Pro Bono Sports Ombuds Service
Confidential conflict triage and coaching for sports disputes at all levels
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What is Competition Not Conflict?
Competition Not Conflict serves as your first point of contact for sports-related disputes—a confidential triage service that helps you understand options and navigate conflict constructively. Following International Ombudsman Association (IOA) standards, we provide professional conflict coaching and options navigation at no cost.
Our trained ombuds practitioners act as neutral navigators, helping you identify interests, explore resolution pathways, and prepare for productive conversations. We do not investigate, adjudicate, or make decisions. Instead, we empower you with information, resources, and strategic guidance.
For complex disputes requiring formal intervention, we provide appropriate referrals to mediation services, arbitration panels, legal resources, or organizational procedures. Think of us as your conflict GPS—helping you determine the best route forward.
In partnership with Fair Sports, we ensure specialized expertise for collegiate athletics matters including NCAA compliance, NIL disputes, and university-specific issues.
Our Service Scope
What We Provide:
- Conflict Coaching – Strategic guidance for navigating disputes
- Options Navigation – Identifying all available resolution pathways
- Resource Connection – Referrals to appropriate services and experts
- Communication Preparation – Developing effective messaging strategies
- Systems Understanding – Explaining policies, procedures, and rights
- Safety Planning – Assessing risks and protective measures
What We Do NOT Provide:
- Formal investigations or fact-finding
- Decision-making or determinations
- Legal advice or representation
- Advocacy for any party
- Enforcement of rules or policies
- Testimony or written reports
Who We Serve
Athletes
- ✓ Youth & developmental
- ✓ High school
- ✓ Collegiate (NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA)
- ✓ Professional
- ✓ Masters & veterans
- ✓ Para & adaptive athletes
Sports Leadership
- ✓ Coaches & staff
- ✓ Athletic directors
- ✓ Officials & referees
- ✓ Team administrators
- ✓ Medical & support personnel
- ✓ Board members
Organizations
- ✓ Youth sports leagues
- ✓ Educational institutions
- ✓ Club teams
- ✓ National governing bodies
- ✓ Sports federations
- ✓ Olympic & Paralympic entities
How Our Process Works
Initial Contact
Submit your concern through our secure platform. You may remain anonymous. We review within 24 hours.
Assessment
An ombuds practitioner evaluates your situation, identifies key issues, and determines appropriate resources.
Coaching
We help you understand options, prepare for conversations, and develop resolution strategies.
Connection
For complex matters, we connect you with appropriate resources: mediation, arbitration, or formal processes.
IOA Standards of Practice
Confidentiality
We maintain strict confidentiality with limited exceptions: imminent risk of serious harm, suspected child abuse (24-hour reporting requirement), SafeSport violations involving minors, and court-ordered disclosure.
Neutrality and Impartiality
We remain unaligned with any party, advocating only for fair process and equitable treatment. We do not take sides, make judgments, or impose solutions.
Independence
Operating independently from organizational hierarchies ensures unbiased assistance. We report trends without identifying individuals, maintaining structural autonomy.
Informality
As an informal resource, we operate outside formal adjudicative processes. Participation is voluntary, with no binding outcomes or enforcement authority.
CRITICAL DISCLAIMERS
NOT AN OFFICE OF NOTICE
Competition Not Conflict is NOT an “office of notice” for any organization or institution. Contact with our service:
- Does NOT constitute formal notice to any organization
- Does NOT preserve legal rights or claims
- Does NOT start or stop legal deadlines
- Does NOT satisfy reporting obligations
- Does NOT replace official complaint channels
LEGAL LIMITATIONS
- We do NOT provide legal advice or representation
- Communications are NOT protected by attorney-client privilege
- We are NOT a substitute for legal counsel
- We CANNOT represent you in any proceedings
MANDATORY REPORTING
Our practitioners are required by law to report:
- Suspected child abuse or neglect (within 24 hours)
- Imminent risk of serious harm
- SafeSport violations involving minors
TO PROTECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS: You must contact appropriate official channels directly—SafeSport, Title IX coordinators, law enforcement, or institutional offices. Time limits may apply.
When We Refer to Other Resources
Competition Not Conflict serves as your initial triage point. Based on your situation, we may recommend:
Formal Dispute Resolution
- Mediation services
- Arbitration panels
- Court of Arbitration for Sport
- Grievance procedures
- Appeals processes
Legal and Compliance
- Legal counsel referrals
- SafeSport reporting
- Title IX offices
- Regulatory compliance
- Law enforcement
Support Services
- Mental health resources
- Crisis intervention
- Victim advocacy
- Career transition support
- Educational advocacy
Take the First Step
Whether seeking immediate guidance or exploring long-term options, Competition Not Conflict provides professional conflict coaching and resource navigation at no cost.
ACCESS THE SECURE PORTALAvailable 24/7 • Response within 24 hours • Completely confidential • No cost
Powered by the Sports Conflict Institute
In partnership with Fair Sports for collegiate athletics matters