If you've been accused of violating the Safe Sport Act in Arizona, you could face serious sanctions that could effectively end your career as a coach or athlete. You need a highly-skilled sports law attorney to protect your rights, career, and future against these damaging allegations.
When Congress passed the Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, it created the U.S. Center for SafeSport: a national organization tasked with investigating and prosecuting coaches and athletes accused of bullying, harassment, hazing, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and sexual misconduct.
Avoid Potential Penalties of Safe Sport Misconduct Allegations
After an accusation of misconduct, you can find yourself under investigation by the Center or the National Governing Body (NGB) for your sport—and you should hire an attorney to represent you as soon as possible. These are high-stakes administrative proceedings and hearings. For less severe infractions, the consequences could include a formal warning, a probational period, or educational requirements. However, if you've been accused of serious misconduct, the potential penalties could include:
- Limited participation. The Center or an NGB may limit your participation in the sport. Rather than a full suspension, limited participation may restrict you from certain duties or prohibit you from interacting with other participants.
- Suspension. You could be suspended from participating in your sport in any capacity for a specific period of time. Depending on the circumstances and severity of the misconduct, suspensions could last for weeks, months, or even years.
- Ineligibility. This sanction makes you completely ineligible to participate in your sport. Unlike a suspension, which has an end date, ineligibility is indefinite. This particular sanction is often imposed when criminal charges are pending against you.
- Permanent ineligibility. This is exactly what it sounds like.
Expert Guidance for Coaches and Athletes Accusations of Misconduct in Arizona
Serious accusations of misconduct can ruin your career in sports, resulting in the loss of lucrative endorsements and opportunities. You could also find yourself facing criminal charges that threaten your rights and freedom.
Fortunately, there's help with our legal expert guidance on Safe Sport regulations.
Flagstaff Sports Law Attorney Ryan J. Stevens has successfully defended coaches and athletes against misconduct accusations and charges. A high-stakes litigation expert, Stevens' knowledge of the relevant laws, bylaws, and procedures is unmatched. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
