SafeSport Expands Hotline Hours to Enhance Reporting of Abuse in Sports
In a pivotal move to strengthen the protection of athletes, the U.S. Center for SafeSport has officially extended its hotline hours for reporting abuse and misconduct in sports. As of now, the hotline is operational from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mountain Time, which signifies an increase of four hours in availability. This extension allows for greater flexibility for callers, accommodating all U.S. time zones and making it easier for individuals to come forward with their reports.
The initiative was spearheaded by SafeSport’s CEO and Olympic medalist, Benita Fitzgerald Mosley. She expressed that their primary goal is to improve the experience for everyone engaging with the organization. “Whether you’re a busy parent heading to a swim meet, a flag football player rushing from practice to work, or a coach preparing for an after-school soccer game, we want to provide ample opportunities to connect with our trained staff,” said Mosley.
Notably, this improvement in service is part of a larger strategy to enhance SafeSport’s programs. The hotline for reporting abuse has been combined with the hotline for inquiries regarding the Response and Resolution process. This merger simplifies the way individuals can report incidents or seek clarification about the reporting mechanism. Callers who reach out after hours can still leave a voicemail, which will be returned on the following business day.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the sole independent organization in the nation dedicated to eradicating sexual, physical, and emotional abuse within U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports. This organization was founded following several high-profile abuse cases involving minor athletes in these sports during the mid-2010s. With a mission to advocate for a safer sporting environment, SafeSport has been implementing safety policies, managing allegations of abuse, and educating sports organizations.
The organization has created a robust framework that includes the SafeSport Code and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP). By investigating complaints, imposing sanctions such as suspensions from the Olympic and Paralympic movements, and providing educational resources, SafeSport ensures that all athletes feel safe, supported, and empowered.
As part of its comprehensive approach, SafeSport also conducts audits and compliance checks across all National Governing Bodies (NGBs) that operate within the Olympic and Paralympic landscapes. This oversight helps maintain high standards for safety and accountability across the board.
The legal foundation for SafeSport was laid with the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, which granted it the authority to develop policies for preventing misconduct and holding individuals accountable. Further reinforcement came through the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020, which established minimum funding requirements and expanded SafeSport's independence.
For individuals who have experienced or suspect abuse or misconduct within the Olympic and Paralympic framework, reports can be made to the U.S. Center for SafeSport via their hotline at 833-587-7233 or online. Additionally, for broader crisis intervention, RAINN’s 24/7 online hotline or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline are also available as resources for emotional support and assistance.
With these initiatives, the U.S. Center for SafeSport reaffirms its commitment to creating a safe environment for athletes and continuing to enhance the culture of accountability and prevention in sports. The newly extended hotline hours represent just one step in an ongoing effort to make sports a safe place for everyone involved.
The initiative was spearheaded by SafeSport’s CEO and Olympic medalist, Benita Fitzgerald Mosley. She expressed that their primary goal is to improve the experience for everyone engaging with the organization. “Whether you’re a busy parent heading to a swim meet, a flag football player rushing from practice to work, or a coach preparing for an after-school soccer game, we want to provide ample opportunities to connect with our trained staff,” said Mosley.
Notably, this improvement in service is part of a larger strategy to enhance SafeSport’s programs. The hotline for reporting abuse has been combined with the hotline for inquiries regarding the Response and Resolution process. This merger simplifies the way individuals can report incidents or seek clarification about the reporting mechanism. Callers who reach out after hours can still leave a voicemail, which will be returned on the following business day.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the sole independent organization in the nation dedicated to eradicating sexual, physical, and emotional abuse within U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports. This organization was founded following several high-profile abuse cases involving minor athletes in these sports during the mid-2010s. With a mission to advocate for a safer sporting environment, SafeSport has been implementing safety policies, managing allegations of abuse, and educating sports organizations.
The organization has created a robust framework that includes the SafeSport Code and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP). By investigating complaints, imposing sanctions such as suspensions from the Olympic and Paralympic movements, and providing educational resources, SafeSport ensures that all athletes feel safe, supported, and empowered.
As part of its comprehensive approach, SafeSport also conducts audits and compliance checks across all National Governing Bodies (NGBs) that operate within the Olympic and Paralympic landscapes. This oversight helps maintain high standards for safety and accountability across the board.
The legal foundation for SafeSport was laid with the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, which granted it the authority to develop policies for preventing misconduct and holding individuals accountable. Further reinforcement came through the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020, which established minimum funding requirements and expanded SafeSport's independence.
For individuals who have experienced or suspect abuse or misconduct within the Olympic and Paralympic framework, reports can be made to the U.S. Center for SafeSport via their hotline at 833-587-7233 or online. Additionally, for broader crisis intervention, RAINN’s 24/7 online hotline or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline are also available as resources for emotional support and assistance.
With these initiatives, the U.S. Center for SafeSport reaffirms its commitment to creating a safe environment for athletes and continuing to enhance the culture of accountability and prevention in sports. The newly extended hotline hours represent just one step in an ongoing effort to make sports a safe place for everyone involved.
Topics Sports）
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