A proposed rewrite of the law governing the Olympics in the United States is set to bring significant changes to the current structure. The legislation, obtained by The Associated Press, seeks to update the 1978 law that established the existing Olympic framework. One notable adjustment is the removal of the term 'amateur' from the law's title and content, acknowledging the prominent role of professional athletes in modern Olympic competition.
One key aspect of the proposed rewrite is the provision of public funding for the U.S. Center for SafeSport, an entity created in 2017 to address sex-abuse cases in Olympic sports. The legislation also calls for the establishment of a new government office to oversee grassroots sports associated with the Olympics.
Another significant change outlined in the legislation is the separation of the Athletes Advisory Commission from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. This move aims to eliminate potential conflicts of interest that may arise when an athlete's group operates under the same umbrella as the organization it may need to address in certain situations.
The proposed legislation, known as the “Ted Stevens Olympic, Paralympic, and Grassroots Sports Act,” is the result of recommendations put forth by the Commission on the State of the U.S. Olympics and Paralympics, established by Congress in 2020 following the Larry Nassar sex-abuse scandal.
The commission's report highlighted concerns about the effectiveness and funding model of the SafeSport center, emphasizing the need for increased financial support. The proposed bill suggests a shift to a public funding model for the center, similar to that of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, to address funding challenges and enhance its operations.
In addition to supporting the SafeSport Center, the legislation aims to secure government funding for a new Office of Grassroots Sports and Fitness within the Department of Health and Human Services. While the U.S. traditionally does not provide direct funding for its Olympic teams, the proposed bill seeks to allocate resources for these critical areas.
The commission's recommendations also include the establishment of an inspector general to oversee the Olympic movement and address issues of transparency, accountability, and due process. These proposed changes aim to enhance governance and reporting standards across the Olympic landscape, ensuring the protection and well-being of athletes and participants.
The proposed legislation faces challenges in securing government funding for these initiatives, with suggestions such as utilizing taxes from legal sports betting or implementing new fundraising mechanisms to support the envisioned reforms.
The upcoming Senate subcommittee hearing on “Promoting a Safe Environment in U.S. Athletics” will provide a platform for further discussion on the proposed changes and their potential impact on the U.S. Olympic structure.
For more information on the AP Summer Olympics, visit here.
