Protest Procedures

Here is how to file a protest:

Be timely. Protests are due under the AERC Rules within 30 days after a ride occurs, or 30 days after the mailing of Endurance News if the violation is not apparent until the ride results are published. A protest fee of $150 must be paid by the protestor when the protest is filed.

Be prepared. Protests are not courtroom proceedings. Still, first-hand evidence is preferable. Gather signed witness statements; don't just repeat gossip. Hearsay will be accepted but it may be afforded less weight than direct evidence.

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?

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.

Be sure to follow all guidelines of AERC Rule 14, Formal Protest Procedures. Mail the protest, with the required check for $150, to AERC, Attn: Protest and Grievance Committee, P.O. Box 6027, Auburn, CA 95604.

If you have any questions, contact Protest and Grievance Committee Chairman Bill Taylor at wjt@kincaidlaw.com.

A formal protest form (Appendix 14A) must be used. Click here to download a PDF version of the protest form.

If a protest is appealed, the protest appeal form (Appendix 14B) must be used. Click here to download a PDF version of the appeal form.