United States Olympic Committee Research Articles

Diversity and inclusion in sport leadership: a longitudinal review of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee

ABSTRACT Purpose This paper is to examine the progression of gender and racial inclusion made within the leadership of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and determine what effect benchmarking has had on their inclusion efforts. Methodology Using USOPC’s Diversity and Inclusion Scorecard, the article will examine the gender and racial inclusivity thresholds and use the lens of critical mass to identify possible examples of homo-social reproduction disruption. Findings USOPC is broadly successful in achieving benchmark goals. However, closer analysis of their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) scorecards reveals remaining structural barriers to be overcome. These relate specifically to racial and ethnic EDI. Longitudinally, females have achieved critical mass that has also translated to critical mass of women within Senior and Mid-Level management. Conversely, the USOPC has consistently failed to achieve Critical Mass within its Board of Directors (BOD), which is also replicated at the Senior and Mid-Level management levels. Overall, findings positively support the argument that critical mass positively contributes to the inclusion of marginalised populations. Originality There is no existing research that has examined the relationships between USOPC’s goals for inclusion and actual achievement of inclusion. There is limited research that uses critical mass as a lens to examine USOPC inclusion data longitudinally, or how critical mass may have affected homo-social reproduction within the USOPC.

Cardiovascular Safety of the COVID-19 Vaccine in Team USA Athletes.

Despite reassuring scientific data, the lay press and social media continue to propagate largely unsubstantiated claims that a significant number of athletes have died from cardiovascular complications related to COVID-19 vaccines. The present study sought to determine the incidence of COVID-19 vaccine cardiovascular complications in Team USA athletes. It was predicted that there would be a low incidence of cardiovascular complications from COVID-19 vaccination in Team USA athletes. Descriptive epidemiology study. Level 4. A retrospective review was conducted on the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee electronic medical record, inclusive of athletes who represented Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo and 2022 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, for COVID-19 vaccine cardiac complications including sudden cardiac arrest/death, myocarditis, pericarditis, and myopericarditis. Vaccination status (ie, fully vaccinated, yes or no), date of vaccination and eligible boosters, and type of vaccination during the study period were abstracted from the electronic medical record. A total of 1229 athletes represented Team USA during the 2020 Tokyo (Olympic, 697; Paralympic, 237) and 2022 Beijing Games (Olympic, 229; Paralympic, 66). For the 2020 Tokyo Games, 73.8% of Olympians and 80.6% of Paralympians with available vaccination status had completed a primary vaccine series. For the 2022 Beijing Games, 100% of Olympians and Paralympians with available vaccination status were fully vaccinated. No athletes suffered sudden cardiac arrest/death or were diagnosed with myocarditis, pericarditis, or myopericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination. The data demonstrate an overall willingness of elite athletes to receive recommended COVID-19 vaccination coupled with a complete absence of vaccine-related cardiac complications in >1 year of follow-up. Supposedly, this is the first study to investigate the incidence of COVID-19 vaccine cardiovascular complications in elite athletes. These data are an important first step to better inform cardiologists and sports medicine physicians who care for elite athletes.

Who Is to Blame and What Is to Be Done? The Rise and Fall of Russian Authority in the Olympics

Who Is to Blame and What Is to Be Done? The Rise and Fall of Russian Authority in the Olympics

Persisting symptoms after concussion: Time for a paradigm shift.

Persisting symptoms after concussion: Time for a paradigm shift.

How do elite sport organizations frame diversity and inclusion? A critical race analysis

ABSTRACT Sport organizations frequently present themselves as committed to diversity and inclusion by creating an array of policies, programs and other initiatives. However, this image of diversity and inclusion is often not reflected in actual organizational practices, as leadership positions remain largely dominated by White men. To investigate the ways in which elite sport organizations frame diversity and inclusion, the current study analyzed documents produced by the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, National Football League and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Using principles of critical race theory as a framework, the findings illustrate ways in which these organizations frame diversity generally and racial diversity specifically. While each organization publicized numerous policies, programs, events and other initiatives ostensibly intended to promote diversity and inclusion, the terms “racism” or “sexism” did not appear once in their materials. Ultimately, if organizations fail to recognize and address the structural causes of inequality, any initiatives they promote are unlikely to foster meaningful progress with respect to social justice.

The United States Olympic Committee and Rule 50 in the 21st Century

The United States Olympic Committee and Rule 50 in the 21st Century

Sexual Violence in Sport: Expanding Awareness and Knowledge for Sports Medicine Providers.

Athletes are vulnerable to sexual violence. Perpetrators of sexual violence may be a trusted coach, a member of the health care team, or a peer. The consequences of sexual violence are wide ranging, resulting in immediate and long-term physical and mental health outcomes that require recognition and comprehensive, multidisciplinary care. Sports medicine providers need to have specific knowledge and skill to care for athletes who experience sexual violence. Several sports organizations (e.g., International Olympic Committee, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the National Athletic Trainers' Association) have developed policies and procedures to prevent sexual violence and help sports medicine specialists provide care and services for athletes affected by sexual violence. Nevertheless, there remains a need for clinical guidelines, screening tools, and education, as well as clinical best practices to address sexual violence in sports medicine.

Patient perspective: Lessons doctors can learn from coaches and athletes to improve patient outcomes using digital technologies

Patient perspective: Lessons doctors can learn from coaches and athletes to improve patient outcomes using digital technologies

The COVID-19 Pandemic, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act, and the Dawn of a New Age of U.S. Olympic Reform

In the fall of 2020, Congress enacted the first substantive changes in the governance of the Olympic Sports system in over four decades. The new law, The Empowering Olympic, Paralympic and Amateur Athletes Act, was passed in the wake of sexual abuse scandals that rocked certain sport governing bodies. In amending the 1978 Amateur Sports Act, the new law grants Congress the power to decertify the United States Olympic bodies, mandates greater athlete representation in governance, and increases funding to protect athletes through greater support of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Aside from the decertification power, the most significant provision of the new law is the establishment of a Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics and Paralympics to review the governance of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (“USOPC”) and make proposals for change. The Commission’s creation comes at a crucial time in U.S. Olympic governance. Due to the governance scandals, uncertain funding and the general national sports upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this article advocates for more significant changesto the Olympic structure that the commission should consider, such as direct or indirect government funding for the USOPC and the sport governing bodies in return for adherence to more stringent transparency and ethical rules. Ideas that the Commission could consider include mandatory disclosure of information such as sponsorship agreements as well as compensation and bonus limitations for those in key leadership positions, the appointment of an inspector-general, and greater athlete involvement in the U.S. Olympic movement. The article also proposes more statutory changes such as a limited antitrust exemption and the end of special trademark protections for the USOPC.

The Covid Pandemic, The Empowering Olympic, Paralympic and Amateur Athletes Act and the Dawn of a New Age of U.S. Olympic Reform

In the fall of 2020, Congress enacted the first substantive changes in the Governance of the Olympic Sports system in over four decades. The new law, The Empowering Olympic, Paralympic and Amateur Athletes Act, was passed in the wake of sexual abuse scandals that rocked certain governing bodies. In amending the 1978 Amateur Sports Act, the new law grants Congress the power to decertify the United States Olympic bodies, mandates greater athlete representation in governance, increases funding to protect athletes through greater support of USA Safe Sport. Aside from the decertification power, the most significant provision of the new law is the establishment of a Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics and Paralympics to review the governance of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (“USOPC”) and make proposals for change. The Commission’s creation comes at a crucial time in U.S. Olympic governance. Due to the governance scandals, uncertain funding and the general national sports upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this article advocates more significant changes to the Olympic structure that the commission should consider, such as direct or indirect government funding for the USOPC and the sport governing bodies in return for adherence to more stringent transparency and ethical rules. Ideas that the Commission could consider include mandatory disclosure of information such as sponsorship agreements and compensation and bonus limitations for those in key leadership positions, the appointment of an inspector-general and greater athlete involvement in the U.S. Olympic movement. The article also proposes more statutory changes such as a limited antitrust exemption and the end of special trademark protections for the USOPC.

米国オリンピック・パラリンピック委員会のガバナンスに関する一考察 障がい者スポーツとパラリンピックの位置づけを中心に

米国オリンピック・パラリンピック委員会のガバナンスに関する一考察 障がい者スポーツとパラリンピックの位置づけを中心に

Reimagining U.S. Olympic Sports – How the Covid-19 Pandemic Serves as the Catalyst for Public Funding, Greater Transparency, and Increased Athlete Rights

The Amateur Sports Act was enacted over four decades ago when Olympic sports were still an “amateur” pursuit. That law created a self-funding system for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the national governing bodies for the respective Olympic sports. Its self-governance model resulted in a system of limited transparency and ineffective governance that culminated with the sex abuse scandals involving young athletes. With the growth and change in the now U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movement over the last four decades, this article advocates significant changes to the law to permit direct or indirect government funding for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the sport governing bodies in return for more stringent transparency and ethical rules. The new law should “federalize” a new governing body that will oversee the USOPC and the governing bodies and create additional rights for rights for athletes and required disclosure and ethics rules for the Olympic bodies. Because of the Covid pandemic and the funding shortfalls faced by the USOPC and the governing bodies, the article concludes that now is the time for such a major change.

Tumbling into a Crisis: Use of Corporate Apologia after USA Gymnastics Falls off the Balance Beam

In an open letter to U.S. gymnasts on Nov. 5, 2018, United States Olympic Committee (USOC) CEO Sarah Hirshland told its more than 150,000 members “You deserve better” as it launched the Nuclear Clause that would revoke USA Gymnastics (USAG) as a governing body for the sport at the Olympic level [1]. This announcement comes in the wake of USAG’s ongoing crisis that includes a failure to protect athletes from team doctor Larry Nassar, imprisoned for sexually abusing more than 350 female gymnasts; investigations tied to Michigan State University; and the turnover of several USAG CEO’s in just two years. The research question addressed in this study asks how gymnastics can recover from a crisis that was decades in the making and two years in the public spotlight. Benoit’s (1997) Image Repair theory as well as Hearit and Courtright’s (2004) social constructionist approach and apologia discourse inform our critical analysis on how and why USAG has tumbled.

The Education of Sport Coaches: What Should They Learn and When Should They Learn It?

Around the world, there is a growing movement to improve sport coaching education. In recent years, the International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) has begun to address questions related to the education, training and development of sport coaches through the publication of the International Sport Coaching Framework (ISCF) and the Sport Coaching Bachelor Degree Standards (SCBDS). In the United States, because sport coaches can undertake a wide variety of coaching-related educational opportunities, the United States Olympic Committee has taken steps to address the disparity in training through the publishing of the Quality Coaching Framework (QCF). All of these documents provide valuable information about the best principles for educating and training sport coaches. While principles, standards and theories provide valuable overarching information about how to organize education, specific information about what topics should actually be taught in education programs is still lacking. In this manuscript, utilizing principles of participation versus performance sport and professional knowledge, intra- and interpersonal skills, information about what and when to teach important sport coaching topics is proposed.

Building High Performing Coach-Athlete Relationships: The USOC’s National Team Coach Leadership Education Program (NTCLEP)

The purpose of the present article is to share the design and impact of a coach-athlete relationship coach education seminar. The seminar is part of the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) National Team Coach Leadership Education Program (NTCLEP). Development and delivery of the seminar is facilitated by The People Academy (www.people.academy). Impact results from participation in this seminar are drawn from coaches and athletes from USA Archery and USA Cycling. The article is organized into three sections. In the first section an overview of the coach-athlete relationship building component of the USOC’s high performance coach education program is provided. Two case summaries are then presented on the impact of the program on coach-athlete relationships and athlete performance. The third and final section is used to offer suggestions for future coach education initiatives and coaching strategies aimed at enhancing coach-athlete relationships.

Should Olympic Medals Be Taxed?

Ronda Rousey won the Bronze Medal in judo at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. She was the first American woman to do so. The medal itself would have brought her a measly four bucks, if she had been crass enough to sell it. Her reward from the United States Olympic Committee for her unique accomplishment was, as she put it, “Ten grand and a handshake.” A few months after she came home from Beijing, she was living in her car. Other American Olympic medal winners have also faced financial hardship, either before or after the Olympics. Of course, not all Olympic athletes are financially challenged. Fourteen athletes who competed in the Brazil Olympics each made more than $18 million annually. However, most Olympic medal winners — especially those who do not play basketball or tennis — make much less. So, should we give these heroic Americans a tax break? Congress thinks so. The U.S. Appreciation for Olympians and Paralympics Act of 2016, signed into law in October of 2016, says that any prize money received from the United States Olympic Committee, plus the value of the medal itself, should be tax-free. Except, of course, if the medal winner is already rich.

Going for Gold: Social Media and the USOC

The purpose of this study was to examine the social media guidelines established by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which are enforced by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). Specifically, this paper explored the relationship between the USOC, IOC, and the USOC athletes with regard to Rule 40 of the IOC, which regulates athlete social media use and expression of non-Olympic sponsors. This study was guided by two underlying questions: Does the social media policy from the IOC and USOC violate an American athlete’s constitutional rights granted under the first amendment of the Constitution? And, when the United States Congress officially recognized the USOC in 1978, did it recognize a federally created monopoly on Olympic participation for athletes from the United States?

<i>David v. Goliath</i>: The Gay Games, the Olympics, and the Ownership of Language

The Gay Games is firmly established on the contemporary global sports calendar, but is seldom canvassed in mainstream sports media, or considered a model for sports administrators. This is regrettable, as the Games’ ethos offers many clues into the relationships between individual and communal empowerment for homosexual and heterosexual participants alike, while providing a site of resistance against entrenched norms of elitism, nationalism, victory and record-breaking indicative of the modern Olympic movement. Credit for this inclusive ethos rests with the vision of inaugural Gay Games organiser Dr. Tom Waddell. Drawing on Games archives, this paper outlines Waddell’s vision, then discusses the impact of a protracted legal dispute instigated by the United States Olympic Committee in 1982 over the use of the term ‘Olympics’ in association with Gay Games I and II. Four United States Federal court rulings are examined, with particular reference to the contrasting hierarchy of private intellectual property and public civil rights considered under United States law of the time. Domestic and international legacies of the dispute are also briefly examined, focusing on the inherent tensions between the state-sanctioned protection of Olympic terminology, the ideals of free speech, the ownership of common sporting terms, and the potential discriminatory effects of selective trademark enforcement. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of how Waddell’s vision superseded each of these legal technicalities to ensure the Games continues to provide a viable model for inclusive and engaged participation for all people.

‘The Event That Shook the Whole World Up’: Historicizing the 1983 Pan-American Games Doping Scandal

In August of 1983 at the Pan-American Games in Caracas, Venezuela, a multi-faceted doping crisis occurred that overshadowed all other aspects of the games. This essay marks the first attempt to historicize the events surrounding this watershed moment in the fight against drug use in sport. Doping was revealed in three ways in Caracas: by the large number of positive tests that resulted in the first loss to doping of medals in the history of the Pan-American Games, by the exodus of the 12 American track and field athletes who flew home rather than be subject to testing in the sophisticated lab run by Dr Manfred Donike, and by a rash of ‘injuries’ and unexpectedly poor performances that kept athletes out of the medals and thus out of Donike’s lab. In the aftermath of the games, the United States Olympic Committee implemented new policies to ensure that Americans competing in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games would not run the risk of similar public embarrassment.

The Oxford Handbook of Sport and Performance Psychology

INTRODUCTION This book was “built on the principle of examining the broad spectrum of research and practice on the psychology of excellent performance, in sport and in many other domains” (p. xix). With a total of forty chapters, it is divided into the following six parts: The Nature and Scope of Sport and Performance Psychology, Individual Psychological Processes in Performance, Social Psychological Processes in Performance, Human Development and Performance, Interventions in Sport and Performance Psychology, and Future Directions. The editor, Shane Murphy is a licensed psychologist and Professor in Psychology at Western Connecticut State University, USA, having previously been head of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC)’s Sport Psychology Department (1987-1994 (p. ix). Many of the chapters are essentially up-to-date, authoritative reviews of well-trodden areas of sport psychology; e.g., Motivation: Self-Determination Theory and Performance in Sport (Martyn Standage), Leadership and Manifestations of Sport (Packianathan Chelladurai), Moral Behavior in Sport (Maria Kavussanu), and A Developmental Approach to Sport Expertise (Jean Cote and Bruce Abernethy). This book review focuses on three chapters in the book which are concerned with bridging the gap between sport psychology and performance psychology.