DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center) today announced that it is seeking new athlete members to apply to join the Board of Directors and SafeSport Athlete Advisory Team (SAAT).
“Shifting sport culture is a team effort,” said Ju’Riese Colón, Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Center for SafeSport. “The leadership of the Board and the candid perspectives shared by SAAT members guide and inform our efforts to best serve the nation’s athletes. We look forward to working with new and returning members of both the Board and SAAT to drive change in 2025 and beyond.”
Board of Directors—Application Deadline October 31
The Board of Directors for the U.S. Center for SafeSport comprises independent members who provide a wealth of relevant experience to support the Center in achieving its mission. The Board includes experts in abuse prevention and ethics compliance, nonprofit and business leaders, sports executives, and elite athletes. Board members advise the Center on core business functions, long-term sustainability, strategic planning, and regularly evaluate the Center’s performance through its outcomes and metrics. The board also approves the annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions, ensuring all legal and fiduciary requirements are met. There are currently two open seats for three-year terms starting in 2025.
“As a retired athlete, one of the greatest honors of my post-career life has been working to protect the safety and well-being of future generations of athletes,” April Holmes, four-time Paralympian and current Board Chair, said. “Serving on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Center for SafeSport has allowed me to give back to the sports community in a way that truly makes a lasting impact.”
To learn more about the role and how to apply, visit the Center’s Board webpage.
SafeSport Athlete Advisory Team—Application Deadline October 31
The SAAT includes 14 adult athletes who serve as independent, non-employee advisors to the Center, utilizing their unique perspectives to ensure athlete voices are included and elevated throughout the Center’s work. There are currently five open seats for two-year terms of service starting in January 2025.
“The athlete's voice is critical in the safe sport movement, serving as a powerful catalyst for change and awareness,” said Katrina Monton, former professional water polo athlete and SAAT member. “That is why I chose to be involved with the SafeSport Athlete Advisory Team. Together, we can elevate the importance of athlete well-being and champion a more inclusive, respectful sporting environment.”
The SAAT supports the Center’s work to make athlete well-being the centerpiece of the nation’s sports culture through abuse prevention and accountability. SAAT members play an important advisory role, and do not have governance or fiduciary obligations. The SAAT has advised on important topics like the National Culture & Climate Survey, Response & Resolution process improvements, athlete communication and trauma-sensitivity, and athlete engagement.
To learn more, visit the SAAT webpage, which includes additional information about the role and how to apply.
Need for Abuse Prevention in Sport
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the nation’s only independent organization dedicated to ending sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sport. The Center emerged in response to high profile cases of sexual abuse of minor athletes within Olympic and Paralympic sport in the mid-2010s. With the mission of making athlete well-being the centerpiece of the nation’s sport culture, the Center has since been setting safety policies, and receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints of abuse and misconduct. The Center also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational sports organizations to professional leagues.
With the goal of ensuring athletes within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement are safe, supported, and strengthened, the Center:
- Establishes safety policies, including the SafeSport Code and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP).
- Investigates and resolves allegations of abuse and misconduct and levies sanctions, including temporary and permanent bans from sport.
- Delivers comprehensive abuse prevention education within and outside of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
About the U.S. Center for SafeSport
The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 codified the U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center), as the nation’s safe sport organization. It furthered the Center’s independence while underscoring its authority to hold individuals accountable. It also charged the Center with developing policies, procedures, and training to prevent abuse and misconduct in sport.
In October of 2020, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020 became law, even further strengthening the Center’s independence and oversight functions while mandating minimum funding requirements for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
The Center opened its doors in March of 2017.
Reporting and Resources
Report here to the U.S. Center for SafeSport if you have experienced abuse or misconduct—or if you have reasonable suspicion of abuse or misconduct—inflicted by someone in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. You can also call the Center at: 833-587-7233.
RAINN's 24/7 online hotline is available for crisis intervention, referrals, or emotional support at any time. You can also call RAINN at: 800-656-HOPE (4673).
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support at 988lifeline.org or by calling 988.
