Q: I received notice from the U.S. Center for SafeSport that I’m under investigation. What is this organization and what can it do to me?
A: The U.S. Center for SafeSport is a congressionally authorized nonprofit organization with the power to investigate allegations of abuse and misconduct in Olympic, Paralympic, and amateur sports. While it is not a law enforcement agency or court, its sanctions can be career-ending.
What SafeSport Can Do
SafeSport can impose temporary measures during an investigation, including immediate suspension from all participation in your sport. After investigation, it can levy sanctions ranging from warnings and probation to permanent bans from involvement in Olympic and Paralympic sport. These sanctions appear on a public Centralized Disciplinary Database that anyone can search.
What SafeSport Cannot Do
SafeSport cannot arrest you, file criminal charges, or send you to jail. It is not a court and does not follow the same procedural rules as a criminal prosecution. However, it can and does refer cases to law enforcement, and a SafeSport investigation can run parallel to a criminal investigation.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Despite being an administrative proceeding, a SafeSport investigation can destroy your career, your reputation, and your livelihood. The process moves quickly, and respondents often do not understand their rights. An experienced SafeSport defense attorney can protect your interests from the very first notice.
Related Practice Areas
SafeSport Defense | Federal Criminal 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.