Once a complaint has been filed

APS Bylaws, Article 2 Membership governs the filing and investigation of complaints.

1. The APS has no jurisdiction to take action against someone who is not a member.
   
   
2. The APS national headquarters handles the investigative phase of the complaint process. The Society will advise the respondant party by mail and solicit a written response. If the party does not respond in thirty days, the Society will send a follow-up request. If there is no response and no action taken to resolve the matter, the complaint will be referred to the APS Board of Vice Presidents.
   
   
3. The three-member Board of Vice Presidents serves as the disciplinary body of the Society. The Board assures that a fair hearing is accorded to the parties involved and its rulings are binding upon members. When a complaint reaches the Board of Vice Presidents, the Board will set a hearing date to consider the evidence submitted and rule on the complaint. If the Board finds that a violation has occurred, the Board may impose an appropriate penalty. The findings of the Board and any penalty imposed will be made in writing. Actions taken by the Board of Vice Presidents are final unless an appeal is made to the APS Appeals Tribunal.
   
   
4. Either party to a dispute has the right of appeal to the APS Appeals Tribunal (Bylaws 2.11.6 Appeal). The Appeals Tribunal may uphold, overturn, or modify any Board of Vice Presidents' ruling. The decision of the Appeals Tribunal is final and conclusive on all parties, and may be published in The American Philatelist.