Report A Concern

Pro Bono Sports Ombuds Service

Confidential conflict triage and coaching for sports disputes at all levels

Scan for immediate access

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 PORTAL

Available 24/7 • Response within 24 hours • Completely confidential • No cost