Join the Movement: SafeSport Calls for Athlete Participation

SafeSport Invites Athletes to Join Board of Directors and Advisory Team

The U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center) has announced an exciting opportunity for athletes to become part of the decision-making process that shapes the future of sports safety in the nation. The Center aims to recruit passionate individuals to join the Board of Directors and the SafeSport Athlete Advisory Team (SAAT).

Leadership Roles in Sports Safety

According to Ju’Riese Colón, Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, “Shifting sport culture is a team effort. 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.” This sentiment underlines the importance of athlete involvement in advocating for a safer sporting environment.

The Center is currently seeking to fill critical roles within both the Board and the SAAT, with the application deadline set for October 31. Athletes who join these teams will play a key role in driving positive change within the sports landscape starting in 2025.

Understanding the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors at the U.S. Center for SafeSport is comprised of independent members with a wealth of relevant experience in fields such as abuse prevention, ethics compliance, nonprofit leadership, and sports management. Board members strategically advise the Center on operations, sustainability, and strategic direction.

April Holmes, a four-time Paralympian and chair of the Board, shared her insights: “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.” The Board currently seeks applicants to fill two available seats for three-year terms beginning in 2025.

Role of the Athlete Advisory Team

The SafeSport Athlete Advisory Team serves as a vital resource for the Center, comprising 14 adult athletes who act as independent advisors. These team members leverage their unique experiences to ensure that athlete voices are empowered and prioritized in the Center's initiatives. The SAAT is also currently seeking to fill five open seats for two-year terms starting in January 2025.

Katrina Monton, a former professional water polo athlete and current SAAT member, emphatically stated, “The athlete's voice is critical in the safe sport movement, serving as a powerful catalyst for change and awareness.” She highlighted the collective role of SAAT members in promoting a culture of respect and well-being.

Promoting Athlete Well-Being

The mission of the SAAT aligns closely with the Center’s objective of placing athlete well-being at the core of U.S. sports culture through comprehensive abuse prevention measures. While SAAT members do not hold governance roles, their advisory contributions influence significant topics such as cultural assessments, communication strategies, and trauma sensitivity.

For more information about the role of board members and SAAT, interested candidates can visit the Center's official resources to access application guidelines and further details.

Addressing the Need for Abuse Prevention

The U.S. Center for SafeSport stands as the only independent organization dedicated to combatting abuse in sports, primarily focusing on the Olympic and Paralympic arenas. Prompted by alarming cases of abuse among young athletes, the Center emerged to ensure that athlete safety is prioritized.

Established to instill safety protocols and address complaints of misconduct, the Center serves as a pivotal educational resource across all levels of sports participation. It aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for all athletes involved in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

Commitment to Safety Policies and Educational Resources

With efforts focusing on the development of safety policies like the SafeSport Code and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP), the Center continuously works to ensure compliance and accountability. The body investigates allegations of misconduct thoroughly and implements educational programs across the sports community to foster a culture of safety.

About the U.S. Center for SafeSport

The U.S. Center for SafeSport was codified by the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, affirming its status as the nation’s authoritative organization for safe sport practices. The Center is committed to creating a supportive environment, enhancing athlete protection, and implementing best practices for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the U.S. Center for SafeSport?

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is dedicated to preventing abuse in sports and ensuring athlete safety within Olympic and Paralympic programs.

How can athletes apply for the Board and SAAT?

Athletes can apply through the Center's official resources, with a deadline for applications on October 31.

What roles do Board members and SAAT members play?

The Board provides strategic guidance, while SAAT members elevate the athlete perspective, advising on critical issues affecting athlete welfare.

Why is athlete feedback important?

Athlete feedback is crucial for shaping policies and practices that prioritize safety and well-being in sports.

How can I learn more about the initiatives of the Center?

To learn more, you can visit the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s official website for resources and information.

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