USOPC Issues Report on Investigation and Assessment of USA Judo’s Board of Directors

For the past 12 months, following reports from USA Judo’s leadership and community members alleging retaliation for raising good faith concerns about USA Judo’s governance practices, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) conducted a compliance investigation to determine whether USA Judo promotes a culture free from retaliation in compliance with its obligations as a national governing body (“NGB”). In its investigation, the USOPC interviewed more than 43 individuals, including current and former board, committee, and staff members, and USA Judo community members. In addition to interviews, the Compliance team reviewed publicly available documentation, as well as materials provided by witnesses and USA Judo. Consistent with USOPC's usual practices, the USOPC prepared both an Investigation Report & Findings (containing detailed findings) and a Community Report (containing an abbreviated summary of certain findings). 

USA Judo participated fully in the investigation and is grateful to the board members and others who bravely raised their concerns and to those who participated in the interviews openly and honestly. The USOPC’s findings identified deficiencies within USA Judo and has required reforms to foster a culture within USA Judo in which all members may raise concerns without fear of retribution.  

To address the wrongful conduct identified by the USOPC, the Report requires USA Judo take appropriate action against individuals found to have retaliated, and other governance reforms. As the national governing body for the sport and the organization certified by the USOPC to be responsible for athletes for the Olympics and other international competitions, it is USA Judo’s duty to recognize the validity of the USOPC’s findings, take actions in accordance with the USOPC’s requirements to address the identified problems, and create the best possible environment.  

Having received the report on January 22, USA Judo is evaluating next steps to address the USOPC’s findings.