THE CHETSON FIRM
Criminal Defense Attorneys
19 W. Hargett St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601 | [email protected]
A SafeSport investigation can end your career, destroy your reputation, and impact your livelihood for life. The U.S. Center for SafeSport has broad authority to investigate and sanction anyone involved in Olympic and Paralympic sports—often with limited due process protections. You need an experienced defense attorney who understands this unique system.
State & Federal Criminal Law
One of fewer than 100 in North Carolina
Extensive trial experience
Multiple acquittals in complex cases
SafeSport cases from all states
Remote consultations available
If you have received a Notice of Allegations from the U.S. Center for SafeSport, you have limited time to respond. Contact an attorney immediately. Early intervention is critical to protecting your rights and building an effective defense.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit organization created by federal law (the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017) to investigate and adjudicate allegations of abuse and misconduct within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movement.
SafeSport has authority over everyone involved in sports governed by National Governing Bodies (NGBs), including:
The SafeSport Code prohibits a wide range of conduct, including sexual misconduct, physical abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, hazing, and harassment. Violations can occur both within and outside of sport settings—meaning conduct in your personal life can trigger SafeSport jurisdiction.
SafeSport investigations are not criminal proceedings, but they can have devastating consequences. The process differs significantly from both criminal court and civil litigation, with its own rules, procedures, and standards of proof.
"SafeSport proceedings can end careers and destroy reputations, yet they offer fewer procedural protections than criminal court. Many coaches and athletes don't realize the stakes until it's too late."
Understanding the SafeSport process helps you make informed decisions about your defense:
Anyone can file a complaint with SafeSport online, including anonymously. Complaints can also come from NGBs, law enforcement, or mandatory reporters within the Olympic movement.
SafeSport conducts an initial review to determine if the allegations fall within their jurisdiction and whether there is sufficient basis to proceed with investigation.
SafeSport may impose interim measures including temporary suspension, no-contact orders, or restricted participation—even before any finding of wrongdoing. These can be imposed without notice.
If SafeSport opens a formal investigation, you will receive a Notice of Allegations describing the alleged misconduct, timeframe, and parties involved. This is your first opportunity to respond formally.
SafeSport investigators interview witnesses, collect documents, and gather evidence. You will be invited to participate in an interview. What you say can and will be used against you—having an attorney present is critical.
Cases can be resolved through Administrative Closure (insufficient evidence), Informal Resolution (you accept responsibility for reduced sanctions), or Formal Resolution (hearing and decision by SafeSport).
If you receive an adverse decision, you can appeal to JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services). This is a formal arbitration process with its own procedures and deadlines.
SafeSport can impose a range of sanctions depending on the nature and severity of the alleged misconduct:
Formal warning placed in your file. May not be publicly listed.
Continued participation under specified conditions and monitoring.
Temporary ineligibility to participate. Can range from months to years.
Lifetime ban from all Olympic and Paralympic sport participation.
Permanent listing on the Centralized Disciplinary Database, publicly searchable.
Additional sanctions imposed by your National Governing Body.
Sanctions can extend far beyond sport. A SafeSport finding can impact your ability to coach youth sports, work with children, maintain professional licenses, and pass background checks for employment.
SafeSport investigations may occur alongside criminal investigations by law enforcement. This creates significant risks:
As a Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law, Damon Chetson can coordinate your defense across both SafeSport and criminal proceedings, ensuring that your strategy in one arena doesn't undermine your position in the other.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit organization established by federal law to investigate and adjudicate allegations of abuse and misconduct within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movement. It has authority over athletes, coaches, trainers, and other participants in sports governed by National Governing Bodies (NGBs).
A SafeSport investigation begins when the Center receives a complaint. They conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine jurisdiction, then may open a formal investigation involving witness interviews and evidence collection. The accused receives a Notice of Allegations and can respond. The process can result in sanctions ranging from warnings to lifetime bans.
Yes. SafeSport decisions can be appealed through JAMS arbitration. An experienced SafeSport defense attorney can help you navigate the arbitration process and present the strongest possible case for overturning or modifying the original decision.
Yes, absolutely. SafeSport investigations can result in career-ending sanctions and public listing on the Centralized Disciplinary Database. The process has unique rules and procedures that differ from criminal or civil cases. An attorney experienced in SafeSport matters can protect your rights and help you navigate this complex process.
SafeSport can impose sanctions including written warnings, probation, suspension, permanent ineligibility (lifetime ban), and public listing on the Centralized Disciplinary Database. These sanctions can effectively end careers in Olympic and Paralympic sports and may impact employment in coaching, training, and youth sports.
Yes. SafeSport's jurisdiction extends to conduct that occurs outside of sport settings. If you are subject to SafeSport's authority (as a coach, athlete, etc.), your personal conduct can trigger an investigation even if it has no direct connection to your sport activities.
If you are facing a SafeSport investigation, have received a Notice of Allegations, or believe you may be the subject of a complaint, contact The Chetson Firm immediately for a confidential consultation.
Free Confidential Consultation | Nationwide Representation
Video Consultations Available for Out-of-State Clients
Information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice. Damon Chetson is licensed to practice in the State of North Carolina. SafeSport proceedings are administrative in nature and do not require state bar admission. No attorney-client relationship has been formed by visiting this website. The outcome of SafeSport matters cannot be guaranteed. Each case is different and depends on its specific facts and circumstances.