses will cover.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eAs of a deadline determined by the panel, each party will also have the opportunity to request a separate hearing (as described below).u003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003eii. Order of hearing:u003c/pu003ernrnu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cliu003eOpening statements (time limit established by the chair of the panel):a. Complainantrnrnb. Respondentu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003eiii. Presentation of witness testimony:u003c/pu003ernrnu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cliu003eComplainant’s casea. Presentation of witness testimonyrnb. Cross examination by respondentrnc. Questions by the panelu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eRespondent’s case:a. Presentation of witness testimonyrnrnb. Cross examination by respondentrnrnc. Questions by the panelu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003eiv. Closing statements (time limit established by the chair of the panel):u003c/pu003ernrnu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cliu003eComplainantu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eRespondentu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eComplainant’s rebuttalu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ec. Witness Testimony:u003c/pu003ernrnu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cliu003eComplainant and respondent, and their respective representatives or counsel, will have the right to call and/or question witnesses.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eThe panel will also have the right to question witnesses.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eThe panel may limit the number of witnesses if it is believed necessary to maintain an orderly and timely hearing, while affording a fair opportunity for the parties to be heard.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eThe panel has the discretion to limit cross examination. *u003cemu003e* In cases where a minor is a witness, it’s more likely that cross examination would be limited.u003c/emu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ed. Standards of Proof:u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003ei. The Complainant has the burden of proof and is responsible for providing sufficient information to establish their case by a preponderance of the evidence. A preponderance of the evidence means more likely than not.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ee. Decision:u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003ei. The panel will deliberate in closed session and will have an opportunity to review all evidence presented. A decision will be made by a majority of the panel.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003eii. The decision will be in writing and include the grounds for the decision based on the evidence as well as the disciplinary action taken, if any. The decision will be distributed to the parties and USA Ultimate.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003ef. Other Hearing Issuesu003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003ei. Separated Hearingsu003c/pu003ernrnu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cliu003eIn its discretion, a panel can hold a hearing where the parties are separated. Parties will independently present their case to the panel and be subject to questioning by the panel. *u003cemu003e* Generally, separated hearings are appropriate in cases involving minor parties, sexual misconduct or child abuse. A separate hearing is not granted lightly because it can reduce the evidentiary value of testimony without cross examination.u003c/emu003ernrnu0026nbsp;u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eIn determining whether or not to allow a separated hearing, the panel will weigh protection of witnesses from disclosing sensitive information against the evidentiary value of cross examination and the ability for the parties to understand evidence submitted by the other party.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eThe panel has the discretion to share information learned in closed sessions from the other party and seek rebuttal.u003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003eii. Hearing Attendanceu003c/pu003ernrnu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cliu003eIt is not required for a party who did not request a hearing to the complaint to attend. However, it is strongly encouraged as any panel will not have the ability to hear opposing opinions, and it will hamper their ability to make an informed decision.u003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 80px;u0022u003eiii. Expedited Hearingsu003c/pu003ernrnu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cli style=u0022list-style-type: none;u0022u003ernu003colu003ern tu003cliu003eIn the event that a complaint or Administrative Appeal is time sensitive, any timeframes set forth in this policy may be accelerated and procedures altered at the discretion of a panel or the committee to ensure expeditious review.u003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003e

VII. Arbitration

In order to appeal a determination of a panel, a party may be entitled to pursue arbitration with the American Arbitration Association if allowed under the provisions of Section 10.13 of USA Ultimate’s Bylaws, including if the panel’s decision involves a Right to Participate grievance with respect to which arbitration is allowed as referred to in, and in accordance with, applicable provisions of the Ted Stevens Olympic Amateur Sports Act and the USOPC Bylaws. Filing fees and other costs associated with arbitration are the responsibility of the appealing party.

VIII. Miscellaneous

a. Temporary Suspension by USA Ultimate Staffrnu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003eIn the event that USA Ultimate is made aware of conduct that violates its policies, USA Ultimate staff may impose a temporary suspension in lieu of the committee if a majority of the committee cannot be reached in a timely manner or in case of an emergency as deemed by the CEO of USA Ultimate.u003c/pu003ernb. Failure to respondrnu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003eIf a respondent to a complaint does not respond, USA Ultimate will make a good faith effort to contact the respondent. If there is no response after such an effort, the committee may deem the failure to respond as a default, and will treat the allegations in the complaint as uncontested.u003c/pu003ernc. Confidentialityrnu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003eWith respect to complaints, the committee, in its discretion, will make reasonable efforts to protect the privacy of individuals involved in the process, while balancing the need to gather information to assess a complaint. Information will be shared as necessary with USA Ultimate staff and counsel, witnesses and the parties. USA Ultimate reserves the right to notify guardians of any party regarding any health or safety risk. Any public statement by a party or witnesses will waive any expectation of privacy from USA Ultimate, if any such expectation exists.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003eThe parties, including but not limited to the complainant, victim, respondent, advocates, and witnesses, are expected to keep information learned or accessed exclusively through the judicial process confidential. This includes but is not limited to the decision, any investigation report, any documents or evidence attached to any report, interview statements of any witness, recordings or transcripts of any hearing, documents and/or evidence submitted to the panel. Sharing such information beyond the parties involved in the process may be viewed by the committee as a violation of this expectation and may be subject to sanctions at the discretion of the committee. This includes the sharing of documentation provided to the parties as part of the judicial process. Information known by the parties prior to the judicial process, or learned separately during or following the process, is not subject to this expectation for confidentiality.u003c/pu003ernu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003eUSA Ultimate reserves the right to share information related to its judicial process including, without limitation, confidential information, in its sole discretion. This may include, for example, sharing information with local disc organizations or correcting inaccurate information.u003c/pu003ernd. Publishing of decisionsrnu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003eIf a member is suspended or banned, the name of the member, date of the decision, duration of the suspension or ban, jurisdiction in which the individual is located, bylaw, rules or policy violated, or other information deemed relevant by the committee in its sole discretion will be published on the u003ca href=u0022https://usaultimate.andrewlovseth.com/about/suspensions/u0022u003eUSA Ultimate websiteu003c/au003e for the duration of the suspension or ban.u003c/pu003erne. Harassmentrnu003cp style=u0022padding-left: 40px;u0022u003eIf a complaint or appeal is filed with the intention of harassment or is otherwise for non-substantive purposes, is expressly prohibited. The filing of such a complaint will be considered a violation of the USA Ultimate Conduct Policy and is subject to suspension under the terms of this policy.u003c/pu003e

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Judicial Process