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USAWKF Regulations - Arbitration

An arbitration is a matter officially and properly submitted to the arbitrator for investigation and rendering of a decision. The decision of the arbitrator is final and binding.

An athlete who believes that there was a factual error in applying the rules and procedures of the tournament to himself/herself may request an official review of the matter. The individual should first approach the Chief Judge of the division with his/her information and request an investigation by the Chief Judge. If he/she is not satisfied with the adjustment resolution offered, he/she may then submit a formal request for arbitration.

Arbitrator

The arbitrator is an individual, impartial to the outcome of the proceedings, who is empowered to examine the facts and render a decision. This official is separate from all other officials of the tournament.

General Information

Who may request an arbitration

A competitor who believes that there was an irregularity in applying the rules to himself or herself may request an arbitration form the tournament committee. The athlete's coach or designated representative may apply on behalf of the competitor only if the athlete is incapacitated.

Time Limit

The complaint must be presented immediately after the occasion or incidence on which arbitration is requested. For forms competition, requests must be submitted within 2 hours after individual's performance. However, the competitor must notify the Chief Judge prior to the end of his/her event that a formal request will be submitted. The Chief Judge will then notify all competitors of a delay in final results, pending the arbitration. In matters pertaining to matches where subsequent matches would be affected, a request must be submitted in time to be resolved before the succeeding matches can proceed. The tournament may not be responsible for making changes if there is a delay in submitting a request. Once all the bouts in a weight division have been completed, no changes in outcome will be made.

No requests will be reviewed more than 24 hours after the close of the tournament.

Confidentiality

All matters of arbitration are treated as confidential by the officials involved.

Procedures

Submitting a request

The athlete, his/her coach, or a designated representative, submits a written request and submits the appropriate fee. Verbal requests are not accepted. The request must state clearly what particular error he/she believes was committed and what action of resolution is desired.

Payment of fee

The arbitration fee of $100 (one hundred U.S. dollars) deposit in cash must be presented with the request. If the decision favors the competitor, the fee is refunded.

Investigation

The arbitrator investigates the matter described in the request. The arbitrator may review official records, examine equipment, and interview appropriate personnel. These include any persons involved in an official capacity with the event or action noted in the request, including the competitor, the officials including the Chief Judge or referee, judge, timekeeper, scorekeeper, field coordinators, forms examiners, the opponent from the match, and others necessary.

Guidelines

Matters which are eligible for arbitration include errors of administration, procedure, or fact. Examples of matters which may properly be arbitrated include registrar errors, enrollment in incorrect division, misidentification of an athlete, scores incorrectly recorded, mathematical errors, timekeeping errors, timing signals incorrectly presented, interference from events or persons outside the ring, action of a judge inappropriate to his/her duties.

Matters which are not eligible for arbitration include requests with regard to another athlete's bout or performance or scores. Nor may an athlete request re-examination of his/her bout or performance with the purpose of obtaining a different evaluation of score. In fairness to all athletes, scores must be given by the judges based on their observation during the actual bout or performance and from their particular vantage point and within the general framework of the tournament in progress.

The request should be made in good faith. Only one person may sign on to a request for arbitration. The writer should stick to matters of fact which are provable and should not venture opinions. The request should state clearly and specifically what error he/she believes was committed, who committed it, and what action or changes he/she demands.

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