Appeals, Corrections & Complaints Process
Formal procedures for dispute resolution and error correction
Transparent Governance Process
The Australian Fitness Awards maintains rigorous, transparent processes for handling appeals, corrections, and complaints. Our commitment to fairness ensures every concern is addressed through established governance procedures.
Process Overview
Different types of concerns require different processes. Select the appropriate category for your situation.
Appeals Process
Formal review of award decisions based on procedural or substantive grounds.
30-Day Deadline
Appeals must be lodged within 30 days of award announcement
Independent Review
Reviewed by independent Appeals Committee
Formal Decision
Written decision within 6 weeks
Corrections
Requests to correct factual errors, misprints, or administrative mistakes.
No Time Limit
Corrections can be requested at any time
Verification Required
Supporting evidence must be provided
Quick Resolution
Typically resolved within 2 weeks
Complaints
Concerns about conduct, process, or service quality.
90-Day Deadline
Complaints must be lodged within 90 days of incident
Investigation
Formal investigation by Governance Officer
Action Plan
Outcome and remedial actions communicated
Formal Appeals Process
The formal appeals process ensures fair and transparent review of award decisions.
Initial Submission
Submit formal appeal using the contact form below, including all supporting documentation. Appeals must include specific grounds and evidence.
- Complete appeal form with all required fields
- Attach supporting evidence and documentation
- Specify exact grounds for appeal
- Include contact information for follow-up
Acknowledgment & Screening
Receive acknowledgment within 5 business days. Initial screening to confirm appeal meets formal requirements and deadlines.
- Formal acknowledgment with reference number
- Verification of eligibility and deadlines
- Request for additional information if needed
- Assignment to Appeals Committee member
Committee Review
Independent Appeals Committee reviews all documentation. May request additional information or clarification.
- Blinded review by committee members
- Assessment against appeal grounds
- Review of original evaluation materials
- Committee deliberation and scoring
Decision & Notification
Formal written decision issued within 6 weeks. All parties notified of outcome and rationale.
- Written decision with detailed rationale
- Notification to all relevant parties
- Implementation of decision if upheld
- Information about further recourse if needed
Valid & Invalid Grounds
Understanding what constitutes valid grounds for appeals and complaints is essential for proper submission.
Valid Appeal Grounds
- Procedural irregularities in selection
- Factual errors in evaluation
- New evidence not previously available
- Demonstrable bias or conflict of interest
- Misapplication of criteria
Invalid Appeal Grounds
- Disagreement with subjective judgment
- Failure to win award without specific grounds
- Competitor’s perceived superiority
- Personal preferences or opinions
- Business or financial impact alone
Important Notice
Appeals based on invalid grounds will be dismissed without substantive review. Before submitting an appeal, please ensure your grounds meet the criteria outlined above. For guidance, contact our Governance Office.
Submit Appeal, Correction or Complaint
Use this form to formally submit your appeal, correction request, or complaint. All submissions are treated confidentially.
Governance & Oversight
Independent governance structures ensure fair and impartial handling of all submissions.
Appeals Committee
Independent committee with no involvement in original award decisions. Minimum 3 members per case.
Governance Officer
Designated officer responsible for overseeing process integrity and compliance with procedures.
Formal Procedures
Documented procedures reviewed annually. All decisions recorded in permanent registry.
Annual Review
All appeals and complaints analyzed annually to improve processes and prevent recurrence.
Process Integrity Guarantee
All governance committee members operate under strict confidentiality agreements and conflict of interest declarations. No member involved in original award decisions participates in appeals related to those decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment email with a reference number within 5 business days. Your appeal will be screened for completeness and validity. If accepted, it will be assigned to the Appeals Committee for review. You may be contacted for additional information. A formal decision will be issued within 6 weeks of acceptance.
Each award decision can only be appealed once through the formal process. However, if new and significant evidence emerges after the appeal decision, you may request a review of the appeal decision. Such requests require strong justification and are subject to the Governance Officer’s discretion.
No, there are no fees for lodging appeals, correction requests, or complaints. The Australian Fitness Awards is committed to accessible and fair governance processes. However, parties are responsible for their own costs related to preparing and submitting appeals.
The Appeals Committee’s decision is final for the awards program. However, if you believe there was a procedural error in the appeals process itself, you may submit a formal complaint to the Governance Officer. External mediation or arbitration options are also available for certain types of disputes.
All Appeals Committee members must declare any potential conflicts of interest before reviewing any case. If a conflict exists, that member is recused from the specific case. The review is then conducted by other committee members. Appeals are also handled using blinded review processes where possible.
Need Assistance With Your Submission?
Our Governance Office is available to answer questions about the appeals, corrections, and complaints process.