Appeals Process

Updated: August 1, 2011

The NIRSA Services Corporation (NSC) has developed an appeals process for all National Campus Championship Series (NCCS) events. This process includes collaboration by the NCCS Standards of Competition Committee (NSCC), the NIRSA Director of National Sport Programs, NCCS Immediate Past Chair, and the respective sport's Chair to provide timely feedback and swift rule in cases where participants feel they have received unjust or inappropriate sanction. The NCCS appeals process will ensure that all individual competitors and institutions participating in NCCS events receive fair and equal treatment. The ultimate goal of the Appeals Board is to maintain the integrity of the NCCS tournament brand.

NIRSA NCCS Appeal process

• An individual or team can appeal the sanction or request an eligibility exception through a written letter approved by their Campus Recreation Director (include the Director's statement of support and signature) and sent to the NIRSA Director of National Sport Programs within ten (10) business days of the sanction (NOTE: Request for eligibility exceptions must be made a minimum of 15 days prior to the respective contest). The reasons for the appeal should be clearly outlined. The NIRSA Director of National Sport Programs forwards the appeal to the NCCS Standards of Competition Work Team Chair for review by the appeals committee, including: NCCS Standards of Competition Work Team Chair, NCCS Committee Past Chair, NCCS Work Team Chair of the appropriate sport, and the current NCCS Standards of Competition Work Team. The appeals committee reserves the right to modify current sanctions as necessary, including imposing additional sanctions. The appeals committee will rule on the appeal within five (5) business days of receiving notification from the NIRSA Director of National Sport Programs.
  • The committee may choose to contact the Campus Recreation Director from the appealing institution (or designated representative), the team representative of the appealing team, and/or legal counsel.
• An individual or team may request a second review/appeal by the NCCS Appeals Board.
  • The Campus Recreation Director (or appropriate school representative) must request this appeal through written notification. This should be sent to the NIRSA National Director of Sport Programs, include any circumstances related to the situation that caused the violation, and must be submitted within five (5) business days of the ruling(s) of the NCCS Committee. The NIRSA Director of National Sport Programs forwards the appeal to the Chair of the NCCS Appeals Board.
  • The NCCS Appeals Board will rule on the appeal after investigating the situation and may uphold, reject, or modify the action taken by the NIRSA Director of National Sport Programs.  
    • The written appeal can be reviewed and voted on via email.
    • The chair of the NCCS Appeals Board can elect to hold a conference call and invite any of the following: Director of National Sport Programs, Chair of the respective Championships committee, Campus Recreation Director from the appealing institution (or designated representative), the team representative of the appealing team, legal counsel.
    • The Appeals Board will make a final ruling within five (5) business days.
  • The NCCS Appeals Board may make exceptions to rules/policies due to extenuating circumstances. Decisions made by the NCCS Appeals Board are final. Under no circumstances can a decision by the NCCS Appeals Board result in the replay of any completed competition.

Director of National Sport Programs:
Valerie McCutchan, CRSS
4185 SW Research Way
Corvallis, Oregon 97333-1067
(541) 766-8211 x-15  fax: (541) 766-8284
valerie@nirsa.org