Have more questions or need help? Contact our Process Navigators for answers, support, and resources.
Exploring
the response and resolution process
When someone submits a report of abuse or misconduct to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the Response and Resolution process begins. This process can be tough for everyone involved. It can also be confusing. Whether you're involved in an investigation or just curious about what we do, we invite you to use this interactive tool to learn about the process.
Do we have jurisdiction?
Jurisdiction describes who has the official power to investigate and respond. We have jurisdiction if:
The SafeSport Code The SafeSport Code applies to all Participants in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. prohibits the reported misconduct.
AND
The Respondent (a person reported to have caused harm) is a member or Participant in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
Who will investigate?
The Center handles all allegations of sexual misconduct and child abuse. We also report all allegations of child abuse, including child sexual abuse, to law enforcement. The National Governing Body (NGB) handles most physical and emotional abuse allegations.
We may send the information to law enforcement or other appropriate parties.
What happens when we investigate?
We assign an Intake Coordinator. They reach out to the Claimant (a person reported to have experienced harm) and gather basic information about the case. If our information suggests the Respondent may pose a risk, we set Temporary Measures to protect those in sport. For example, we may alter a Respondent's training schedule, limit their contact with others within the Movement, or temporarily suspend them from participating. We may set or modify Temporary Measures at any point in the process. Respondents with Temporary Measures that limit their participation have the option to arbitrate.
Then we decide how the case will proceed. There are several options. Select each option to learn about it. We also have Process Navigators who are not involved in investigations.They offer support to all parties going through the Center's investigative process. They can answer questions about the process. They can also connect parties with support resources (e.g., mental health care, educational materials, legal representation). Contact our Process Navigators.
We refer most emotional and physical misconduct cases to the Respondent's NGB for resolution. They may conduct their own investigation. Every NGB has their own policies and procedures. NGBs and their affiliated organizations always have the right to make their own safety plans and membership and employment decisions.
What is an informal resolution?
We may offer these to Respondents who agree to accept responsibility for their actions and any consequences we may set. The decision is final and the case does not require a formal investigation. Respondents cannot appeal an Informal Resolution.
What is an conditional resolution?
We may offer these to Respondents who were under age 13 at the time of the alleged misconduct. Respondents are not admitting to misconduct. We may set safety conditions or educational requirements.
What is an alternative resolution?
We may offer these to Respondents who were between ages 13-17 at the time of the alleged misconduct. Respondents must acknowledge their behavior may have violated the Code. The Center may set safety conditions or educational requirements.
What are holds and closures?
This means the investigation is not moving forward at this time. We can re-open the case if the situation changes or we get more evidence. There are three categories of holds and closures. Select each to learn about it.
What happens during a formal investigation?
We assign a trained Investigator. They conduct interviews and gather evidence. Participants may have an Advisor and/or Support Person present throughout the process, including any time they speak with Center staff. After the investigation is complete, Respondents and Claimants have 14 days to review the evidence and submit any additional information. Then we decide if there is a "preponderance of the evidence" meaning it is "more likely than not" that a Respondent violated the Code.
What is a jurisdictional hold?
The Respondent is not currently a member or Participant of the Movement but was in the past. We hold the case until the Respondent rejoins the Movement.
What is an administrative hold?
We do not have enough information to continue investigating or the Claimant cannot be identified. For example, we may stop because the Claimant doesn't respond or want to participate at this time.
What is an administrative closure?
We may close a case for multiple reasons. For example, if the reported misconduct does not violate the Code or the Respondent is deceased. In some cases, the Administrative Closure includes a Letter of Admonishment (for Adult Respondents) or a Letter of Concern (for Minor Respondents). In both circumstances, we have an educational conversation with the Respondent.
What is included in a Notice of Decision?
We decide if a violation of the SafeSport Code occurred, and if so, assign a sanction (or consequence). Examples of sanctions include formal warnings, apology letters, SafeSport education, probation, suspension, and lifetime bans from the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. We notify the Respondent, Claimant(s), and NGB of the outcome. The Respondent and Claimant also receive a copy of the Investigation Report. NGBs also receive a summary document they can provide to leaders at the local club. The Respondent may accept the final decision or request Arbitration.
What happens after the decision is final?
The case is resolved. Select each party to learn about what Respondents and Claimants should know.
What is arbitration?
The Respondent and the Center can present evidence to an independent arbitrator. The arbitrator issues a final decision about whether there was a violation of the SafeSport Code and/or what sanctions are imposed.
What adult respondents should know
In accordance with federal law, the Center publicly posts sanctions that limit an Adult Respondent's ability to participate in the Movement, such as a suspension or ineligibility. You can find those on our Centralized Disciplinary Database (CDD). The CDD is not always final. People can be added or removed from the database. Get tips and resources for searching the CDD. The SafeSport Code prohibits Retaliation against someone for reporting a SafeSport concern or participating in a SafeSport investigation. Please know that your club can make employment/rostering decisions and your NGB can make membership decisions as they see fit.
Respondents may speak freely about the allegations, the investigation, and the outcome. We ask that you do so accurately and carefully. Respondents may not share confidential documentation, including the Notice of Decision, Investigation Report, or Arbitration Decision, if any.
What minor respondents should know
Sanctions for Minor Respondents are not posted publicly. The SafeSport Code prohibits Retaliation against someone for reporting a SafeSport concern and participating in a SafeSport investigation. Please know that your club can make employment/rostering decisions and your NGB can make membership decisions as they see fit. Respondents may speak freely about the allegations, the investigation, and the outcome. We ask that you do so accurately and carefully. Respondents may not share confidential documentation, including the Notice of Decision, Investigation Report, or Arbitration Decision, if any.
What claimants should know
The SafeSport Code prohibits Retaliation against someone for reporting a SafeSport concern and participating in a SafeSport investigation. Please know that your club can make employment/rostering decisions and your NGB can make membership decisions as they see fit. Claimants may speak freely about the allegations, the investigation, and the outcome. We ask that you do so accurately and carefully. Claimants may not share confidential documentation, including the Notice of Decision, Investigation Report, or Arbitration Decision, if any.
What happens after the decision is final?
The case is resolved. Select each party to learn about what Respondents and Claimants should know.
What adult respondents should know
In accordance with federal law, the Center publicly posts sanctions that limit an Adult Respondent's ability to participate in the Movement, such as a suspension or ineligibility. You can find those on our Centralized Disciplinary Database (CDD). The CDD is not always final. People can be added or removed from the database. Get tips and resources for searching the CDD. The SafeSport Code prohibits Retaliation against someone for reporting a SafeSport concern or participating in a SafeSport investigation. Please know that your club can make employment/rostering decisions and your NGB can make membership decisions as they see fit.
Respondents may speak freely about the allegations, the investigation, and the outcome. We ask that you do so accurately and carefully. Respondents may not share confidential documentation, including the Notice of Decision, Investigation Report, or Arbitration Decision, if any.
What minor respondents should know
Sanctions for Minor Respondents are not posted publicly. The SafeSport Code prohibits Retaliation against someone for reporting a SafeSport concern and participating in a SafeSport investigation. Please know that your club can make employment/rostering decisions and your NGB can make membership decisions as they see fit. Respondents may speak freely about the allegations, the investigation, and the outcome. We ask that you do so accurately and carefully. Respondents may not share confidential documentation, including the Notice of Decision, Investigation Report, or Arbitration Decision, if any.
What claimants should know
The SafeSport Code prohibits Retaliation against someone for reporting a SafeSport concern and participating in a SafeSport investigation. Please know that your club can make employment/rostering decisions and your NGB can make membership decisions as they see fit. Claimants may speak freely about the allegations, the investigation, and the outcome. We ask that you do so accurately and carefully. Claimants may not share confidential documentation, including the Notice of Decision, Investigation Report, or Arbitration Decision, if any.