Appeals Committee
The Appeals Committee of the AFBN is the independent body against which rulings of the Disciplinary Committee. The committee is designed to ensure diligence, adversarial, and fair treatment within the league's sports disciplinary system.
Anyone who disagrees with a decision of the Disciplinary Committee - or feels that the procedure was improperly conducted - can appeal to this committee.
What does the Appeals Committee do?
The Appeals Committee reviews:
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Whether the original disciplinary process was conducted correctly;
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Whether the ruling is substantively and procedurally correct;
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Whether the sanction imposed is proportionate to the offense.
Based on this assessment, the committee may decide to affirm, modify or set aside the ruling in whole or in part.
Who can appeal?
Appeals may be filed by:
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the sanctioned party (for example, a player or coach);
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the AFBN board;
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the AFBN Prosecutor.
Appeals must be made within the time limit and in the manner prescribed in the Disciplinary Regulations. After the expiration of this period, the decision of the Disciplinary Committee shall be final.
Independent and objective
The Appeals Committee shall function entirely independent of the board, the Disciplinary Committee and other interested parties. Members of the committee shall have legal or sports law knowledge and shall apply the applicable statutes, regulations and principles of due process in their review.
Importance of careful dispute resolution
The AFBN values a fair, safe and transparent sports environment. The Appeals Committee is an important capstone in safeguarding those principles. Everyone who feels involved in American football in the Netherlands must be able to trust that disputes will be handled in a careful manner - and that there will always be a second point of review if the need arises.
Questions?
For questions about an appeal process or to file an appeal, contact the AFBN at this link.
