Why We Need Whistleblowers in Sport

 

‘If you see something, say something.’ You may have seen that phrase in airports or on trains as you traveled, and in sport, the same sentiment holds true. People who report misconduct and suspicious behavior, often referred to as whistleblowers, play a vital role in our ability to maintain safe and fair sport environments. While there are many organizations responsible for protecting athletes and sport, they can be far more effective when those with information are brave enough to speak up.

Whistleblowing often comes with negative connotations, and you’ve probably heard taunts discouraging people from ‘snitching.’ In reality, however, whistleblowers are the unsung heroes saving sport and even saving lives in some cases. Here, Travis T. Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, explains what it means to be a whistleblower and why every level of sport needs people to stand up for what is right.

First, what exactly is a whistleblower in sport? “At the most basic, a whistleblower is simply someone who comes forward and tells appropriate authorities about situations that are against the rules, that are harming other people, or that are defrauding sport,” explains Tygart. While USADA works with whistleblowers who report doping violations, those in sport can report any type of wrongdoing to the authorities.

In addition to promoting accountability, a whistleblower is someone who cares about the culture of sport. “A whistleblower is someone who believes in the rules of safe, healthy, and drug-free sport, someone who takes ownership of the culture in their sport and stands up for what’s right,” adds Tygart.

Situations that warrant reporting can vary. You may be familiar will large-scale whistleblowing cases in sport, such as the Russian doping scandal or the sexual abuse scandal involving USA Gymnastics, but there are plenty of small-scale instances of misconduct in sport that also require whistleblowers to come forward to ensure accountability.

At the high school level, Tygart explains that this could look like a coach who is encouraging athletes to ‘get bigger’ with the implication that he wants them to use steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs to do so. A coach who puts implicit or explicit pressure on athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs warrants reporting.

“Too frequently, I have student-athletes tell me that their coaches are telling them to get bigger and stronger, and to do whatever it takes to get that done,” Tygart says. “A person knows that they’re being told to do something wrong and seeks out help, which can be done anonymously if they’re uncomfortable coming forward.”