Q: I’ve been accused of retaliation because I defended myself after someone filed a SafeSport complaint. Is that really retaliation?
A: Under the SafeSport Code, retaliation is a separate and serious violation. It includes any adverse action taken against a person because they reported misconduct, participated in an investigation, or supported someone who did. The definition is broad enough to capture conduct that many people would not consider retaliatory.
What Counts as Retaliation
SafeSport considers retaliation to include direct contact with the complainant about the allegations, social media posts targeting the complainant, pressuring witnesses not to cooperate, reducing an athlete’s playing time or opportunities, and any action that could discourage reporting.
The Trap
Many respondents inadvertently commit retaliation by discussing the allegations with teammates, posting on social media, or reaching out to the complainant to “clear things up.” Any of these actions can result in additional charges and sanctions on top of the original complaint.
Protecting Yourself
Once you learn of a SafeSport complaint: refrain from any contact with the complainant, avoid discussing the case on social media, do not talk to potential witnesses about the case, and let your attorney handle all communications related to the investigation.
Related Practice Areas
SafeSport Defense | The Chetson Firm
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact The Chetson Firm at (919) 352-9411 for a confidential consultation.