National Collegiate Athletic Association

NCAA News Archive - 2010

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Jan 5, 2010 12:10:25 PM

The Infractions Appeals Committee is the final appeal option for institutions and any individuals involved in an NCAA infractions case.

After the Committee on Infractions assesses penalties, the institution and involved individuals may appeal both the findings and the penalties to the Infractions Appeals Committee.

An appeal is not a new hearing or a second chance to argue the case. The Infractions Appeals Committee does not consider evidence that was not presented to the Committee on Infractions. The Infractions Appeals Committee will reverse or modify a ruling of the Committee on Infractions only if one of the following standards is proven:

• The ruling by the Committee on Infractions was clearly contrary to the evidence.
• The individual or school did not actually break NCAA rules.
• There was a procedural error that caused the Committee on Infractions to find a violation of NCAA rules.
• The penalty was excessive and is an abuse of discretion.

The appeal may be done through an in-person hearing or in writing. In-person hearings occur only when the institution or individual had an in-person hearing with the Committee on Infractions.  If an in-person hearing occurs, the structure is similar to that of a Committee on Infractions hearing. The Infractions Appeals Committee will share the final report with the institution and individual(s) appealing the decision. 

The decision of the Infractions Appeals Committee is final.