Watch as Sonja Keating, General Counsel for US Equestrian, explains how the U.S. Center for Safe Sport’s investigations, interim measures, and final determinations are made to help ensure the safety of athletes in equestrian sport. (Part II of II)
About This Video
In working to keep equestrian sport safe for participants, it is critically important for all US Equestrian members to be aware of Safe Sport policies, as well as learn how to recognize misconduct, how to respond, and how to report. In this video, US Equestrian General Counsel Sonja Keating provides an overview of the process, which follows the filing of a Safe Sport report and how US Equestrian works in direct cooperation with the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which ensures consistency and continuity in processes and sanctions across all USOC sports. Keating then describes what happens in the initial assessment of a report, followed by the investigation phase, which may be in conjunction with a criminal investigation and in cooperation with various authorities. The U.S. Center for SafeSport then decides upon any interim measures, such as a temporary suspensions, which are to be imposed until reaching a final determination. Keating explains how, once a final determination is made, any sanctions are imposed and enforced, and how various parties who may be impacted—including individuals, affiliates, and competition managers—are notified.
Key Principles:
- Initial Assessment
- Investigation
- Interim Measures
- Final Determination
Additional Information
- USEF Safe Sport Policy
- SafeSport Training FAQs
- SafeSport Training Instructions
- Take the SafeSport Training
- Report Sexual Misconduct
- In Crisis? Call the 24/7 SafeSport Helpline
- Optional SafeSport Training for Parents
- Safe Sport General FAQs
- Safe Sport Sanctions List
- U.S. Center for SafeSport Document: Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017
- U.S. Center for SafeSport Document: Resources for Victims of Sexual Misconduct
- USEF Safe Sport Directory
About The Expert
Sonja Keating serves as US Equestrian’s senior vice-president and general counsel. A graduate of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, she obtained her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1996. She also is a member of the Junior League of Lexington and served four terms on that organization’s Horse Show Board, which hosts the Lexington Junior League Horse Show, one of the nation’s most prestigious events for American Saddlebreds, Hackneys, roadster competitors, Friesians, and saddle seat riders.
