Athlete Legal Aid Program

Legal aid is available to Team USA athletes who, within the last 12 months, have been selected to represent the U.S. in a Team USA Delegation Event (Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American, or Parapan American Games), or an International Qualifying Competition as defined in Section 1.3 of the USOPC Bylaws.

International Qualifying Competitions are those competitions included and published in the qualification process of the International Federation or team selection procedures of the NGB for an upcoming Delegation Event. Where those processes or procedures have yet to be published, legal aid is available to athletes who, within the last 12 months, have been named as part of the U.S. national team as defined by their NGB. 

Legal aid is not available to athletes in disciplines that are not included on the program for an upcoming Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American, or Parapan American Games, nor is it 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 for costs and fees associated with filing or responding to a legal matter before any sport-related tribunal as listed above.

If the applicable tribunal (e.g., the U.S. Center for SafeSport or CAS) offers its own hardship assistance program, the applicant must first apply through those channels and include documentation of such application to request aid through this program.

Where multiple athletes are similarly situated in a case and are eligible for legal aid, the Athlete Ombuds may consolidate their applications and encourage them to use common counsel in order to avoid unnecessary costs.

Legal aid is not available for civil or criminal court proceedings. Additionally, legal aid may be denied where the athlete’s claim or grounds of defense appear to be frivolous or vexatious.

Generally, athletes are eligible for legal aid through this program for only one case over their career and only up to $10,000.

Eligible athletes may receive up to $10,000 worth of aid, depending on demonstrated financial need. Legal aid may be awarded in the following ways:

1. Costs and fees associated with the case such as supplement testing costs, filing fees, arbitrator fees, expert witness fees, etc.
2. Attorney’s fees for an attorney of the athlete’s choice.
3. Pro bono counsel The Athlete Ombuds maintains a list of attorneys who have asserted that they have experience representing athletes within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement and have agreed to be part of this program.

Legal aid may be granted to eligible Team USA athletes demonstrating that their income is insufficient to cover the fees and costs associated with a sport-related claim without drawing on assets necessary to support oneself or family. This will be demonstrated through submission and review of their most recently filed federal tax return and an application.

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.

Upon determination of eligibility and demonstrated financial need, the Athlete Ombuds will communicate with the athlete and their attorney or service provider, where applicable, the amount of aid for which the athlete qualifies.

To the extent possible, the Athlete Ombuds will work directly with the attorney, applicable hearing tribunal, lab, or other service provider for payment of fees and costs.

In all cases, documentation of the claim at issue is required in addition to an itemized invoice for applicable services. With respect to attorney’s fees, an invoice must include a clear breakdown of hours, rates, and fees associated with representation. Payment will only be made for actual costs and fees and only up to the granted amount. The athlete is responsible for any costs and fees above the granted amount and should seek clarity about this directly with the attorney or service provider prior to engagement.

The Athlete Ombuds may withdraw legal aid and/or request reimbursement where an athlete was not truthful at any point throughout the application process or claim proceeding; the claim/defense is deemed to be frivolous or vexatious by the Athlete Ombuds or the hearing tribunal; the claim was either withdrawn or dismissed prior to the athlete incurring fees or costs; or the athlete was released from costs.

The Athlete Ombuds will not disclose any part of the athlete’s legal aid application or supporting documentation to third parties without permission of the athlete except:

• as necessary to process payments and/or distribute aid; or
• where costs and fess are requested as part of the proceeding