For complete requirements, please refer to U.S. Soccer Bylaw 704, Policy 704-1, and Policy 704-2.
U.S. Soccer's appeals process provides a mechanism for reviewing certain final decisions of Organization Members. Not every decision is appealable. Before filing, parties should carefully review whether the decision qualifies for appeal under U.S. Soccer's governing documents.
(1) When is a Decision "Appealable"?
Under U.S. Soccer Bylaw 704, the Appeals Committee generally has jurisdiction to review certain final decisions rendered by Organization Members that affect an individual's right to participate. However, decisions that have no consequence beyond a particular competition are generally not appealable.
For purposes of this rule, a "competition" may include a game, tournament, league season, or similar competitive event.
Examples:
Appealable - A coach is suspended from all state-affiliated soccer activities for one year following conduct at a tournament. Because the suspension extends beyond the tournament itself, the decision may be appealable.
Generally Not Appealable - A coach is suspended only for the remainder of a tournament. Because the consequences do not extend beyond that competition, the decision is generally not appealable through U.S. Soccer's appeals process.
Similarly, decisions relating solely to competitive placement, such as what team a player participates on or what division or league a team competes in, are often considered non-appealable because their effects are limited to competition matters. Whether a decision is appealable ultimately depends on the specific facts and circumstances of the case.
If the Appeals Committee determines that a matter is not appealable, the appellant will be notified accordingly, and any appeal fee will be refunded.
(2) Filing an Appeal
Appeal Deadline
An appeal must be filed within fourteen (14) days after receipt of the Organization Member's final decision.
Notice of Appeal
An appeal is initiated by submitting a completed Notice of Appeal and serving all opposing parties.
A Notice of Appeal may be submitted:
The Notice of Appeal must be filed within fourteen (14) days of receiving the Organization Member's final decision and must be served on all opposing parties. The appellant must also include a copy of the Organization Member's final written decision being appealed.
Failure to provide a copy of the final decision may delay processing of the appeal or require the Appeals Committee to request additional information before determining whether the matter is appealable.
Submission Information
United States Soccer Federation, Inc. Appeals Committee
c/o U.S. Soccer Secretary General
302 Lees Mill Road
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Email: legal@ussoccer.org
Appeal Fee
The Notice of Appeal must be accompanied by the applicable appeal fee, which is currently $300.
The appeal fee may be paid by:
If the Appeals Committee determines that the matter is not appealable, the appeal fee will be refunded.
3. Appeals Process
Initial Review
After receiving the Notice of Appeal and required fee, the Appeals Committee first determines whether the matter is appealable under U.S. Soccer's bylaws and policies.
If the appeal is accepted, the parties will receive a scheduling notice establishing deadlines for submissions and other procedural requirements.
Appeal Record
The Organization Member whose decision is being appealed must submit the official appeal record.
The appeal record generally includes:
The Appeals Panel reviews the existing record from the underlying proceeding rather than conducting a new hearing on the merits.
Written Arguments
The appellant will have an opportunity to submit written arguments explaining why the decision should be reversed or modified. Opposing parties may submit written responses.
The appellant bears the burden of demonstrating that the decision being appealed was clearly erroneous.
4. New Evidence
As a general rule, the Appeals Panel will not consider new evidence. U.S. Soccer policy permits new evidence only when:
Any request to introduce new evidence should explain why the evidence was previously unavailable, or why changed circumstances justify its consideration.
5. Appeals Panel Review
Appeals are decided by a three-member Appeals Panel selected from the U.S. Soccer Appeals Committee.
An appeal is initiated by submitting a Notice of Appeal either through the paper Notice of Appeal form or through U.S. Soccer's online appeal form. The Notice of Appeal, the Organization Member's final written decision, any supporting materials submitted by the appellant, the certified record from the Organization Member, and any written submissions from the parties will be provided to and considered by the Appeals Panel as part of its review.
Appellants are encouraged to clearly explain the basis for their appeal in the Notice of Appeal and to include any arguments they wish the Appeals Panel to consider, consistent with U.S. Soccer's rules regarding the record on appeal and the submission of new evidence.
6. Appeals Panel Decision
The Appeals Panel will issue a written decision after considering the appeal.
The decision will explain the Panel's determination and any action taken regarding the decision under review. Written decisions are generally issued within the timeframes established by U.S. Soccer Policy 704-1.
The decision will be communicated through the formal written decision. Parties should not expect advance notice of the result before the written decision is issued.
Questions?
Questions regarding U.S. Soccer appeals procedures may be directed to:
Parties are encouraged to review all applicable U.S. Soccer bylaws, policies, and appeal procedures before filing an appeal. See https://www.ussoccer.com/governance/bylaws.