The purpose of the Athlete Legal Aid Program is to assist elite athletes without sufficient financial means to seek aid for fees and costs associated with legal representation or the proceeding itself with respect to claims before an anti-doping organization, National Governing Body, International Federation, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, or Court of Arbitration for Sport, also known as CAS.
Athlete Application
The legal aid program application can be accessed here. An applicant must include the following as part of their application:
- Applicant’s Information: Contact and sport information.
- Specific Request for Aid: The applicant must outline, with as much specificity as possible, their request for aid, which may include costs and fees or attorney’s fees.
- Supporting Documentation to Establish Financial Need: The applicant must supply their most recently filed federal tax return with personal information such as social security numbers removed.
If you have questions, you may contact the Office of the Athlete Ombuds at ombudsman@usathlete.org or 719-866-5000.
** The process for granting legal aid is confidential and the Office of the Athlete Ombuds will not disclose any part of the application or supporting documentation to third parties without permission of the applicant. The Office of the Athlete Ombuds may, however, inform other parties involved in a proceeding and the hearing panel/arbitrator simply that legal aid has been granted, particularly where attorney’s fees or costs are requested as part of the proceeding.
CONTACT US
The Office of the Athlete Ombuds provides cost-free, independent and confidential advice and dispute resolution services.
REPORT AN ATHLETE SAFETY CONCERN
File a concern with the U.S. Center for SafeSport to help keep sports safe for all.
REPORT A DOPING CONCERN
Report a concern to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to help keep sports clean.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
The Office of the Athlete Ombuds can help confidentially refer athletes to the help they need.
Disclaimer:
Please note that advice from any member of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds, including but not limited to information provided on this website, does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The Athlete Ombuds will offer neutral, independent advice to any athlete, and athletes should always seek legal counsel if they want specific legal advice or individual representation. See our homepage for our full disclaimer.