9.1 Scope. Any affiliated league, player, team, coach, manager, other individual or other affiliated entity shall have the right to appeal to the Discipline and Appeals Committee of the Board of Directors any final decision that is relevant to the scope or mission of the Association which has been made by the an affiliated league or team or any other affiliated entity. An appealed decision, including any associated suspension or other punishment, shall remain in effect during the pendency of the appeal, unless the Discipline and Appeals Committee determines that there is a strong likelihood of success upon the appeal and that circumstances are present which clearly show that the appellant will suffer irreparable harm unless the decision from which the appeal is taken is suspended pending the determination of the appeal.

9.2 Procedure. A notice of appeal must be submitted by the appellant in writing (briefly describing the matter), directed to the Discipline and Appeals Committee and accompanied by an appeal fee in the amount established by the Board of Directors. The notice of appeal and the appeal fee must be received by the Association within ten (10) days of receipt by the appellant of written notification of the decision which is being appealed. For good cause shown, the appeal fee may be waived. Thereafter, pursuant to procedures established by the Discipline and Appeals Committee, (a) the affiliated league, team or other affiliated entity whose decision is being appealed shall submit the record related to its decision, (b) the appellant shall submit in writing the basis of the appeal and all arguments being made in favor of overturning or modifying the decision and (c) the affiliated league, team or other affiliated entity shall submit in writing its arguments against overturning or modifying its decision.

9.3 Considering an Appeal. If the procedures set forth in Section 9.2 have been followed, the appeal shall be considered by the Discipline and Appeals Committee as soon as is reasonably practical under the circumstances.

9.4 Decision. The Discipline and Appeals Committee shall decide the appeal by majority vote and shall notify the appellant and the appellee of the decision in writing within a reasonable time thereafter. If the appellant is successful, the appeal fee shall be returned.

9.5 Further Appeals. Following the decision of the Discipline and Appeals Committee, the losing party may appeal the decision in the manner provided in the bylaws and policies of the USSF.

9.6 Exclusive Remedy. No affiliated league, player, team, coach, manager, other individual or other entity may invoke the aid of the courts of any state or the United States without first exhausting all available remedies within the Association and the USSF. For violating the preceding sentence, the offending party shall be liable to the Association and its Directors and officers for all expenses incurred in defending each court action, including but not limited to (a) court costs, (b) reasonable attorney fees, (c) reasonable compensation for time spent by Association Directors, officers and employees in responding to and defending against allegations in the action, including responses to discovery requests and court appearances, and (d) reasonable travel expenses.