SafeSport Policy Update: Jurisdiction of The Center

CONTENT WARNING: References to sexual abuse and other misconduct are included in the content below.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport (SafeSport) was created to ensure the health and safety of athletes in the wake of numerous cases of sexual abuse and misconduct in the early 2000s. Congress authorizes SafeSport to help abuse prevention, education, and accountability take root in every sport. It is dedicated solely to ending sexual, physical, and emotional abuse on behalf of athletes everywhere.

In the fall of 2024, our USRowing members asked for clearer guidance on who can investigate misconduct when SafeSport is involved. USRowing advocated for clarification on the topic of “exclusive jurisdiction” during SafeSport’s public feedback period earlier this year, and SafeSport adopted our suggested change, with the change taking effect January 1, 2026. 

Who This Applies To

The SafeSport Code applies to everyone in the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Movement—including all National Governing Bodies (such as USRowing, U.S. Soccer, USA Swimming, USA Gymnastics, and others) and their members. If you’re a USRowing member, you’re part of the Movement, and the SafeSport Code applies to you.

What Changed

SafeSport added new language to Section IV Jurisdiction of the Center within the SafeSport Code:

“D. Non-Movement Concurrent Investigations: Other entities outside of the Movement may conduct concurrent investigations regarding the same or substantially related matters (e.g., Title IX, law enforcement, etc.).”

What This Means 

• This new language clarifies that if and when SafeSport assumes responsibility for investigating an allegation, SafeSport generally has the exclusive right to investigate and resolve that allegation within the Movement, meaning other organizations in the Movement may not investigate. However, entities outside the Movement, such as law enforcement, schools, and universities, may conduct their own concurrent investigations regarding the same or related allegations.
• In addition, USRowing and other organizations in the Movement may continue to make membership and employment decisions and safety plans related to allegations that the SafeSport has taken up under their own policies.

You can read the updated 2026 version of Section IV: Jurisdiction of the Center in the SafeSport Code here.

What’s Next

• USRowing will publish an updated Abuse Prevention and Response Policy in December 2025 to align with the SafeSport Code changes.
• We will share any other significant SafeSport policy updates before year-end.
• SafeSport National Coaches Survey: Your input will help inform SafeSport’s efforts to promote safe and supportive environments where all sport participants, including coaches and athletes, can thrive. Click here to complete the survey by November 12, 2025. 

Community Call

Because your ongoing feedback and engagement are critical, USRowing will host an open call to discuss this update and answer questions at 5:00 p.m. ET on November 5. Please register here and send questions in advance to Safeguarding@USRowing.org.

If you have further questions about the SafeSport Code and processes, please refer to USRowing’s FAQs here.

Please watch for more updates from USRowing on the Rules of Rowing, Background Checks, Competition Policies, and 2026 Membership offerings.