Athlete Ombuds

Legal aid is available to elite athletes who, within the last 12 months have represented the U.S. in a Team USA Delegation Event (Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American, or Parapan American Games) or a world championships; are currently on a national team as defined by their NGB; or are part of a Team USA Delegation Event and a sport-related issue arises during the period of the Games.

Where world championships or national teams apply, an eligible athlete must have represented the U.S. in a discipline on the upcoming Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American, or Parapan American Games program. In a year or sport where world championships are not applicable, an eligible athlete must have, within the last 12 months, represented the U.S. in the most elite protected international competition as defined by their NGB. 

Eligibility for this program is not available to athletes competing in events that categorize entrants in age-restricted classifications such as “Juniors,” “Masters,” “Seniors,” “Veterans” or other similarly designated age-restricted competitions.  

An athlete may apply for legal aid upon filing a claim/grievance, or at the point at which a claim has been filed against them. Aid may apply to initial and/or appeal proceedings before any above-listed hearing tribunal.
 
If the applicable hearing tribunal (e.g., the U.S. Center for SafeSport or CAS) offers its own hardship assistance, the applicant must first apply through those channels and include documentation of such application to request aid through this program.   
 
Legal aid will not apply to civil or criminal court proceedings. Also, if an athlete chooses pro se representation, legal aid will not apply for attorney’s fees.

Legal aid of up to $10,000, dependent on an athlete’s financial need, may be awarded in the following ways:

1. Costs and Fees: The applicant may be released from, or provided aid for, the costs of the hearing procedure (i.e., filing fees, arbitrator costs, etc.).
2. Attorney’s Fees: Aid may be granted towards the fees of the applicant’s attorney of choice.
3. Pro Bono Counsel: The applicant may be provided with pro bono counsel.

Legal aid may be granted to eligible elite athletes demonstrating that their income is insufficient to cover the fees and costs associated with legal representation or the proceeding itself without drawing on assets necessary to support oneself or family. Athletes applying for legal aid will be required to complete the legal aid program application and provide their most recently filed federal tax return. 

When part of a Team USA Delegation, and a sport-related issue arises during the period of the Games, there will be an expedited application process and the requirement to submit financial documentation may be waived. 

To the extent possible, the Office of the Athlete Ombuds will work directly with the athlete’s attorney or applicable hearing tribunal for payment of fees and costs. With respect to attorney’s fees, payment is conditional upon receipt of the complaint filed by (or against) the athlete, and receipt of an invoice from the attorney with a clear breakdown of hours, rates and fees associated with representation. If the attorney’s fees are less than the amount of legal aid awarded, the attorney will only be compensated for the fees reasonably associated with direct representation of the athlete and as indicated on the invoice. 

The Office of the Athlete Ombuds may withdraw legal aid and/or request reimbursement if it finds that the beneficiary was not truthful through the application process or in their claim or defense; if the hearing tribunal indicated that the claim/defense was frivolous or vexatious; if the claim was either withdrawn or dismissed prior to the athlete incurring fees or costs; or if the party was released from costs.