Education - Protest Procedures (updated for 2008)

How to File a Protest

By Michael Marino, Protest and Grievance Committee Chair

Here is how to file a protest:

Be timely. Protests are due under the AERC Rules within ten days after a ride occurs or thirty days after publication of the ride results in Endurance News if the violation is not apparent until the results are published. A protest without the required $150 payment is a news item, not a protest.

Be prepared. Protests are not courtroom proceedings. Still, first-hand evidence is preferable. Gather signed witness statements; don't just repeat gossip. You will have an opportunity to present more evidence after filing the initial protest letter, so use your time to provide us with useful information.

Be clear. Tell what happened and how it violates AERC Rules. We should not have to wade through a collection of sometimes irrelevant and minor gripes just to figure out the subject of the protest.

Be specific. What rule was violated? Who is the protest against? What penalty are you requesting? Deciding what to do about a violation is just as important as deciding whether one occurred.

Be realistic. Read the AERC Rules and give them some thought before you file the protest. Is what you want to complain about covered in the Rules? Is the result you want contemplated in the Rules?

Be current. Enforcement of our Rules can be important to the safety and fairness of our sport. If you see a major problem, do something about it now instead of waiting for disaster to happen.

Be flexible. Sometimes attempting to work out some sort of informal resolution is better than the all or nothing approach of a formal protest. The Rules lay out a procedure for involving regional directors. I am always willing to try to mediate a dispute.

Be sure to follow all guidelines of AERC Rule 14, Formal Protest Procedures. Mail the protest, with the required check for $150, to the Protest and Grievance Committee, c/o Michael Marino, Chair, 1093 Anders Road, Collegeville, PA 19426. If you have any questions, contact me at mdmarino1@comcast.net.

A formal protest form is available for use. Click here to download a PDF version of the protest form.

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