All grievance and disciplinary proceedings are filed and resolved pursuant to the procedures outlined in Article XXVII of the USFSA Bylaws and in the Grievance Committee Rules and Ethics Committee Rules. The Grievance Committee is responsible for administering the various grievance and hearing processes provided under the USFSA Bylaws and Rules, to provide standard hearing and complaint procedures for the prompt and equitable resolution of grievances of USFSA members, and to cause to be published certain information about a grievance once it is final.
If you would like more information about the grievance process, please contact the Grievance Committee liaison at U.S. Figure Skating Headquarters, 719.635.5200 or e-mail grievance@usfigureskating.org.
Grievance Publications
Erik Pedersen:
In December 2007, U.S. Figure Skating filed a grievance against Erik Pedersen, alleging violations of GR 1.01 A, GR 1.02 A, D and E and GR 1.03. A PSA grievance was also filed against Mr. Pederson. A combined USFSA/PSA disciplinary hearing was conducted and the panel concluded that that Mr. Pederson had violated the specified U.S. Figure Skating and PSA rules. The panel concluded that Mr. Pederson be permanently banned from U.S. Figure Skating and PSA membership. No appeal was filed and the hearing panel's decision is final.
Tricia Rubacky:
In August 2008, a grievance was filed against Tricia Rubacky under USFSA Bylaw Article XXV, Sec 3(a), alleging violations of GR 1.01 and GR 1.02. In accordance with USFSA Bylaws and Grievance Committee Rules, a hearing panel was appointed and a hearing was held on February 23, 2009. The panel made factual findings and concluded that Ms. Rubacky violated GR 1.01 (Code of Ethics) and GR 1.02 (Code of Conduct). As a consequence, the hearing panel recommended that Ms. Rubacky be indefinitely banned from competing in any and all competitive events sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating from this date forward until specific conditions are completed and verified to the USFSA. An appeal was not filed and this decision is now final.
Lynn Balaskas:
A grievance was filed against Lynn Balaskas by three members and officers of the Northern Ice Skating Club (at the time of the grievance filing) alleging violations of USFS General Rules GR 1.01 (USFSA Code of Ethics) and GR 1.02 (USFS Code of Conduct) in her capacity as an officer of the Northern Ice Figure Skating Club. Upon review, it was determined that U.S. Figure Skating would proceed with the matter as a disciplinary proceeding under Article XXV, Section 3(b). Ms. Balaskas was notified of the grievance and responded to the allegations. In accordance with USFS rules, a hearing panel was appointed and a disciplinary hearing was conducted in which Ms. Balaskas was given the opportunity to participate. The hearing panel made factual findings and concluded that Ms. Balaskas violated USFS GR 1.01.
The hearing panel ruled that Ms. Balaskas' membership in U.S. Figure Skating is suspended for three years effective January 31, 2007. No appeal was filed. The hearing panel's decision is now final.
Joseph Mero:
A disciplinary action was initiated by U.S. Figure Skating against Joseph Mero, alleging violations of the USFS Code of Ethics, General Rules GR 1.01, GR 1.02, GR 1.03, GR 1.04, and the USFS Policy Statement on Harassment and Abuse. The Professional Skaters Association was notified of these allegations. Upon review, it was determined that the matter would proceed as a combined USFS/PSA grievance pursuant to USFS GCR 3.02(E). In accordance with USFS Rules, a hearing panel was appointed and a disciplinary hearing was conducted in which Mr. Mero was given the opportunity to participate. The hearing panel made factual findings and concluded that Mr. Mero violated the USFS Code of Ethics, USFS General Rules GR 1.01, GR 1.02, GR 1.03, GR 1.04, USFS Policy Statement on Harassment and Abuse, and PSA Code of Ethics Nos. 4, 5, and 7, and Tenets of Professionalism 5 and 10.
The hearing panel ruled that Mr. Mero is expelled from membership in U.S. Figure Skating and the PSA and that he is banned from membership in U.S. Figure Skating and the PSA for life. No appeal was filed. The hearing panel's decision is now final.
Final 4.4.05
Grievance Publication
David Lowery
In June 2003, a grievance was filed against David Lowery under USFSA Bylaw Article XXVII, Sec 3(b) alleging violation of GR 1.02(a), the USFSA Code of Ethics (as published USFSA 2003 Rulebook), and GR 1.04, the USFSA Harassment and Abuse Policy (as published in USFSA 2003 Rulebook). Mr. Lowery, through his counsel, requested that this grievance be held in abeyance pending the resolution of a non-USFSA matter, which request was granted. In September 2004, following the conclusion of the non-USFSA matter, Mr. Lowery and his counsel were notified that a response was required to the grievance statement filed in June 2003. Mr. Lowery did not respond to the allegations within thirty (30) days as provided for in ECR 3.08 (formerly cited as USFSA Bylaw Article XXVII 3 (b) (iii)). ECR 3.08 (B) provides that such failure is deemed an admission of the allegations made by the Grievant. ECR 3.08 further provides that, under such circumstances, Mr. Lowery waived his right to a hearing or an appeal and that the Chair of the Grievance Committee will, with the concurrence of the Executive Committee, impose appropriate discipline. The Chair of the Grievance Committee, with the concurrence of the Executive Committee, determined that Mr. Lowery violated GR 1.02 (a) and GR 1.04 based on his deemed admissions and, therefore, is permanently banned from membership in USFSA.
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