STATEMENT FROM USA CURLING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In the wake of US Soccer’s release of an independent investigation into allegations of abusive behavior and sexual misconduct in women’s professional soccer, USA Curling wishes both healing and justice to every victim of an abuse of power or sexual misconduct.
USA Curling recognizes that sport dynamic has the potential of putting people in uniquely powerful positions, it demands structure to prohibit bad actors from thriving. USA Curling has worked tirelessly to treat safety as a top priority, including but not limited to the adoption of Safe Sport protocol, so that all members of the organization at all levels feel empowered and safe in sharing concerns or instances where safety has been or could be compromised.
Maintaining trust and integrity are critical to ensuring transparency and accountability, making this cultural development one that will be continuous, requiring total compliance of persons with positions of power and organizational due diligence in welcoming individuals into leadership positions.
USA Curling will continue to work as hard as we can to ensure safety for all athletes and participants within our sport of curling.
To that end, when the US Soccer investigation began last October, the HR Committee of the USA Curling Board of Directors, as well as the Board itself, obliged its duty to review fact.
Through internal and external review procedures, the Board conducted an independent investigation to ensure that former commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League and current Chief Executive Officer of USA Curling, Jeff Plush, acted in accordance with prioritizing the safety of athletes – which was found to be the case.
The Board called a special session on October 3, 2022, following the release of US Soccer’s independent investigation. This convening was called for the sole purpose of thorough review and discussion regarding the current investigative report. The Board will navigate forward in a way that reviews fact and prioritizes safety for all.
USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Toyota, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People, and United Airlines.
