The commission found the funding process for SafeSport, the group set up to investigate abuse allegations, to be “very concerning”. That's because SafeSport relies heavily on funding provided to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee by the national governing bodies of each sport. The report said the USOPC's “high spending” charges for these sports “incentivize governing bodies to deter participants from coming forward.”
“If athlete safety is as much a public value as fair competition, safe sport needs to gain public support,” the report states.
The committee recommends that Congress make SafeSport completely independent of the USOPC by funding it directly. He also asked Congress to abolish the SafeSport funding system for sports organizations, expand the disciplinary database to “include more offenders” and close cases because victims refused to participate in investigations. We are calling on Congress to reform Safe Sports, including preventing people from doing so.
The USOPC said in a statement released Friday: “Since the commission’s inception, the USOPC has undergone significant transformation. The past five years have been marked by milestones in athlete excellence, sport advancement, and community growth. We are strengthening our athlete representation. We are extremely proud of the vital reforms we have implemented to prioritize athlete safety.
“Our commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability in our governance structures is unwavering and reflects our commitment to raising awareness and support for the Paralympic Movement. We are proud of our progress. However, we recognize that the path to excellence is a continuous journey. Based on this understanding, we remain steadfast in our determination to continually advance our efforts. I look forward to considering the findings and recommendations of the Committee and being a constructive participant in strengthening our organization and the Olympic and Paralympic movement.”
In its report, the commission recommended creating an Office of Sports and Fitness under the Department of Health and Human Services that would oversee the current youth and collegiate sports system and create a grant program to improve school grounds and gymnasiums. requested Congress.
It also calls on Congress to “establish a robust process of public oversight.” To do so, the Commission is proposing several options. These include the Inspector General for Sports, which oversees all Olympic-related organizations, the Government Audit Office's Mission Team, which conducts “regular audits and issues reports to the relevant parliamentary committees,” and the Special Prosecutor for Sports. “Office” is included. Operates within the federal executive branch. ” It also proposed expanding the scope of the current Department of Health and Human Services inspector general.
“Regular and comprehensive oversight of the USOPC, SafeSport, USADA, and the Team USA Athlete Commission is required to ensure full transparency, due process, and accountability for those participating in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. “is necessary,” the report says.
The committee recommends that Congress require “semi-annual reports assessing whether athletes are receiving adequate financial support.”
In an effort to encourage children from low-income families to participate in increasingly expensive youth sports environments, the Committee urges Congress to create tax credits for some sports expenses for families with school-age children. I'm asking you to.
“As many of our global competitors continue to use sports as a powerful foreign policy tool, it is imperative that the United States takes the necessary steps now if our system remains the envy of the world.” ,” the report states.
