Team USA AC Statement Regarding the SCORE Act

The SCORE Act, currently under consideration by Congress, is a well-intentioned but deeply flawed attempt at addressing the inequalities and current confusion in intercollegiate athletics. As written, the Act will do significant harm to the Olympic and Paralympic Movement in the United States and greatly reduce the opportunities for Team USA athletes.

We have serious concerns about several aspects of the current legislation. These include a lack of sustained investment in Olympic and Paralympic sports; the absence of formalized athlete representation in the governance structure; a disproportionate impact on compensation caps on athletes as compared to coaches and executives; potential risks to Title IX protections and overall gender equity; and a lack of directives to support Olympic, Paralympic and collegiate athletes. The SCORE ACT threatens the long-term health and sustainability of Olympic and Paralympic sport development pipeline but also undermine critical protections for athlete rights.

We are especially disappointed by the lack of athlete representation in the creation of the legislation and in the proposed governance structure. Congress codified athlete representation protections in the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, mandating at least 33% athlete representation on the boards and committees of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and National Governing Bodies. As the voice of Team USA athletes, Team USA Athletes’ Commission urges Congress to go back to the drawing board and collaborate meaningfully with athlete voices to draft a bill that truly protects and empowers those it seeks to serve.

Lastly, while reforms within collegiate sports are imperative, it is equally critical to address the needs of Olympic and Paralympic athletes. We respectfully urge Congress to pursue reforms that comprehensively protect all athletes and fortify the entire United States sports system. Collegiate, Olympic, and Paralympic athletes encounter overlapping challenges, and a singular focus on collegiate reforms risks marginalizing Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Unless substantive changes are made, Team USA AC cannot support the SCORE Act in its current form. We remain committed to working with elected officials and stakeholders to ensure that the rights, development, and well-being of Team USA athletes remain a national priority.