Will Russell’s Post

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Lawyer at Sport Law

Last week, the Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics & Paralympics released a report titled "Passing the Torch - Modernizing Olympic, Paralympic, & Grassroots Sports in America." The report touches on a wide range of topics, from support for grassroots initiatives, to the Olympic bid process to the role and independence of the Athletes' Commission. Several findings focus on the state of the American Safe Sport system and the challenges faced by the U.S. Center for SafeSport since it was established in 2017. While still in the process of a detailed consideration of the 277 page report, an initial review highlights numerous lessons learned and parallels that are applicable within the Canadian context, particularly as we continue to navigate the Abuse-Free Sport structure. Notably, a key recommendation highlights that the American system has a structural weakness in their governance model and funding mechanism, with a reliance on user fees paid by national sport governing bodies to support the SafeSport operations, resulting in potential incentives for organizations to deter participants from coming forward with complaints of misconduct. This structure undermines the trust in the independence and accountability of the entire system. In recommending that the U.S. Center be structured as an independent agency which is directly (and fully) funded by the federal government, the Commission notes that “...if athletes’ safety is as much a public value as fair competition, SafeSport needs to have public support.” More to come. https://www.csusop.org/ #safeguarding #safesport #linkedinsports

Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics & Paralympics

Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics & Paralympics

csusop.org

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