INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS THE SAFESPORTS ACT?

The SafeSports Act is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress that aims to protect children and young athletes from abuse and misconduct in sports.

The SafeSports Act seeks to address a number of issues related to athlete safety, including the prevention and detection of abuse, mandatory reporting of abuse allegations, and the establishment of national standards for athlete safety policies. The act also seeks to improve education and awareness around the issues of abuse and misconduct in sports.

One of the main provisions of the SafeSports Act is the requirement for all national governing bodies ("NGB") of sports organizations that participate in Olympic or Paralympic competitions to implement athlete safety policies. These policies must include procedures for reporting and investigating allegations of abuse, as well as training programs for athletes, coaches, and administrators on how to recognize and prevent various typers of abuse.

The act also requires that all adult employees and volunteers who have regular contact with athletes undergo background checks, and that all athletes and their parents or guardians receive information about their rights and resources for reporting abuse. Additionally, the act requires NGB's to establish an independent entity to receive and investigate abuse allegations.

The SafeSports Act also includes provisions for the creation of a national registry of individuals who have been found to have engaged in abuse or misconduct in sports. This registry would help prevent individuals who have been found to have abused athletes in one organization from moving to another organization and continuing to abuse athletes.

In addition to these provisions, the SafeSports Act includes funding for research and education programs related to athlete safety. This funding would support efforts to better understand the prevalence and impact of abuse and misconduct in sports, as well as to develop evidence-based strategies for preventing and responding to such incidents.

Overall, the SafeSports Act represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of abuse and misconduct in sports. By imposing standards and requirements on sports organizations, mandating reporting and prevention measures, and providing resources for education and research, the act aims to create a safer environment for athletes to participate in sports.

The SafeSports Act has received support from a wide range of stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, parents, and advocacy groups.

According to wikipedia:

"The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 combined separate bills introduced in the 115th Congress by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D–CA) and John Thune (R–SD) in response to the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal, allegations made against personnel involved with USA Swimming and USA Taekwondo, and following Senate hearings by the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee on issues of athlete safety. Following negotiations, the two bills were merged and ultimately signed into law by the President on February 14, 2018.

As a direct result, the United States Center for SafeSport was established in 2017. SafeSport seeks to address the problem of sexual abuse of minors and Olympic athletes in sport. Its primary focus, for which it has exclusive jurisdiction, is to review allegations of sexual misconduct, and to impose sanctions up to the lifetime ban of a person from all Olympic sports.

The function of SafeSport also covers providing a public central database of sanctioned individuals across all sports. As of October 2021, the Center had sanctioned 1,100 people, with the highest sanctions being permanent ineligibility. The Center cannot indict or jail individuals accused of sexual misconduct, as it is neither a law enforcement agency nor a legal body of the U.S. judiciary, instead being a sports investigative body; however, it can forward its investigations to state and federal courts, which in turn can impose criminal penalties on the defendants.

THE UNITED STATES CENTER FOR SAFESPORTS

According to their website:

"The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 codified the U.S. Center for SafeSport, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, as the nation's safe sport organization. It gave us the scope and authority to resolve abuse and misconduct reports for more than 11 million individuals throughout the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement—from whom we are fully independent. The Act also charged us with developing and enforcing policies, procedures, and training to prevent abuse and misconduct. The Center's SafeSport Code governs all participants in the Movement, and our oversight authority helps us ensure all Olympic & Paralympic national governing bodies (NGBs) adhere to Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) that support athlete safety.

Attorney Steve® Tip: For the time being, the Center does not oversee high school, college or professional sports. Many have criticized the Center for being understaffed and underfunded, which seems to prevent any short term future growth into any other areas of sport aside from Olympic and Paralympic.

Their site also notes:

THE CENTER'S RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE EDUCATION AND TRAINING, AND RESPONSE AND RESOLUTION SERVICES TO NGBS, INCLUDING:

• Establishing training and policy requirements for NGBs
• Providing training and implementing educational programs for coaches, athletes and parents
• Receiving all sexual misconduct reports (which can be reported anonymously) from NGBs and anyone in the USOPC
• Investigating reports of sexual abuse in a confidential manner
• Issuing decisions if an individual did or did not violate the Center for SafeSport Code
• Sanctioning individuals found in violation of the Code, up to permanent ineligibility
• Establishing oversight mechanisms, including regular and random audits of the NGBs. (Compliance)

WHAT TYPES OF COMPLAINTS DOES THE CENTER INVESTIGATE?

According to the SafeSport Code, there are cases where the Center has EXCLUSIVE jurisdiction to investigate, and other issues that they MAY (discretionary) choose to investigate.

IV. JURISDICTION OF THE CENTER

A. Exclusive Jurisdiction

The Center has exclusive jurisdiction to investigate
and resolve allegations that a Participant engaged in one
or more of the following:

1. Sexual Misconduct, including without limitation
child sexual abuse and any misconduct that is
reasonably related to an underlying allegation of
Sexual Misconduct;

2. Criminal Charges or Dispositions involving Child
Abuse or Sexual Misconduct;

3. Misconduct Related to Reporting, where the
underlying allegation involves Child Abuse or
Sexual Misconduct;

4. Misconduct Related to Aiding and Abetting, Abuse
of Process, or Retaliation, when it relates to the Center's process;

5. Other Inappropriate Conduct, as defined herein.

B. Discretionary Jurisdiction

The Center has discretionary jurisdiction to investigate
and resolve allegations that a Participant engaged in one
or more of the following:

1. Non-sexual Child Abuse;

2. Emotional and physical misconduct, including
stalking, bullying behaviors, hazing, and harassment;

3. Criminal Charges or Dispositions not involving
Child Abuse or Sexual Misconduct;

4. Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy or other
similar Proactive Policy violations;

5. Misconduct Related to Aiding and Abetting, Abuse
of Process, or Retaliation, when it relates to the
processes of the USOPC, an NGB, an LAO, or any
other organization under the Center's jurisdiction.
If the Center accepts discretionary jurisdiction, it will use
the resolution procedures set forth herein.

Attorney Steve® Tip: [TERMINOLOGY TO KNOW]

USOPC

NGB

LAO

PSO

PARTICIPANT

FILING A COMPLAINT

This is what the online incident reporting page looks like. Click on the image to go to the page. You can file anonymously, but it may ultimately be difficult to investigate a claim if you seek to remain anonymous. Third-party reporters can remain anonymous.

Attorney Steve® Tip: Before you file a complaint, it is wise to consult with a sports lawyer in your jurisdiction to discuss. When you are making serious allegations against an individual, you want to be 100% accurate and factual. You don't want to have to backtrack later, which could result in a costly defamation case brought by a coach, player, trainer or other third party.

WHAT IS THE LEGAL INVESTIGATION PROCESS?

Here is a general overview of the investigation process:

1. Complaint is submitted
2. Complaint is reviewed to see if it is a viable case (exlusive vs. permissive jurisdiction)
3. If valid, a file is opened, starting the investigation
4. Statements may be sought, and documents may be gathered as evidence to build a case
5. Opportunities for informal resolution are possible (the parties can reach a private agreement)
6. If their is no resolution, the case can proceed if the Center can prove a violation of the Code by a "preponderance of the evidence." Note that this is similar to the burden of proof in a civil case.
7. The Center can issue a notice of decision, including various sanctions, to the respondent. The claimant is the one who files the complaint, and the respondent is the person being accused.
8. If a party is not happy with the decision, an appeal to ARBITRATION can be made. This arbitration is heard by JAMS (retired lawyers and judges), which can be very expensive.
9. Binding arbitration is typically not subject to review by a state or federal court, but there can be exceptions for instances of gross abuse.

Note: The parties are permitted to have legal counsel represent them, and this would be a wise decision assuming financial ability to pay for an experienced sports litigation attorney.

Also (per the Code): The Center will issue a Notice of Exercise of Jurisdiction to the USOPC, NGB, or LAO when the Center determines it has jurisdiction over an allegation of Prohibited Conduct. When the Center expressly exercises jurisdiction over particular allegations regarding a particular Participant, the relevant organization(s) cannot issue—in response to those allegations—a suspension or other restriction that may deny or threaten to deny a Respondent's opportunity to participate in sport. The relevant organization may implement any necessary safety plan(s) or temporary measure(s). The NGB shall inform the Center of any safety plan(s) or temporary measures(s) it or its LAO imposes within 72 hours of imposition.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS?

Temporary Measures

Temporary measures may include, but are not limited
to, altering training schedules, providing or requiring
chaperones, implementing contact limitations,
implementing measures prohibiting one-on-one
interactions, and suspensions from participation in
some or all aspects of sport activity. If measures
require monitoring or chaperoning, the Respondent
may be required to locate, arrange and pay for some
or all of those services as a condition of continued
participation pending completion of the
investigation.

4. Review by Arbitrator
In all instances when a Temporary Measure
materially affects the opportunity to participate (e.g.,
suspension), the Participant may challenge the
measure by requesting an Arbitration, in accordance
with Arbitration Rule 40.

XIII. SANCTIONS
Where there is sufficient evidence through the resolution
procedure to support a finding that a Participant violated the Code,
the Center will determine whether or the extent to which a
Participant may participate in sport and may impose one or more
sanctions. Different incidents constituting a violation of the same
policy may arise out of markedly different circumstances,
including various case-specific aggravating or mitigating factors.

A. Sanctions
One or more of the following sanctions may be imposed
singularly or in combination:

• Written warning
An official, written notice and formal warning that
a Participant has violated the Code and that more
severe sanctions will result should the Participant
be involved in other violations.
• Probation
A specified period of time during which, should
any further violations of the Code occur during the
probationary period, it will result in additional
disciplinary measures, likely including a period of
suspension or permanent ineligibility. This
sanction can also include loss of privileges or
other conditions, restrictions, or requirements.
• Suspension or other eligibility restrictions
Suspension for a specified period of time from
participation, in any capacity, in any program,
activity, Event, or competition sponsored by,
organized by, or under the auspices of the
USOPC, any NGB, or any LAO, or at a facility
under the jurisdiction of the same. In the Center's
discretion, a suspension may include restrictions
or prohibitions from some types of participation
but allowing participation in other capacities.
A suspended Participant is eligible to return to
sport after the suspension lapses, butreinstatement
may be subject to certain restrictions or contingent
upon the Participant satisfying specific conditions
noted at the time of suspension.
• Ineligibility
Ineligibility to participate until further notice, in
any capacity, in any program, activity, Event, or
competition sponsored by, organized by, or under
the auspices of the USOPC, any NGB, or any
LAO, or at a facility under the jurisdiction of the
same. Ineligibility is typically imposed when a
Respondent has pending charges, in violation of
the Criminal Charges or Disposition provision.
• Permanent Ineligibility
Permanent ineligibility to participate, in any
capacity, in any program, activity, Event, or
competition sponsored by, organized by, or under
the auspices of the USOPC, any NGB, or any LAO
or at a facility under the jurisdiction of the same.
• Other discretionary sanctions
The Center may, in its discretion, impose other
sanctions for Prohibited Conduct, including, but
not limited to, other loss of privileges, no contact
directives, requirement to complete educational or
other programs, or other restrictions or conditions
as deemed necessary or appropriate.

Factors relevant to determining appropriate sanctions
include, without limitation:
1. The Respondent's prior history;
2. A pattern of inappropriate behavior or misconduct;
3. The ages of individuals involved;
4. Whether the Respondent poses an ongoing or
potential threat to the safety of others;
5. Respondent's voluntary disclosure of the offense(s),
acceptance of responsibility for the misconduct, and
cooperation in the Center's process;
6. Real or perceived impact of the incident on the
Claimant, the USOPC, NGB(s), LAO(s), or the
sporting community;
7. Whether given the facts and circumstances that have
been established, continued participation in the
Olympic & Paralympic Movement is appropriate; or
8. Other mitigating and aggravating circumstances.

WHAT IF YOU ARE NOT PLEASED WITH THE DECISION OF THE CENTER?

As noted above, you can seek review via setting up an arbitration with JAMS. The Code states:

"Q. Requesting Arbitration Hearing Upon issuance of a Decision, a Respondent has ten Days to request a hearing before an arbitrator. If Respondent does not make such a request within ten Days, the Decision is no longer subject to review, except as permitted herein. If a Respondent timely requests that the Center grant an extension of time to request an Arbitration, the Center may, in its discretion, grant such request."

NOTE: Arbitration with JAMS will not be inexpensive.

The arbitration body for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic SafeSport
Arbitrations is JAMS, www.jamsadr.com. Applicable arbitration
fees are as stated, effective April 1, 2023.

$5,200.00 Single arbitrator for a single hearing day.

Additional hearing days will be billed to the U.S. Center for
SafeSport at $650 per hour.

$2,600.00 Single arbitrator, temporary measures hearing:

• A deposit for the full price of JAMS fees and neutral
rates is due at the time an Arbitration is requested. Any
refunds are subject to the cancellation/continuance
policy listed below.
• Applicable arbitrator travel costs will be charged.
• The above fees exclude usage of facilities. A room rental
fee not to exceed $300/day will be charged.

WHAT IS THEIR DEFINITION OF "SEXUAL MISCONDUCT?"

There are several ways a coach, athlete, trainer, or employee of an institution to violate the SafeSport Code dealing with sexual misconduct. Here is what is listed in the Code.

C. Sexual Misconduct

It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to engage
in Sexual Misconduct. Sexual Misconduct offenses
include, but are not limited to:

1. Sexual Harassment
2. Nonconsensual Sexual Contact (or attempts to
commit the same)
3. Nonconsensual Sexual Intercourse (or attempts
to commit the same)
4. Sexual Exploitation
5. Exposing a Minor to Sexual Content/Imagery
6. Sexual Bullying Behavior
7. Sexual Hazing
8. Other Inappropriate Conduct of a Sexual Nature.

____________________________________________

1. Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment is any unwelcome sexual
advance, request for sexual favors, or other
unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether verbal,
non-verbal, graphic, physical, or otherwise, when the
conditions outlined in (a) or (b) below are present:
Sexual Harassment also includes harassment related
to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or
gender expression, which may include acts of
aggression, intimidation, or hostility, whether verbal
or non-verbal, graphic, physical, or otherwise, even
if the acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature,
when the conditions outlined in (a) or (b), below, are
present:a. Submission to such conduct is made, either
explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of any
person's employment, standing in sport, or
participation in Events, sports programs or
activities; or when submission to or rejection of
such conduct is used as the basis for sporting
decisions affecting the individual (often referred
to as “quid pro quo” harassment); or
b. Such conduct creates a hostile environment. A
“hostile environment” exists when the conduct is
sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive such
that it interferes with, limits, or deprives any
individual of the opportunity to participate in any
program or activity. Conduct must be deemed
severe, persistent, or pervasive from both a
subjective and an objective perspective.
Whether a hostile environment exists depends
on the totality of known circumstances,
including, but not limited to:
i. The frequency, nature, and severity of
the conduct;
ii. Whether the conduct was physically
threatening;
iii. The effect of the conduct on the
Claimant's mental or emotional state;
iv. Whether the conduct was directed at
more than one person;
v. Whether the conduct arose in the context
of other discriminatory conduct;
vi. Whether the conduct unreasonably
interfered with any person's educational
or work performance or sport programs
or activities; and
vii. Whether the conduct implicates
concerns related to protected speech.
A hostile environment can be created by
persistent or pervasive conduct or by a single or
isolated incident that is sufficiently severe. The
more severe the conduct, the less need there is
to show a repetitive series of incidents to prove
a hostile environment, particularly if the
conduct is physical. A single incident of sexual
contact without Consent, for example, may be
sufficiently severe to constitute a hostile
environment. In contrast, the perceived
offensiveness of a single verbal or written
expression, standing alone, is typically not
sufficient to constitute a hostile environment.

2. Nonconsensual Sexual Contact
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to engage
in Sexual Contact without Consent.
Sexual Contact is any intentional touching of a
10
sexual nature, however slight, with any object or
body part (as described below), by a person upon
another person.
Sexual Contact includes but is not limited to: (a)
kissing, (b) intentional touching of the breasts,
buttocks, groin or genitals, whether clothed or
unclothed, or intentionally touching of another with
any of these body parts; and (c) making another touch
themselves, the Participant, or someone else with or
on any of these body parts.

3. Nonconsensual Sexual Intercourse
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to engage
in Sexual Intercourse without Consent.
Sexual intercourse is any penetration, however
slight, with any object or body part (as described
below), by a person upon another person.
Sexual Intercourse includes (a) vaginal penetration
by a penis, object, tongue, or finger; (b) anal
penetration bya penis, object, tongue, or finger; and
(c) any contact, no matter how slight, between the
mouth of one person and the genitalia of another
person.

4. Sexual Exploitation
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to
engage in Sexual Exploitation. Sexual Exploitation
occurs when a Participant purposely or knowingly:

a. Allows third parties to observe private sexual
activity from a hidden location (e.g., closet) or through electronic means (e.g., Skype or livestreaming of images) without Consent of all
parties involved in the sexual activity.
b. Records or photographs private sexual activity
or a person's intimate parts (including genitalia,
groin, breasts, or buttocks) without Consent of
all parties in the recording or photo.
c. Engages in voyeurism (e.g., watching private
sexual activity or viewing another person's
intimate parts when that person would have a
reasonable expectation of privacy), without
Consent of all parties being viewed.
d. Disseminates, shows or posts images of private
sexual activity or a person's intimate parts
(including genitalia, groin, breasts, or buttocks)
without prior Consent of the person depicted in
the images.
e. Intentionally exposes another person to a
sexually transmitted infection or virus without
that person's knowledge.
f. Engages in solicitation of prostitution, or
prostituting or trafficking another person.

5. Exposing a Minor to Sexual Content/Imagery
An Adult Participant violates this Code by
intentionally exposing a Minor to content or imagery
of a sexual nature, including but not limited to,
pornography, sexual comment(s), sexual gestures, or
sexual situation(s).
11
This provision does not exclude the possibility that
similar behavior between adults could constitute
other Sexual Misconduct, as defined in the Code.

6. Sexual Bullying Behavior
Repeated or severe behavior(s) of a sexual nature that
are (a) aggressive, (b) directed at a Minor, and (c)
intended or likely to hurt, control, or diminish the
Minor emotionally, physically, or sexually. Sexual
Bullying-like Behaviors directed at adults are
addressed under other forms of misconduct, such as
Sexual Hazing or Sexual Harassment.
Sexual Bullying Behavior also includes bullying
behavior related to gender, sexual orientation, gender
identity, or gender expression, even if the acts do not
involve conduct of a sexual nature.
Examples of Sexual Bullying Behavior may include,
without limitation, ridiculing or taunting that is
sexual in nature or based on gender or sexual
orientation (real or perceived), gender traits or
behavior, or teasing someone about their looks or
behavior as it relates to sexual attractiveness.
Conduct may not rise to the level of Sexual Bullying
Behavior if it is merely rude (inadvertently saying or
doing something hurtful), mean (purposefully saying
or doing something hurtful, but not as part of a
pattern of behavior), or arising from conflict or
struggle between persons who perceive they have
incompatible views or positions. Bullying does not
include professionally accepted coaching methods of
skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team
building, appropriate discipline, or improved Athlete performance.

7. Sexual Hazing
Any conduct of a sexual nature that subjects another
person, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or
psychologically, to anything that may endanger,
abuse, humiliate, degrade, or intimidate the person as
a condition of joining of being socially accepted by a
group, team, or organization.
Sexual Hazing also includes hazing related to gender,
sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender
expression, even if the acts do not involve conduct of
a sexual nature.
Purported Consent by the person subjected to Sexual
Hazing is not a defense, regardless of the person's
perceived willingness to cooperate or participate.
Conduct may not rise to the level of Sexual Hazing if
it is merely rude (inadvertently saying or doing
something hurtful), mean (purposefully saying or
doing something hurtful), or arising from conflict or
struggle between persons who perceive they have
incompatible views or positions. Hazing does not
include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill
enhancement, physical conditioning, team building,
appropriate discipline, or improved Athlete performance.

WHAT ABOUT EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL MISCONDUCT UNDER THE SAFESPORTS CODE?

Here are some other things that could lead to negative consequences:

D. Emotional and Physical Misconduct
It is a Code violation for a Participant to engage in
emotional or physical misconduct, when that misconduct
occurs within a context that is reasonably related to
sport, which includes, without limitation:

-Emotional Misconduct

-Physical Misconduct

-Bullying Behavior

-Hazing

-Harassment.

These each have their own definitions. You can download and review the SafeSports Code here to see how these violations are defined.

2023-SafeSport-Code.pdf

WHO DOES THE LAW APPLY TO?

The law applies to NGB'S, LAO'S and USOPC personnel (who can be subject to audits). According to their website:

"The Code applies to all individuals who participate in sport within the Olympic and Paralympic Movements. The SafeSport Code defines these individuals as “Participants.” This includes a wide range of individuals who participate in sport in various capacities, including members, license holders, or employees of a National Governing Body (NGB) or its Local Affiliated Organizations (LAO), as well as volunteers, trainers, coaches, athletes, or contracted individuals who have been “authorized, approved, or appointed by an NGB, LAO, or the USOPC to have regular contact with or authority over Minor Athletes.”

Participants also include those who are otherwise considered to be “within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of an NGB, LAO, or the USOPC.” More information regarding the specific types of individuals who fall within an NGB's jurisdiction can be found on the relevant NGB's website."

SUMMER SPORTS

AMERICAN CANOE ASSOCIATION (ACA)*
USA ARCHERY*
USA ARTISTIC SWIMMING
U.S. ASSOCIATION OF BLIND ATHLETES (USA GOALBALL, USA BLIND SOCCER)
USA BADMINTON*
USA BASKETBALL
USA BOXING
USA CLIMBING
USA CYCLING
USA DIVING
U.S. EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION*
USA FENCING*
USA FIELD HOCKEY
USA GOLF
USA GYMNASTICS
USA JUDO*
LAKESHORE FOUNDATION (BOCCIA, WHEELCHAIR RUGBY)
NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
USA PENTATHLON
US ROWING*
USA RUGBY
US SAILING
USA SHOOTING*
U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION*
USA SWIMMING
USA TABLE TENNIS*
USA TAEKWONDO*
USA TEAM HANDBALL
US TENNIS ASSOCIATION*
USA TRACK & FIELD
USA TRIATHLON*
USA VOLLEYBALL*
USA WATER POLO
USA WEIGHTLIFTING
USA WRESTLING

_________________________________

WINTER SPORTS

U.S. BIATHLON ASSOCIATION
USA BOBSLED AND SKELETON
USA CURLING*
U.S. FIGURE SKATING
USA HOCKEY*
USA LUGE ASSOCIATION
U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD ASSOCIATION
US SPEEDSKATING
PAN AMERICAN SPORT NGBs
USA BASEBALL
US BOWLING CONGRESS
USA NATIONAL KARATE-DO FEDERATION
USA RACQUETBALL
USA ROLLER SPORTS
USA SOFTBALL
US SQUASH
USA WATER SKI & WAKE SPORTS

___________________________________

PARALYMPIC SPORT NGBs
U.S. OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE
Sports internally managed by the USOPC:

OLYMPIC
BREAKING
SKATEBOARDING
SKI MOUNTAINEERING
SURFING
PAN-AMERICAN
BASQUE PELOTA
PARALYMPIC
ALPINE SKIING
CYCLING
NORDIC SKIING
POWERLIFTING
SNOWBOARDING
SWIMMING
TRACK & FIELD

WILL THIS GO ON MY PUBLIC RECORD?

The Center maintains a public database of discipline. This provides all the more incentive to fight charges that are not accurate or overstated.

NGB AUDIT & COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE

If you are facing an audit (NGO and/or their board members), call us to engage a sports litigation law firm to assist you in keeping the process fair. Every person is entitled to due process of law.

Per their website:

"Federal law directs the U.S. Center for SafeSport to maintain an office for audit and compliance. The goal of this office is to ensure all Olympic and Paralympic organizations execute consistent and rigorous policies to prevent and respond to sexual, physical, and emotional abuse of athletes. Our audit and compliance activities help keep organizations and individuals in more than 50 sports accountable for protecting individuals throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Movement from abuse and misconduct."