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Athlete Ombuds:
Athlete Legal Aid Program
Team USA Athlete Ombuds
Overview #
The purpose of the Athlete Legal Aid program is to assist Team USA athletes without sufficient financial means to seek aid for fees and costs associated with claims before an anti-doping organization, National Governing Body, International Federation, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, IOC/IPC, Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), or other sport-related tribunal within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
Please review the program information provided below prior to submitting an application.
Legal Aid is available to athletes who, within the last 12 months, have met the USOPC’s Team USA Athlete eligibility criteria or have been named to a U.S. national team as defined by their NGB.
Visit the Team USA Eligibility webpage to review the USOPC’s Team USA Athlete eligibility criteria, including both general competition and sport-specific criteria.
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 age-restricted classifications or categories such as “Juniors,” “Masters,” “Seniors,” “Veterans,” or other similarly designated age-restricted competitions.
An athlete can apply for legal aid to help cover the costs and fees involved in filing or responding to a legal issue before any of the sport-related tribunals mentioned in the program Overview. This would generally not include consultation fees or seeking legal advice outside of the context of a formal charge, complaint, or grievance.
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.
Legal aid awards may be consolidated where multiple athletes are eligible for legal aid and are similarly situated in a case.
Legal aid may be denied where –
- the matter is before a civil, criminal, or other administrative court
- the athlete’s claim or grounds of defense appear to be frivolous or vexatious
- the athlete has been awarded legal aid through this program for previous case
- the athlete is not a claimant, respondent, or a directly impacted athlete in a formal proceeding
Eligible athletes may receive up to $10,000 worth of aid or pro bono legal assistance, based on a demonstrated financial need. Aid may be awarded in the following ways:
- Coverage for costs and fees associated with the case, such as supplement testing costs, filing fees, arbitrator fees, expert witness fees, etc.
- Payment of attorney fees for an attorney of the athlete’s choice.
- Pro bono legal assistance from attorneys on the Athlete Ombuds Attorney Listing, which includes lawyers with 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
Athlete Application Information #
The Athlete Legal Aid program application can be accessed here. An athlete must include the following as part of their application:
- Contact information
- Eligibility information (i.e., selection, within the last 12 months, to a Team USA Delegation Event, International Qualifying Competition, or National Team in a discipline on the program of an upcoming Games).
- Type of aid requested (i.e., costs and fees, attorney’s fees for an attorney of the athlete’s choosing, pro bono counsel, etc.).
- Documentation of the claim at issue
- Documentation to demonstrate financial need (i.e., the most recently filed federal tax return with personal information such as social security numbers removed).
Access the Athlete Application Here
If you have questions, you may contact the Athlete Ombuds at ombudsman@usathlete.org or 719-866-5000.
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.