SafeSport Violation Allegations

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SafeSport Violation Allegations

A SafeSport violation allegation is a formal report that an individual has engaged in behavior considered a violation of a sport's SafeSport Code, which is a set of policies designed to protect athletes and participants from abuse, harassment, and misconduct. Such allegations can include physical maltreatment, sexual abuse, psychological harm, harassment, neglect, discrimination, or boundary violations, and are investigated by the relevant authority. If you are part of a SafeSport proceeding, we will ensure your voice is heard, and will work to protect your athletic career and professional reputation.

What Constitutes a Violation?

Violations under SafeSport policies can range from obvious criminal acts to more subtle forms of abuse, such as:

  • Sexual Maltreatment: This includes sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual contact, sexual exploitation, and grooming behaviors. 

  • Physical Maltreatment: This can involve acts of physical abuse, but also non-assaultive physical behaviors like throwing objects in anger. 

  • Psychological Maltreatment: This encompasses emotional abuse, such as verbal assaults, body shaming, derogatory comments, or isolating a participant. 

  • Neglect: The failure to provide necessary attention, support, or care to a participant. 

  • Hazing: Any conduct that abuses, degrades, or intimidates a persona as a condition for joining or being accepted by a team or group.

  • Discrimination: Treating someone unfairly based on their identity. 

  • Boundary Transgressions: Violating the expected professional boundaries in a relationship. 

Potential Outcomes

If an investigation determines that a violation of SafeSport Code occured, a range of sanctions may be imposed, depending on severity of the offence and several other factors. Potential outcomes include:

  • Written or verbal warning: A formal notice that a participant violated the Code, with the potential for more severe penalties if further violations occur.

  • Mandatory training: Requirement for a participant to complete specific educational programs.

  • Probation: A set period during which any additional violations could result in a more severe sanction.

  • Apology: A requirement to issue a written or verbal apology.

  • Removal of privileges: The loss of certain rights or permissions related to their sport. 

  • Suspension: A temporary ban from participating in a sport for a specified period. The length can range from weeks to years and may be accompanied by conditions for reinstatement.

  • Ineligibility: A sanction that prohibits participation in a sport until further notice, often imposed when a respondent has pending criminal charges for serious misconduct.

  • Permanent ineligibility (lifetime ban): A permanent ban from participating in any activity, event, or competition associated with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. This is typically reserved for the most egregious offenses, like sexual misconduct involving a minor. 

If you are part of a SafeSport proceeding, it is critical to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us today at the button below, and we will get back to you to discuss your situation, suggest solutions, and create an action plan.

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