Appeals Policy

1. Who May Appeal

a. Any individual subject to (1) sanction by the Executive Board or (2) for-cause removal from a standards committee who asserts a procedural deficiency in the related proceedings.

b. An unresolved objector who asserts a procedural deficiency in the standards development process

2. Appeal Submission 

a. The appellant must submit a written appeal to the Society President within 30 days of notification of action. Fees may apply.

b. The appeal must include

i. A detailed statement of the nature of the objection, including the alleged adverse effect;

ii. The procedural actions or inactions at issue, including specific reference thereto;

iii. The remedial action that would satisfy the appellant;

iv. Any supporting documentation the appellant wishes to be considered.

c. Failure to address any of the items may result in a denial of the appeal on the grounds that it is incomplete.

3. Appeals Committee

a. As determined appropriate, the Society President will select five members from the Society Forum who have not been directly involved in the matter in dispute and who will not be materially or directly impacted by any decision to serve as the Appeals Committee.

b. The Appeals Committee will review relevant reports and decisions, and the written appeal.

c. The Appeals Committee may choose to interview relevant parties and/or request additional information as necessary.

4. Decision

a. If the Appeals Committee determines that there were not any procedural issues, the appeal is dismissed and no further appeals may be filed.

b. If the Appeals Committee determines that there were procedural defects, the matter will be returned to the originating Committee, as applicable, with instructions for appropriate reconsideration and action to ensure procedural compliance.

c. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final.

5. Notification and Record-Keeping

a. Staff will notify the appellant, the Society President, and the Committee Chair, as applicable, the determination of the Appeals Committee.

b. Staff will retain the appeal decision and all related documents in ISA files.

6. Disclaimer

a. The granting of an appeal does not constitute an admission of liability by ISA or any individual participant.

Approved April 2026