8 years of the U.S. Center for SafeSport: Successes, shortcomings, and reforms

With the United States Center for SafeSport (“USCSS”) completing 8 years in March 2025, this article examines the recent changes to the SafeSport Code and discusses some deficiencies in the process and provides some recommendations for a more balanced adjudicatory process that would better serve all parties while maintaining the organization's vital protective mission.

Introduction

The USCSS is a nonprofit organization^[1] established to combat sexual abuse of minors and athletes involved in Olympic sports across the country.^[2] March 2025 marks 8 years since SafeSport was established under the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act. ^[3] It holds exclusive authority to investigate allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct within U.S. Olympic and Paralympic (“USOPC”) organizations.^[4] In addition to addressing sexual misconduct, SafeSport also tackles issues such as emotional abuse, bullying, and harassment. ^[5] SafeSport is dedicated to creating a sports community where participants can collaborate and learn in an environment free from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and misconduct. ^[6]

While SafeSport is not a law enforcement agency and lacks the power to arrest or prosecute individuals, it can impose significant sanctions, including lifetime bans from participation in the Olympic movement. ^[7] The organization may refer cases to state and federal authorities for legal proceedings and collaborates with law enforcement on investigations.^[8] SafeSport maintains a public database of individuals who have been sanctioned, although the database falls short of providing sufficient details to create jurisprudence that would allow for consistent sanctioning and complete transparency. ^[9]

SafeSport is celebrating its 8-year anniversary and has undergone significant growth and change during that time. This article from Lindsay Brandon (published in 2021) provides a general overview of SafeSport and makes some early observations of the organization in its first few years^[10].

The present article seeks to expand on the general overview of SafeSport, recent changes to the Code, and sheds light on some notable deficiencies in the resolution process and recommendations to address those issues. The author’s firm has represented over fifty individuals in SafeSport arbitrations.

Table of Contents

• General overview of the US Center For SafeSport
• Recent revisions to The SafeSport Code
  • Temporary Measures
  • Membership and employment decisions
  • Opportunity to review and respond
• Ongoing delays in completing investigations
• Mechanisms to receive feedback
• Need for reform to ensure better due process for involved parties
  • No ability to cross-examine the claimants or compel witnesses to testify
  • Lack of discovery
  • Lack of SafeSport jurisprudence and precedent
  • Recourse against false accusations
• Conclusion