Purpose of the Appeal Process

The JMAF Awards appeal process provides nominees with a fair and structured opportunity to request a review of decisions regarding their submissions. Appeals must be based on specific, valid reasons, ensuring that every artist receives equitable treatment while maintaining the integrity of the judging process.

1. Eligibility for Appeal

To maintain focus and efficiency in the appeal process, only specific decisions are eligible for appeal. Appeals can only be submitted if the applicant believes:

• There was a procedural error that impacted the outcome.

• The judging process was not aligned with the stated criteria or there was a perceived inconsistency in the evaluation process.

• There was a factual error in the initial assessment.

• Evidence that other external or undue influences (bias, conflict of

interest) may have affected the decision.

Note: Appeals solely based on disagreement with the jury’s artistic judgment or dissatisfaction with scoring are not eligible for review.

2. Appeal Submission Guidelines

• Time Frame: All appeals must be submitted within 48 hours of receiving the decision notification. Appeals received after this period will not be considered.

• Documentation Required: The appellant must provide:

• Specific Reasons: Detailed explanation of why they believe the decision should be reconsidered.

• Evidence: Any supporting documentation or proof that substantiates the appeal claim.

• Submission ID and Category: Nomination identification details, including category, submission ID, and other relevant information.

• Submission Method: Appeals must be submitted through the official JMAF Appeals Form available on the JMAF website, ensuring a clear and trackable process.

3. Review Process

Once an appeal is submitted, the following steps are taken:

• Preliminary Review:

• The Appeal Panel verifies if the appeal meets eligibility and submission criteria.

• Appeals that do not meet the basic requirements will be dismissed, and the appellant will be notified of the reason for dismissal.
• Detailed Assessment by the Appeals Panel:

If eligible, the Appeal Panel conducts a detailed assessment, involving a review of the initial evaluation and relevant documentation.

The Appeal Panel may seek clarification from the original jury members but will conduct the review independently to ensure objectivity.

• Decision Criteria:

• The appeal decision will be based on:

• Procedural Adherence: Whether proper procedures were followed during the original assessment.
• Consistency with Judging Criteria: Whether the submission was evaluated according to the stated judging criteria for the category.

• Factual Accuracy: Confirmation that all information considered was accurate and applicable.

• Recommendations: If an appeal is granted, the Appeals Panel may recommend reassessment by the jury, or in exceptional cases, a direct adjustment of the outcome.

4. Decision and Notification

• Outcome Notifications:

• The appellant will receive a written decision within 72 hours of submission.

• Decisions will clearly state:

• Outcome: Whether the appeal was upheld or dismissed.

• Reasoning: Summary of the rationale behind the decision.

• Next Steps: If upheld, any further action will be outlined, including potential reassessment timelines.

• Finality of Decision: The Appeals Panel’s decision is final and binding, and no further appeals will be entertained on the same decision.

5. Confidentiality and Transparency

• Confidentiality: All appeal details will remain confidential, accessible only to the Appeals Panel and relevant JMAF staff.

• Transparency: Summarized reports on the appeal outcomes will be published annually to ensure transparency in the awards process while protecting appellants’ privacy.

6. Conditions for Disqualification of Appeals

To prevent misuse of the appeals system, the following conditions apply:

• Frivolous Appeals: Appeals without substantial basis or repeated appeals on the same grounds may lead to the dismissal of the appellant’s submissions from the JMAF Awards.

• Misrepresentation: Any misrepresentation or falsification in the appeal will result in disqualification of the appeal and possible barring from future awards.

Additional Notes

• Costs: Appeals do not incur a fee; however, misuse of the appeals process may lead to additional penalties or barring from future participation.

• Respect and Conduct: Appellants must conduct themselves respectfully throughout the process; abusive or harassing behavior will lead to immediate dismissal of the appeal.

This Appeal Criteria ensures that all JMAF participants have access to a fair and transparent process if they believe a decision should be re-evaluated, fostering an environment of respect and integrity.