U.S. Center for SafeSport & HHSRC

WHAT IS THE U.S. CENTER FOR SafeSport?
The SafeSport Code defines the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s authority and jurisdiction, prohibited categories of abuse and misconduct, and the Center’s process for responding to and resolving abuse and misconduct claims affecting the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

The Code applies to all Participants (defined within) in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement and federal law dictates the Center’s authority and jurisdiction within the Movement. The Code was first introduced March 3, 2017 and is revised periodically. The 2024 SafeSport Code is effective July 1, 2024.

Read more about the SafeSport Code here.
Read more about the SafeSport approach to prevention here.
Read more FAQ's about U.S. Rowing & SafeSport here. 

WHAT IS REPORTED TO THE U.S. CENTER FOR SafeSport?
The U.S. Center for SafeSport accepts all reports affecting the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement of:

• Sexual Misconduct, including without limitation child sexual abuse and any misconduct that is reasonably related to an underlying allegation of Sexual Misconduct

• Criminal Charges or Dispositions involving Child Abuse or Sexual Misconduct

• Misconduct Related to Reporting, where the underlying allegation involves Child Abuse or Sexual Misconduct;

• Aiding and Abetting, when it relates to the Center’s process

• Misconduct Related to the Center’s Process

• Other Inappropriate Conduct, as defined herein

The Center has exclusive jurisdiction to investigate and resolve reports affecting the Movement in the bulleted categories above.

The Center also accepts reports of emotional and physical misconduct (including bullying, hazing, stalking, and harassment) within the Movement. Reports of emotional and physical misconduct can also be made directly to your sport’s national governing body (NGB). Also, reports of MAAPP violations can be made directly to your sport’s national governing body (NGB).

Read more about SafeSport Guidance for Parents, Coaches, and Athletes here. 

WHO REPORTS a SafeSport CONCERN?
Any person can report directly to the U.S. Center for SafeSport if they have experienced abuse or misconduct.

Any person can report as a 3rd party if you have reasonable suspicion of abuse or misconduct inflicted on, or by, someone in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

There are no associated costs, fees, or other financial barriers attached to submitting an annonymous report using the reporting form on the SafeSport Website available when clicking the ‘Report Abuse or Misconduct’ button.

Adults, Coaches, Volunteers, and Board Members who are SafeSport Certified are mandatory 3rd party reporters. All mandatory reporters, and must report within 24 hrs if there is a reasonable suspicioon of misconduct.

Student-Athletes who are under 18, although SafeSport Trained, are not mandatory reporters.

Reports to SafeSport come from an individual, and not the Club. If the Club is notified, the individual who received the message will inform the Club, and report to SafeSport as an individual 3rd party reporter. 

Coaches, Board Members, & Volunteers with direct access to student-athletes are HHSRC Members in good standing, background checked by the City of Tampa, and SafeSport Trained by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. 

WHO DOES U.S. SafeSport HAVE AUTHORITY OVER?

The Center responds to and resolves reports of abuse and misconduct alleged of individuals in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. This includes:

• Any member or employee of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC)

• Any participant (defined in the SafeSport Code) of a national sport governing body (NGB) or local affiliated organization (LAO) under USOPC authority; this includes athletes, coaches, administrators, health and training professionals, and individuals in related categories

The Center does not have authority over non-Movement leagues (such as the NFL or NASCAR), associations (such as NCAA and AAU), or non-Olympic/Paralympic sports (such as cheer & dance). To report abuse involving non-Movement sports or organizations, contact a relevant liaison at that institution or local law enforcement.

If you’re unsure if the U.S. Center for SafeSport is the proper authority: Make the report to us, and we will advise appropriately. 

Read more about who the Minor Abuse Prevention Policy policy applies to and when it the policy applies.