Safe sport
The U.S. Center for SafeSport: What It Does and How Reports Work
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit that investigates and resolves reports of abuse and misconduct involving participants in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. It opened on 3 March 2017, when the first SafeSport Code was released, and was written into federal law in 2018. Anyone can make a report, by phone or online form, and the Center applies its SafeSport Code to decide whether a participant violated it and, if so, what sanction follows.
Where does the Center's authority come from?
The Center describes itself as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated solely to ending sexual, physical and emotional abuse on behalf of athletes. The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 codified the Center and became law on 14 February 2018, and the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020, which became law on 30 October 2020, strengthened its oversight and provides a funding stream from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
The Center says its remit covers more than 11 million individuals in the Movement. The Code is administered by the Center, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), national governing bodies (NGBs) and local affiliated organisations must comply with it. NGBs and the USOPC are prohibited from interfering in the outcome of its investigations.
What does the SafeSport Code cover?
The 2026 Code, effective 1 January 2026, sets out the Center's jurisdiction, categories of prohibited conduct and the resolution process. Jurisdiction is split in two. Over some matters the Center has exclusive jurisdiction, and over others it may choose to act, in which case it uses the same resolution procedures.
Until the Center expressly takes jurisdiction, the relevant organisation may impose necessary measures up to suspension. If an organisation has reason to believe allegations fall within the Center's exclusive jurisdiction, it may impose measures but may not investigate or resolve them.
| Exclusive jurisdiction | Discretionary jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Sexual misconduct, including child sexual abuse | Non-sexual child abuse |
| Criminal charges or dispositions involving child abuse or sexual misconduct | Emotional and physical misconduct, including stalking, bullying, hazing and harassment |
| Misconduct related to reporting, where the underlying allegation involves child abuse or sexual misconduct | Criminal charges or dispositions not involving child abuse or sexual misconduct |
| Other inappropriate conduct | Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy violations |
Source: SafeSport Code for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, 2026, section IV
Who can report, and who must?
Anyone can report, whether or not they are an athlete or experienced the conduct personally. Reports can be made through the online form or by phone at 833-5US-SAFE, and the form allows anonymous reports, although the Code warns that anonymity may limit the Center's ability to investigate. A person who makes a good faith report does not have to prove it before reporting. The Center does not disclose a third-party reporter's identifying information unless necessary.
Adult participants have duties under the Code. An adult who reasonably suspects child abuse, including sexual abuse, must immediately report to law enforcement and to the Center, and the Code states that reporting to the Center alone is not sufficient. Suspected sexual misconduct must be reported to the Center immediately and no later than 24 hours. Emotional or physical misconduct may be reported to the participant's own organisation or to the Center. The Center's website lists non-Movement leagues, associations such as the NCAA and AAU, and non-Olympic or Paralympic sports as outside its authority.
What happens after a report?
For matters within its exclusive authority, or those where it exercises discretion, the Center notifies the relevant NGB or the USOPC, conducts a preliminary inquiry and, if appropriate, investigates. It must find, on the preponderance of the evidence, meaning more likely than not, that a participant violated the Code. The Code says that no statutes of limitations or time bars prevent it from considering conduct, regardless of when it occurred.
The Code states that participation in the private associations making up the Movement is a privilege, not a right, and that by becoming participants people have agreed to the Center's jurisdiction, including its arbitration procedures. The Center's website says there are no costs or fees for reporting, that Process Navigators can answer questions and connect people to support, and that the Center cannot project timelines but provides regular updates.
Sanctions range from a written warning and probation to suspension, ineligibility and permanent ineligibility, with discretionary measures such as no-contact directives or required education. A criminal outcome does not decide the matter, since conduct may violate the Code even if the respondent was not charged or was acquitted. Claimants may also report to law enforcement or pursue civil remedies at the same time, and sanctions may be challenged through arbitration.
