Athlete Ombuds and Anti-Retaliation
Athlete Ombuds
The Office of the Athlete Ombuds offers independent, confidential advice to elite athletes regarding their rights and responsibilities in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and assists athletes with a broad range of questions, disputes, complaints and concerns.
Phone: 719-866-5000
Email: ombudsman@usathlete.org
Website: usathlete.org
Athlete Ombuds Confidentiality and Privacy Policy:
(A) In general.—The Office of the Athlete Ombuds shall maintain as confidential any information communicated or provided to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds in confidence in any matter involving the exercise of the official duties of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds.(B) Exception.—The Office of the Athlete Ombuds may disclose information described in subparagraph (A) as necessary to resolve or mediate a dispute, with the permission of the parties involved.(C) Judicial and administrative proceedings.—(i) In general.—The ombudsman and the staff of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds shall not be compelled to testify or produce evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to any matter involving the exercise of the duties of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds.(ii) Work product.—Any memorandum, work product, notes, or case file of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds—(I) shall be confidential; and(II) shall not be—(aa) subject to discovery, subpoena, or any other means of legal compulsion; or(bb) admissible as evidence in a judicial or administrative proceeding. (D) Applicability.—The confidentiality requirements under this paragraph shall not apply to information relating to—(i) applicable federally mandated reporting requirements;(ii) a felony personally witnessed by a member of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds;(iii) a situation, communicated to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds, in which an individual is at imminent risk of serious harm; or(iv) a congressional subpoena.
Anti-Retaliation Policy: Creating a culture of trust, integrity, and safety.
At USA Weightlifting (USAW), we are committed to providing a respectful environment where all members, athletes, coaches, officials, and staff can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
In accordance with Section 14 of the USAW Bylaws, USA Weightlifting enforces a Whistleblower & Anti-Retaliation Policy that protects any individual who, in good faith:
- Reports a possible violation of USAW rules, SafeSport policies, or federal law;
- Participates in an investigation or grievance process; or
- Supports another person who raises a concern.
Retaliation is Strictly Prohibited
No employee, contractor, agent, volunteer, or member of USA Weightlifting or the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) shall take or threaten action against an athlete as a reprisal for disclosing information to or seeking assistance from the Office of the Athlete Ombuds.
Likewise, no person acting under USAW or USOPC authority may retaliate against anyone who makes a report or cooperates in an investigation. Retaliation includes intimidation, threats, harassment, discrimination, or any adverse action linked to a protected disclosure or participation in a proceeding. Such conduct is a serious violation of federal law and USAW policy and may result in disciplinary action or loss of membership privileges.
Protections for Those Who Speak Up
Individuals who make reports in good faith are protected, even if the report does not result in a finding of wrongdoing.
USAW investigates all concerns confidentially, promptly, and fairly, consistent with the requirements of the Ted Stevens Act, USOPC Bylaws, and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
Reporting Concerns
If you believe you have experienced or witnessed retaliation—or wish to report a concern confidentially—please contact:
USAW Compliance Office
compliance@usaweightlifting.org
Or file directly through our SafeSport Reporting Portal for matters involving misconduct or retaliation.
Together, we uphold a culture of fairness, accountability, and respect that defines the sport of weightlifting.