U.S. Center for SafeSport Unveils 2025 Report and Strategic Vision Towards LA28

U.S. Center for SafeSport's 2025 Annual Report and 2026-2028 Strategic Plan

On June 23, 2026, coinciding with World Olympic and Paralympic Day, the U.S. Center for SafeSport released its 2025 Annual Report along with a strategic outline for the years 2026 to 2028. This release marks the Center's ninth year of operation and highlights its ongoing commitment to making sports safer for all athletes—from elite competitors to young sports enthusiasts.

Significant Progress in Case Resolution

This year’s report contains promising statistics indicating significant improvements in case resolution. The Center has seen a remarkable reduction in the time it takes to resolve abuse and misconduct cases. During a two-year comparison, the overall case resolution time dropped by 25%, even as the volume of cases surged by 30%. Specifically, fully-adjudicated cases—those requiring more intricate processing—saw a 9% decrease in resolution time despite a 23% increase in the number of such cases. Moreover, the number of cases lingering for over two years has plunged by 75%, currently standing at just 8 open cases.

In a statement, CEO Benita Fitzgerald Mosley noted, "This hard-won progress exemplifies a commitment to continuous improvement and provides a strong foundation to launch our strategic path forward to LA28 and beyond." The Center has endeavored to not only react to reports of abuse but has also sought to prevent them through proactive measures.

An Increasing Call for Accountability

The report also illustrated a nearly 20 percent rise in reported cases of abuse and misconduct, amounting to nearly 9,700 reports compared to the previous year. This uptick suggests growing awareness and a strengthened impetus for accountability within the Olympic and Paralympic communities. This year, the Center focused on auditing National Governing Bodies to ensure adherence to prevention policies across the board.

Enhancements in training have been notable, with over 9 million training sessions delivered to 4.2 million individuals since the Center's inception in 2017. This effort underscores the Center’s belief that education is a powerful tool in prevention.

Strategic Vision Moving Forward

Alongside the annual report, the Center unveiled its strategic plan for 2026 to 2028. Guided by insights gathered from a national listening tour, this new mission states, "We lead the movement to make sport safer for all." The plan details three core strategies:
1. Elevated Programs and Experience: Enhance the program and services to better educate stakeholders on SafeSport.
2. Trust and Coordination: Foster better communication among athletes and stakeholders to optimize safety practices.
3. Organizational Excellence: Create a sustainable operational model that prioritizes people and strengthens service delivery.

This strategic outline lays a crucial pathway as the Center prepares for pivotal moments such as LA28, aiming to further transform the sports landscape for the better.

Call to Action for Athlete Safety

The U.S. Center for SafeSport remains committed to being the exclusive independent organization devoted to eradicating sexual, physical, and emotional abuse within U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports. This commitment arose in response to several high-profile incidents of abuse, especially concerning minor athletes. Since its establishment, it has developed and implemented essential policies and educational initiatives to safeguard athletes across various levels of sport.

As the report indicates, accountability and vigilance remain vital. The Center encourages anyone who suspects abuse or has experienced misconduct in the context of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports to report it via their hotline at 833-587-7233 for immediate assistance.

Conclusion

As we look forward to a future where sports can be a safe haven for all participants, the U.S. Center for SafeSport is paving the way with educational resources, strategic plans, and a firm commitment to athlete well-being, signaling an important shift towards a culture of safety and accountability in sports.

For more information about the Center's initiatives and how to report misconduct, please visit the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s official website.