U.S. Center for SafeSport launches initiative to alert schools of banned coaches

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is launching a new initiative to prevent coaches sanctioned for sexual abuse from continuing to work with children in settings outside the organization's direct jurisdiction. While SafeSport has the authority to bar coaches from national sports governing bodies, its mandates do not legally apply to elementary schools, high schools, colleges, or many independent youth leagues.

Following investigative reporting by ProPublica and The Washington Post, which identified instances of banned coaches finding employment in schools, the center is implementing an internal process to notify these organizations. This includes sending form letters to schools and clubs when the center learns a sanctioned individual is still working with minors.

SafeSport CEO Benita Fitzgerald Mosley stated that the community must be aware when sanctions are imposed, noting that individuals on the disciplinary database may still seek roles in organizations outside SafeSport's oversight. The initiative also includes a public campaign to encourage the reporting of banned coaches.