[Senate Report 108-114]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 237
108th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 108-114
_______________________________________________________________________
UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE REFORM ACT OF 2003
__________
R E P O R T
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
on
S. 1404
July 28 (legislative day, July 21), 2003.--Ordered to be printed
______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 2003
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
one hundred eighth congress
first session
JOHN MCCAIN, Arizona, Chairman
TED STEVENS, Alaska ERNEST F. HOLLINGS, South Carolina
CONRAD BURNS, Montana DANIEL K. INOUYE, Hawaii
TRENT LOTT, Mississippi JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER IV, West
KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, Texas Virginia
OLYMPIA J. SNOWE, Maine JOHN F. KERRY, Massachusetts
SAM BROWNBACK, Kansas JOHN B. BREAUX, Louisiana
GORDON SMITH, Oregon BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota
PETER G. FITZGERALD, Illinois RON WYDEN, Oregon
JOHN ENSIGN, Nevada BARBARA BOXER, California
GEORGE ALLEN, Virginia BILL NELSON, Florida
JOHN E. SUNUNU, New Hampshire MARIA CANTWELL, Washington
FRANK LAUTENBERG, New Jersey
Jeanne Bumpus, Staff Director and General Counsel
Ann Begeman, Deputy Staff Director
Robert W. Chamberlin, Chief Counsel
Kevin D. Kayes, Democratic Staff Director
Gregg Elias, Democratic General Counsel
(ii)
Calendar No. 237
108th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 108-114
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UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE REFORM ACT OF 2003
_______
July 28 (legislative day, July 21), 2003.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. McCain, from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 1404]
The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, to
which was referred the bill (S. 1404) to amend the Ted Stevens
Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, having considered the same,
reports favorably thereon with amendments and recommends that
the bill (as amended) do pass.
Purpose of the Bill
S. 1404 would amend the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur
Sports Act (36 U.S.C. chapter 2205) to make significant
improvements to the governance structure of the United States
Olympic Committee (USOC) by reducing the size of the current
board of directors and by creating an assembly of USOC
stakeholders. Unlike the current governance structure, which
features multiple lines of authority, the structure promulgated
by S. 1404 would designate the board as the primary governing
body of the USOC, and it would provide that a chief executive
officer (CEO) would carry out the USOC's policies and run its
day-to-day operations. The bill is intended to allow the USOC
to operate more effectively within a more logical and
transparent structure.
In addition, the bill would maintain the authority of
athletes and national governing bodies in the operation of the
USOC, require increased financial transparency, and provide
whistle-blower protection for USOC employees. The legislation
also would require the new USOC Board to hire an ethics
officer, to establish a process for investigating and taking
action on ethics violations, to implement conflict of interest
policies, and to make the bidding process more transparent for
American cities that bid to host the Olympics. This bill also
would streamline the organization to allow a larger percentage
of USOC revenue to be dedicated for the support of athletes.
Background and Needs
Congress formed the United States Olympic Association (USOA)
in 1950 under the ``Act to Incorporate the United States
Olympic Association.'' In 1964, the USOA was modified and
became the USOC. Additional modifications to the USOC resulted
from a study conducted by President Gerald Ford's Commission on
Olympic Sports (Ford Commission). From 1975 to 1977, the Ford
Commission evaluated each Olympic sport and determined how to
correct factional disputes between the sports. Senator Stevens,
who served on the Ford Commission, sponsored what later became
known as the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, which
was enacted in 1978 (the Act). The Act named the USOC as the
central coordinating organization for athletes and sports of
the Olympic and Pan-American Games.
In its current form, the USOC performs a variety of
functions. It provides financial, educational, training, and
medical support for Olympic athletes. The USOC receives no
permanent funding from the government. Though the 1978 charter
granted the USOC several million dollars in seed money, the
funds were never appropriated. \1\ Thus, the USOC supports its
activities primarily through corporate sponsorship and
licensing agreements for the rights to broadcast Olympic
events. The USOC's current annual revenue is approximately $125
million.
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\1\ In 1981, the USOC did receive a one-time appropriation from
Congress of $10 million to compensate the USOC for lost revenue caused
by the United States' boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow.
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The USOC is often criticized for being an unwieldy
bureaucracy with a board of directors comprised of 124 members,
and for being the subject of too many scandals. Some examples
of scandals include, in 1980, 25 athletes sued the USOC for
boycotting the 1980 Games, claiming that the USOC had violated
their constitutional rights. In the early 1990s, the Committee
was accused of buying out two USOC officials in order to hire a
new USOC executive director. In 1991, the resignation of then-
USOC President Robert Helmick forced the USOC's special counsel
to admit certain ethical problems with Helmick's leadership.
And, in an effort to secure the selection to host the 2002
Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, local organizing
committee members were accused of taking bribes.
Earlier this year, the USOC was again the subject of public
embarrassment when then-USOC CEO Lloyd Ward became the subject
of a USOC Ethics Committee investigation for a possible
conflict-of-interest violation. The investigation was rumored
to be the result of tension between Mr. Ward and the former
USOC president, Marty Mankamyer. The Ethics Committee
determined that Mr. Ward (a former CEO of Maytag) had committed
two ``technical violations'' of the USOC's ethics code, and
indicated to the Executive Committee that the problems could
have been remedied through timely ethical compliance
counseling. In the end, it was the Executive Committee that
decided that the only punitive action to be taken against Mr.
Ward would be the reduction of Mr. Ward's annual bonus by
several hundred thousand dollars. In an act of protest of the
Ethics Committee's decision, Executive Committee member Brian
Derwin, Chief Ethics Compliance Officer, Patrick Rodgers, and
three members of the 10-person Ethics Committee resigned their
volunteer posts. Less than one month later, Ms. Mankamyer
succumbed to intense USOC pressure to resign. The same pressure
forced Lloyd Ward to resign on March 1, 2003.
Summary of Provisions
S. 1404 would amend the Act to--
(1) reduce the size of the existing USOC board of
directors from 124 members to nine elected members,
five of whom would be independent, two representatives
of the Athletes Advisory Council (AAC), and two
representatives of the National Governing Bodies
Council (NGBC) (in addition, the speaker of a newly-
formed assembly and the U.S. members of the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) would serve on
the board as ex officio members);
(2) designate the board as the principal governing
body of the USOC;
(3) require that the board appoint a chief executive
officer to carry out the policies and priorities of the
USOC;
(4) require that the board establish four standing
committees of the board (audit, compensation, ethics,
and nominating and governance);
(5) create an assembly consisting of the many USOC
stakeholders as provided in section 220504 of the Act,
including a maximum of three individuals who
represented the United States at the Olympics not
within the preceding 10 years;
(6) require that the assembly have authority as
provided by the board to determine matters pertaining
to the Olympic Games;
(7) require that the assembly elect a speaker;
(8) require the board to establish whistleblower
procedures for the treatment of complaints received by
the USOC, as well as procedures to protect employees
from retaliation for submitting a complaint;
(9) modify the existing ombudsman function;
(10) increase the operational and financial
transparency of the USOC by requiring the USOC to
report Congress and the President on a biennial basis;
(11) provide basic ethics and compliance guidance to
the USOC ethics committee; and
(12) allow the National Senior Games Association of
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to use the words ``Senior
Olympics'' to promote national athletic competition
among senior citizens.
Legislative History
The Senate Commerce Committee held a full Committee hearing
on January 29, 2003, to examine the aforementioned leadership
scandal that had attracted negative publicity for the USOC that
ultimately led to the resignations of the USOC's President and
CEO. Following the first hearing, the USOC Executive Committee
formed a Governance and Ethics Review Task Force (Task Force)
to analyze the governance structure of the organization.
Shortly thereafter, the Commerce Committee held another hearing
on February 13, 2003, to examine the current organizational
structure and culture of the USOC, and to consider possible
reform measures needed to ensure that it operates more
effectively and efficiently.
Following the Committee hearings, Senators McCain, Stevens,
and Campbell sent a letter dated February 27, 2003, to the USOC
acknowledging the existence of the Task Force, but nevertheless
encouraging the organization to create an independent
commission to review the USOC's governance structure. As
requested, on March 3, 2003, the USOC formed the Independent
Commission on the Reform on the United States Olympic Committee
(Independent Commission).
On June 24, 2003, Senator McCain chaired a third full
Committee oversight hearing concerning reform of the USOC. The
purpose of the June 24 hearing was to examine the report of the
Independent Commission--released on June 19, 2003--in
furtherance of the Committee's efforts to restructure the USOC.
At the hearing, the Committee heard testimony from the members
of the Independent Commission regarding their deliberations and
recommendations. Also appearing before the Committee were
members of the USOC Task Force, \2\ as well as individuals who
represent significant constituencies within the current USOC
structure that are affected by the findings and recommendations
of the Independent Commission.
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\2\ The Task Force released its report on June 20, 2003.
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On July 15, 2003, Senators McCain and Stevens introduced the
United States Olympic Committee Reform Act of 2003 (S. 1404),
and on June 17, 2003, the Committee met in open executive
session to consider the bill. The Committee adopted an
amendment to S. 1404 offered by Senator Hollings that outlines
the responsibilities and policies of the new USOC ethics
committee. In addition, the Committee adopted an amendment
offered by Senator Breaux that would authorize the National
Senior Games Association of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to use the
words ``Senior Olympics'' to promote national athletic
competition among senior citizens. S. 1404 was adopted, as
amended, and the bill was ordered to be reported as amended by
voice vote.
S. 1404 is intended to establish a new governance structure
for the USOC. The bill is not intended to be entirely inclusive
with respect to how Congress expects the organization to
function. For the purpose of carrying out the requirements of
S. 1404 and ensuring that the USOC proceeds in accordance with
Congressional intent, the Committee recommends that the
organization seek guidance from the findings and
recommendations of the Independent Commission. \3\
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\3\ The Committee believes that the Independent Commission's
report is compelling and captures well the essence of the changes
needed to restore the credibility of the USOC. The Committee applauds
the Independent Commission members for their service to the United
States Olympic movement and the Congress. Through their work, the
Independent Commission members demonstrated their concern and devotion
for the future of the USOC. Additionally, the Committee commends the
USOC for convening the Task Force, the efforts of which served useful
to the Independent Commission, Congress, and, generally, the process of
reform.
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Specifically, the Committee intends the new USOC board to pay
particular attention to those aspects of the Independent
Commission's report dealing with the following: the development
of a mission statement that more appropriately reflects the
shared objectives of the USOC; the working relationship between
the chair of the board and the CEO; the frequency and manner
with which the board and assembly should convene; the fiduciary
responsibilities of board members; the qualifications for
independent board members, including standards for
``independence'' \4\; disclosure obligations of directors and
other USOC officials necessary to avoid conflicts of interest;
the transition from the existing to the new USOC board; the
responsibilities of the new standing committees; the
composition of the assembly and how its members are selected
and removed; how the assembly functions; the role of the
speaker of the assembly; what USOC officials should constitute
the United States delegation to the Olympic Games; the
relationship between the board and the assembly; a clear line
of authority of the board (not the assembly) over staff; the
role and authority of the CEO; an adherence to the principles
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with respect to financial and ethical
transparency; compliance with the IOC Charter; the need for the
USOC to monitor the governance practices of the national
governing bodies; the need for national governing bodies to
make every effort to incorporate Paralympic and disabled
athletes into their governing body structures; and such other
portions of the report that are not inconsistent with S. 1404.
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\4\ For the purposes of selecting independent directors for the
new USOC board, the initial nominating and governance committee
designated in S. 1404 should consult the definition of an ``independent
director'' as set forth in the Independent Commission's report on pages
31-33.
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In addition, the Committee remains very concerned over
testimony that detailed the amount of revenue that has been
devoted by the USOC during the past for non-athlete-related
purposes. The Committee urges the USOC to be mindful when
promulgating its budget and reimbursement policies of the fact
that each dollar dedicated to the travel and other expenses of
its members is a dollar that is not used for the development of
amateur athletes. To that end, the USOC should review existing
expense reimbursement policies, including the treatment, or any
inappropriate or excessive use, of value-in-kind contributions.
It also has been brought to the attention of the Committee
that all too often in the past the USOC has been seen by
stakeholders as merely a source of funding. The common
objectives of the USOC have been overshadowed by the parochial
interests of the many stakeholders. The Committee strongly
encourages members of the USOC's board of directors, as well as
all USOC stakeholders, including volunteers, to put the
interests of the USOC above their own individual interests.
The Committee understands that existing provisions of the
USOC Constitution require at least 90 days advanced notice to
the current CEO of any proposed amendment to the USOC
Constitution and Bylaws. The Committee finds that this existing
notice requirement would impede the implementation of S. 1404.
However, the Committee urges the board of directors to take
appropriate action to ensure timely implementation of the
requirements of S. 1404.
While the Committee firmly believes S. 1404 to be in
compliance with the IOC Charter, the new USOC board of
directors may modify, if necessary, the voting authority of the
assembly to ensure such compliance.
Estimated Costs
In compliance with subsection (a)(3) of paragraph 11 of rule
XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee states
that, in its opinion, it is necessary to dispense with the
requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of that subsection in
order to expedite the business of the Senate.
Regulatory Impact Statement
In accordance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee provides the
following evaluation of the regulatory impact of the
legislation, as reported:
NUMBER OF PERSONS COVERED
There is no significant change in the number of persons
covered under the legislation.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
The economic impact of this legislation is expected to be
minimal.
PRIVACY
The impact on the personal privacy of the persons covered by
this legislation is expected to be minimal.
PAPERWORK
The impact on paperwork is expected to be minimal.
Section-by-section Analysis
Section 1. Short Title.
This section would designate S. 1404 as the ``United States
Olympic Committee Reform Act''.
Section 2. Findings.
This section would provide congressional findings that: there
is widespread loss of confidence in the USOC; confidence in the
USOC needs to be restored; confusion exists regarding the
USOC's primary purpose and priorities; the current governance
structure of the USOC is dysfunctional; the corporate
governance debate in the United States is relevant to the
USOC's governance issues; and there is no clear line of
authority between the USOC's volunteers and its paid staff.
Section 3. Amendment of Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act.
This section would provide that all references within this
bill to an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other
provision, shall be considered to be made to the Act (36 U.S.C.
220501 et seq.).
Section 4. Governance of the United States Olympic Committee.
Subsection 4(a) of this section would amend the Act by adding
to it a new subchapter III titled ``Governance,'' containing
new sections 220541 through 220544, as follows:
Sec. 220541. Board of directors
New section 220541(a) would provide that the board of
directors of the USOC would be the governing body of the USOC
and the board would be responsible for establishing the
policies and priorities of the USOC. This subsection also would
provide that the board would have full authority to manage the
affairs of the corporation.
New section 220541(b) would provide that the board would
consist of nine elected members, and certain ex officio
members. Of these elected directors, five directors would be
independent as defined in the corporation's constitution and
bylaws, two directors would be from among those nominated by
the AAC, and two directors would be from among those nominated
by the NGBC. The ex officio members of the board are to include
both the speaker of the assembly and the IOC members from the
United States.
New section 220541(c) would provide that the term of office
for an elected director of the board would be four years.
Directors would serve no more than an aggregate of six years,
with the exception of a director who is elected to chair the
board after completing a four-year term. In such instance, the
chair of the board would be eligible to serve an additional two
years to complete his or her term as chair. This subsection
would provide that the first elected directors would serve
staggered terms as provided in this subsection. This subsection
also would provide that the speaker of the assembly would serve
as a non-voting ex officio member of the board.
New section 220541(d) would provide that each elected
director would have one vote on all matters on which the board
votes. This subsection would provide that each voting ex
officio member of the board would have one vote on matters on
which ex officio members vote, and ex officio votes would be
weighted such that, in the aggregate, the votes of all ex
officio members are equal to the vote of one elected director.
This subsection also would provide that in the event of a tie
vote of the board, the vote of the chair would break the tie.
In addition, the board could not take action in the absence of
a quorum, which would consist of seven members, not less than
three of whom must be independent directors.
New section 220541(e) would require that the board elect a
chair to preside at all meetings of the board and perform other
duties as prescribed in the USOC's constitution and bylaws.
This subsection would prohibit any individual from holding the
position of chair of the board for more than four years.
New section 220541(f) would require the board to establish
four standing committees: an audit committee; compensation
committee; ethics committee; and nominating and governance
committee. The compensation committee would consist of three
elected board members. The remaining committees would consist
of three independent directors, one director nominated and
elected from the AAC, and one director nominated and elected
from the NGBC. This subsection would provide that the board
could establish additional committees, subcommittees, and task
forces as may be necessary or appropriate.
New section 220541(g) would require that the nominating and
governance committee recommend candidates to fill vacancies on
the board as provided in the constitution and bylaws of the
USOC. For each vacancy to be filled by a nominee of the AAC or
NGBC, the AAC or NGBC would recommend three individuals to the
nominating and governance committee, which would nominate one
of the three individuals to the board. This subsection would
require that members of the board who also are members of the
nominating and governance committee recuse themselves from the
nominating and recommendation process. This subsection also
would provide that the board would elect directors from the
candidates proposed by the nominating and governance committee.
Sec. 220542. Assembly
New section 220542(a) would provide that the assembly would
be a forum for all stakeholders of the corporation, and would
serve an advisory function only, except that the assembly would
have the right to vote on and have ultimate authority to decide
matters pertaining to the Olympic Games. This subsection also
would provide that the board would determine whether a matter
pertains to the Olympic Games and that the board's
determination of such matter would be binding. Pursuant to this
subsection, the assembly would convene annually in meetings
open to the public. The board would be responsible for
establishing a budget for the assembly while being mindful to
minimize costs.
New section 220542(b) would provide that the assembly would
consist of the representatives of constituencies provided in
section 220504 of the Act, as well as the IOC members from the
United States, and not more than three individuals who
represented the United States at the Olympics not within the
preceding 10 years. This subsection would require that amateur
athletes constitute not less than 20 percent of the assembly
members.
New section 220542(c) would require that representatives of
the national governing bodies constitute not less than 51
percent of the voting power of the assembly. This subsection
also would require that amateur athletes constitute not less
than 20 percent of the voting power of the assembly.
New section 220542(d) would provide that the speaker of the
assembly would be a voting member of the assembly who is
elected by the members of the assembly. This subsection would
limit the term of the speaker to one four-year term. This
subsection would provide that the speaker would preside at all
assembly meetings and serve as an ex officio member of the
board of directors. Unless specified otherwise by the board,
the speaker would have no other duties or powers.
Sec. 220543. Chief executive officer
New section 220543(a) would provide that the corporation
would have a CEO who could not be a member of the board. The
CEO would be required to be selected by, and report to, the
board. This subsection would provide that the CEO would fill
senior management positions with the approval of the board.
New section 220543(b) would provide that the CEO would manage
USOC staff functions, and the day-to-day affairs and business
operations of the USOC. This subsection would require that the
CEO implement the mission and policies of the USOC, as
determined by the board.
Sec. 220544. Whistleblower procedure and protections
This new section would require the board to establish
procedures for the receipt, retention, and treatment of
complaints received by the USOC regarding accounting, auditing,
or ethical matters. This section also would require the board
to establish procedures to protect against retaliation by any
officer, employee, director, or member of the corporation for
submitting a complaint pursuant to this section.
Sec. 220545. Ethics and compliance.
This new section would require the USOC ethics committee to
oversee all matters relating to the ethics policy and practices
of USOC employees, board members, and volunteers. In addition,
the ethics committee would oversee the paid and volunteer
leadership staff of a bid city organization with respect to the
bid process. This section also would require that the new USOC
board employ a chief ethics officer to implement the
organization's ethics policy.
This section includes a list of policy areas that would be
required to be included in the USOC ethics policy, including a
conflict-of-interest policy; an anti-discrimination policy; a
workplace harassment policy; a gift, travel reimbursement,
honorarium and outside income policy; a financial proprietary
policy, including a prohibition on loans to USOC officers and
employees; a bid city policy; a policy for sanctions and
penalties for violations; a reporting and investigation policy;
and a policy to ensure due process for those accused of ethics
violations. The new section also would require a city bidding
to host the Olympic Games to sign a statement acknowledging
that it read the USOC ethics policy and agrees to abide by its
rules.
Subsection 4(b) of new subchapter III would provide that
members of the existing USOC board of directors would continue
to serve until a new board has been elected.
Subsection 4(c) of new subchapter III would establish a
temporary nominating and governance committee to serve until
the initial board has been elected and has taken office. This
subsection would require that this nominating and governance
committee consist of one individual from the AAC, one
individual from the NGBC, one individual from the existing
public-sector members, one individual from the Independent
Commission established by the USOC in March 2003 (who shall be
chair of the temporary committee), and one individual from the
Task Force established by the USOC in February 2003. This
subsection further would provide that this temporary committee
would elect an initial board of directors and elect one of the
independent members of the board as chair.
Subsection 4(d) of new subchapter III would provide
conforming amendments to ensure that athletes are adequately
represented in each governance body of the USOC, and to require
that the board adopt and amend the constitution and bylaws of
the USOC, consistent with this chapter. This subsection also
would require that the USOC ombudsman report directly to the
board, and that the board would consult with the AAC in
determining whether to hire or not hire a particular individual
to serve as ombudsman.
Section 5. Reports.
This section would require that on a biennial basis the USOC
transmit simultaneously to the President, and to each House of
Congress, a detailed report of its operations for the preceding
two years. It also would require that the report contain annual
financial statements audited in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles by an independent certified
public accountant, and certified by the CEO and chief financial
officer of the USOC for accuracy and completeness. In addition,
this section would require that the USOC's report be posted
free of charge on its website or other similar medium that is
widely available to the public.
Section 6. Senior Olympics.
This section would authorize the National Senior Games
Association of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to use the words
``Senior Olympics'' to promote national athletic competition
among senior citizens.
Changes in Existing Law
In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the Standing
Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by the bill,
as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be
omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new material is printed
in italic, existing law in which no change is proposed is shown
in roman):
TITLE 36,
UNITED STATES CODE
CHAPTER 2205. UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
SUBCHAPTER I. CORPORATION
Sec.
220501. Definitions
220502. Organization
220503. Purposes
220504. Membership
220505. Powers
220506. Exclusive right to name, seals, emblems, and badges
220507. Restrictions
220508. Headquarters, principal office, and meetings
220509. Resolution of disputes
220510. Service of process
220511. Report
220512. Complete teams
SUBCHAPTER II. NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES
220521. Recognition of amateur sports organizations as national
governing bodies
220522. Eligibility requirements
220523. Authority of national governing bodies
220524. General duties of national governing bodies
220525. Granting sanctions for amateur athletic competitions
220526. Restricted amateur athletic competitions
220527. Complaints against national governing bodies
220528. Applications to replace an incumbent national governing body
220529. Arbitration of corporation determinations.
SUBCHAPTER III. GOVERNANCE
220541. Board of directors
220542. Assembly
220543. Chief executive officer
220544. Whistleblower procedures and protections
220545. Ethics and compliance
SUBCHAPTER I. CORPORATION
* * * * * * *
Sec. 220504. Membership
(a) Eligibility.--Eligibility for membership in the
corporation is as provided in the constitution and bylaws of
the corporation.
(b) Required Provisions for Representation.--In its
constitution and bylaws, the corporation shall establish and
maintain provisions with respect to its governance and the
conduct of its affairs for reasonable [representation of--]
representation on its board of directors and in its assembly
of--
(1) amateur sports organizations recognized as
national governing bodies and paralympic sports
organizations in accordance with section 220521 of this
title, including through provisions which establish and
maintain a National Governing Bodies' Council composed
of representatives of the national governing bodies and
any paralympic sports organizations and selected by
their boards of directors or such other governing
boards to ensure effective communication between the
corporation and such national governing bodies and
paralympic sports organizations;
(2) amateur athletes who are actively engaged in
amateur athletic competition or who have represented
the United States in international amateur athletic
competition within the preceding 10 years, including
through provisions which--
(A) establish and maintain an Athletes'
Advisory Council composed of, and elected by,
such amateur athletes to ensure communication
between the corporation and such amateur
athletes; and
[(B) ensure that the membership and voting
power held by such amateur athletes is not less
than 20 percent of the membership and voting
power held in the board of directors of the
corporation and in the committees and entities
of the corporation;]
`(B) ensure that--
`(i) the membership and voting power
of such amateur athletes is not less
than 20 percent of the membership and
voting power of each committee,
subcommittee, working group, or other
subordinate decision-making group, of
the corporation; and
`(ii) the voting power held by
members of the board of directors who
were nominated by the Athlete's
Advisory Council is not less than 20
percent of the total voting power held
in the board of directors;
(3) amateur sports organizations that conduct a
national program or regular national amateur athletic
competition in 2 or more sports that are included on
the program of the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games,
or the Pan-American Games on a level of proficiency
appropriate for the selection of amateur athletes to
represent the United States in international amateur
athletic competition; and
(4) individuals not affiliated or associated with any
amateur sports organization who, in the corporation's
judgment, represent the interests of the American
public in the activities of the corporation
Sec. 220505. Powers
(a) Constitution and bylaws.--The corporation shall adopt a
constitution and [bylaws.] bylaws consistent with this chapter,
as determined by the board of directors. The board of directors
shall adopt and amend the constitution and bylaws of the
corporation, consistent with this chapter. The corporation may
amend its constitution only if the board of directors proposes
and approves by majority vote such an amendment and the
corporation--
(1) publishes, in its principal [publication,]
publication and on its website, a notice of the
proposed amendment, including--
(A) the substantive terms of the amendment;
(B) the time and place of the corporation's
regular meeting at which adoption of the
amendment is to be decided; and
(C) a provision informing interested persons
that they may submit materials as authorized in
clause (2) of this subsection; and
(2) gives all interested persons an opportunity to
submit written comments and information for at least 60
days after publication of notice of the proposed
amendment and before adoption of the amendment.
(b) General corporate powers.--The corporation may--
(1) adopt and alter a corporate seal;
(2) establish and maintain offices to conduct the
affairs of the corporation;
(3) make contracts;
(4) accept gifts, legacies, and devises in
furtherance of its corporate purposes;
(5) acquire, own, lease, encumber, and transfer
property as necessary to carry out the purposes of the
corporation;
(6) borrow money, issue instruments of indebtedness,
and secure its obligations by granting security
interests in its property;
(7) publish a magazine, newspaper, and other
publications consistent with its corporate purposes;
(8) approve and revoke membership in the corporation;
(9) sue and be sued, except that any civil action
brought in a State court against the corporation and
solely relating to the corporation's responsibilities
under this Act shall be removed, at the request of the
corporation, to the district court of the United States
in the district in which the action was brought, and
such district court shall have original jurisdiction
over the action without regard to the amount in
controversy or citizenship of the parties involved, and
except that neither this paragraph nor any other
provision of this chapter shall create a private right
of action under this chapter; and
(10) do any other act necessary and proper to carry
out the purposes of the corporation.
(c) Powers related to amateur athletics and the Olympic
Games.--The corporation may--
(1) serve as the coordinating body for amateur
athletic activity in the United States directly related
to international amateur athletic competition;
(2) represent the United States as its national
Olympic committee in relations with the International
Olympic Committee and the Pan-American Sports
Organization and as its national Paralympic committee
in relations with the International Paralympic
Committee;
(3) organize, finance, and control the representation
of the United States in the competitions and events of
the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, and the Pan-
American Games, and obtain, directly or by delegation
to the appropriate national governing body, amateur
representation for those games;
(4) recognize eligible amateur sports organizations
as national governing bodies for any sport that is
included on the program of the Olympic Games or the
Pan-American Games, or as paralympic sports
organizations for any sport that is included on the
program of the Paralympic Games;
(5) facilitate, through orderly and effective
administrative procedures, the resolution of conflicts
or disputes that involve any of its members and any
amateur athlete, coach, trainer, manager,
administrator, official, national governing body, or
amateur sports organization and that arise in
connection with their eligibility for and participation
in the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, the Pan-
American Games, world championship competition, the
Pan-American world championship competition, or other
protected competition as defined in the constitution
and bylaws of the corporation; and
(6) provide financial assistance to any organization
or association, except a corporation organized for
profit, in furtherance of the purposes of the
corporation.
Sec. 220509. Resolution of disputes
(a) General.--The corporation shall establish and maintain
provisions in its constitution and bylaws for the swift and
equitable resolution of disputes involving any of its members
and relating to the opportunity of an amateur athlete, coach,
trainer, manager, administrator, or official to participate in
the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, the Pan-American
Games, world championship competition, or other protected
competition as defined in the constitution and bylaws of the
corporation. In any lawsuit relating to the resolution of a
dispute involving the opportunity of an amateur athlete to
participate in the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, or the
Pan-American Games, a court shall not grant injunctive relief
against the corporation within 21 days before the beginning of
such games if the corporation, after consultation with the
chair of the Athletes' Advisory Council, has provided a sworn
statement in writing executed by an officer of the corporation
to such court that its constitution and bylaws cannot provide
for the resolution of such dispute prior to the beginning of
such games.
(b) Ombudsman.--(1) The corporation shall hire and provide
salary, benefits, and administrative expenses for an ombudsman
for athletes, who shall--
(A) provide independent advice to athletes at no cost
about the applicable provisions of this chapter and the
constitution and bylaws of the corporation, national
governing bodies, a paralympic sports organizations,
international sports federations, the International
Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic
Committee, and the Pan- American Sports Organization,
and with respect to the resolution of any dispute
involving the opportunity of an amateur athlete to
participate in the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games,
the Pan-American Games, world championship competition
or other protected competition as defined in the
constitution and bylaws of the corporation;
(B) assist in mediating any such disputes; and
(C) report to the board of directors and the
Athletes' Advisory Council on a regular basis.
(2)(A) The procedure for hiring the ombudsman for athletes
shall be as follows:
(i) The Athletes' Advisory Council shall provide the
[corporation's executive director] board of directors
with the name of one qualified person to serve as
ombudsman for athletes.
[(ii) The corporation's executive director shall
immediately transmit the name of such person to the
corporation's executive committee.
[(iii) The corporation's executive committee shall
hire or not hire such person after fully considering
the advice and counsel of the Athletes' Advisory
Council. If there is a vacancy in the position of the
ombudsman for athletes, the nomination and hiring
procedure set forth in this paragraph shall be followed
in a timely manner.]
(ii) The board of directors shall hire or not hire
such person after fully considering the advice and
counsel of the Athlete's Advisory Council.
(B) The [corporation] board of directors may terminate the
employment of an individual serving as ombudsman for athletes
only if--
(i) the termination is carried out in accordance with
the applicable policies and procedures of the
corporation;
(ii) the termination is initially recommended [to the
corporation's executive committee by either the
corporation's executive director] by 1 or more members
of the board of directors or by the Athletes' Advisory
Council; and
(iii) the [corporation's executive committee] board
of directors fully considers the advice and counsel of
the Athletes' Advisory Council prior to deciding
whether or not to terminate the employment of such
individual.
Sec. 220511. Report
[(a) Submission to President and Congress.--The corporation
shall, on or before the first day of June, 2001, and every
fourth year thereafter, transmit simultaneously to the
President and to each House of Congress a detailed report of
its operations for the preceding 4 years, including--
(1) a complete statement of its receipts and
expenditures;]
(a) Biennial Report.--On or before the first day of June of
every other year, the corporation shall transmit simultaneously
to the President and to each House of Congress a detailed
report of its operations for the preceding 2 years, including--
(1) annual financial statements--
(A) audited in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles by an
independent certified public accountant; and
(B) certified by the chief executive officer
and the chief financial officer of the
corporation as to their accuracy and
completeness;
(2) a comprehensive description of the activities and
accomplishments of the corporation during such [4-year
period;] 2-year period;
(3) data concerning the participation of women,
disabled individuals, and racial and ethnic minorities
in the amateur athletic activities and administration
of the corporation and national governing bodies; and
(4) a description of the steps taken to encourage the
participation of women, disabled individuals, and
racial minorities in amateur athletic activities.
(b) Availability to public.--The corporation shall make
copies of the report available to interested persons free of
charge on its website (or via a similar medium that is widely
available to the public), and otherwise at a reasonable cost.
SUBCHAPTER II. NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES
Sec. 220522. Eligibility requirements
(a) General.--An amateur sports organization is eligible to
be recognized, or to continue to be recognized, as a national
governing body only if it--
(1) is incorporated under the laws of a State of the
United States or the District of Columbia as a not-for-
profit corporation having as its purpose the
advancement of amateur athletic competition;
(2) has the managerial and financial capability to
plan and execute its obligations;
(3) submits--
(A) an application, in the form required by
the corporation, for recognition as a national
governing body;
(B) a copy of its corporate charter and
bylaws; and
(C) any additional information considered
necessary or appropriate by the corporation;
(4) agrees to submit to binding arbitration in any
controversy involving--
(A) its recognition as a national governing
body, as provided for in section 220529 of this
title, upon demand of the corporation; and
(B) the opportunity of any amateur athlete,
coach, trainer, manager, administrator or
official to participate in amateur athletic
competition, upon demand of the corporation or
any aggrieved amateur athlete, coach, trainer,
manager, administrator or official, conducted
in accordance with the Commercial Rules of the
American Arbitration Association, as modified
and provided for in the corporation's
constitution and bylaws, except that if the
Athletes' Advisory Council and National
Governing Bodies' Council do not concur on any
modifications to such Rules, and if the
[corporation's executive committee] board of
directors is not able to facilitate such
concurrence, the Commercial Rules of
Arbitration shall apply unless at least two-
thirds of the corporation's board of directors
approves modifications to such Rules;
(5) demonstrates that it is autonomous in the
governance of its sport, in that it--
(A) independently decides and controls all
matters central to governance;
(B) does not delegate decision-making and
control of matters central to governance; and
(C) is free from outside restraint;
(6) demonstrates that it is a member of no more than
one international sports federation that governs a
sport included on the program of the Olympic Games or
the Pan-American Games;
(7) demonstrates that its membership is open to any
individual who is an amateur athlete, coach, trainer,
manager, administrator, or official active in the sport
for which recognition is sought, or any amateur sports
organization that conducts programs in the sport for
which recognition is sought, or both;
(8) provides an equal opportunity to amateur
athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, administrators,
and officials to participate in amateur athletic
competition, without discrimination on the basis of
race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin,
and with fair notice and opportunity for a hearing to
any amateur athlete, coach, trainer, manager,
administrator, or official before declaring the
individual ineligible to participate;
(9) is governed by a board of directors or other
governing board whose members are selected without
regard to race, color, religion, national origin, or
sex, except that, in sports where there are separate
male and female programs, it provides for reasonable
representation of both males and females on the board
of directors or other governing board;
(10) demonstrates, based on guidelines approved by
the corporation, the Athletes' Advisory Council, and
the National Governing Bodies' Council, that its board
of directors and other such governing boards have
established criteria and election procedures for and
maintain among their voting members individuals who are
actively engaged in amateur athletic competition in the
sport for which recognition is sought or who have
represented the United States in international amateur
athletic competition within the preceding 10 years,
that any exceptions to such guidelines by such
organization have been approved by the corporation, and
that the voting power held by such individuals is not
less than 20 percent of the voting power held in its
board of directors and other such governing boards;
(11) provides for reasonable direct representation on
its board of directors or other governing board for any
amateur sports organization that--
(A) conducts a national program or regular
national amateur athletic competition in the
applicable sport on a level of proficiency
appropriate for the selection of amateur
athletes to represent the United States in
international amateur athletic competition; and
(B) ensures that the representation reflects
the nature, scope, quality, and strength of the
programs and competitions of the amateur sports
organization in relation to all other programs
and competitions in the sport in the United
States;
(12) demonstrates that none of its officers are also
officers of any other amateur sports organization
recognized as a national governing body;
(13) provides procedures for the prompt and equitable
resolution of grievances of its members;
(14) does not have eligibility criteria related to
amateur status or to participation in the Olympic
Games, the Paralympic Games, or the Pan-American Games
that are more restrictive than those of the appropriate
international sports federation; and
(15) demonstrates, if the organization is seeking to
be recognized as a national governing body, that it is
prepared to meet the obligations imposed on a national
governing body under sections 220524 and 220525 of this
title.
(b) Recognition of paralympic sports organizations.--For any
sport which is included on the program of the Paralympic Games,
the corporation is authorized to designate, where feasible and
when such designation would serve the best interest of the
sport, and with the approval of the affected national governing
body, a national governing body recognized under subsection (a)
to govern such sport. Where such designation is not feasible or
would not serve the best interest of the sport, the corporation
is authorized to recognize another amateur sports organization
as a paralympic sports organization to govern such sport,
except that, notwithstanding the other requirements of this
chapter, any such paralympic sports organization--
(1) shall comply only with those requirements,
perform those duties, and have those powers that the
corporation, in its sole discretion, determines are
appropriate to meet the objects and purposes of this
chapter; and
(2) may, with the approval of the corporation, govern
more than one sport included on the program of the
Paralympic Games.
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER III. GOVERNANCE
Sec. 220541. Board of directors
(a) In General.--The board of directors is the governing body
of the corporation and shall establish the policies and
priorities of the corporation. The board of directors shall
have the full authority to manage the affairs of the
corporation.
(b) Structure of the Board.--
(1) In general.--The board of directors shall consist
of 9 elected members and the ex officio members
described in paragraph (3).
(2) Elected members.--The elected directors, elected
as provided in subsection (g), are--
(A) 5 independent directors, as defined in
the constitution and bylaws of the corporation;
(B) 2 directors elected from among those
nominated by the Athletes' Advisory Council,
who at the time of nomination meet the
specifications of section 220504(b)(2)(B) of
this title; and
(C) 2 directors elected from among those
nominated by the National Governing Bodies'
Council.
(3) Ex officio members.--The ex officio members are--
(A) the speaker of the assembly; and
(B) the International Olympic Committee
member or members from the United States who
are required to be ex officio members of the
executive organ of the corporation under the
terms of the Olympic Charter.
(c) Terms of Office.--
(1) Elected directors.--The term of office of an
elected director shall be 4 years. An individual
elected to replace a director who does not serve a full
4-year term shall be elected initially to serve only
the balance of the expired term of the member that
director replaces. No director shall be eligible for
reelection, except a director whose total period of
service, if elected, would not exceed 6 years. The
chair of the board shall be eligible to serve an
additional 2 years as required to complete his or her
term as chair.
(2) Staggered terms.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1),
of the directors first elected to the board after the
date of enactment of the United States Olympic
Committee Reform Act--
(A) 2 of the directors elected under
paragraph (2)(A) shall be elected for terms of
2 years;
(B) 3 of the directors elected under
paragraph (2)(A) shall be elected for terms of
4 years;
(C) 1 of the directors elected under
paragraph (2)(B) shall be elected for a term of
2 years;
(D) 1 of the directors elected under
paragraph (2)(B) shall be elected for a term of
4 years;
(E) 1 of the directors elected under
paragraph (2)(C) shall be elected for a term of
a term of 2 years; and
(F) 1 of the directors elected under
paragraph (2)(C) shall be elected for a term of
a term of 4 years.
(3) Ex officio members.--The speaker of the assembly
shall serve as a non-voting ex officio member of the
board while holding the position of speaker of the
assembly. An International Olympic Committee member
shall serve as an ex officio member of the board for so
long as the member is a member of that Committee.
(d) Voting.--
(1) Elected members.--Each elected director shall
have 1 vote on all matters on which the board votes,
consistent with the constitution and bylaws of the
corporation.
(2) Ex officio members.--Each voting ex officio
member shall have 1 vote on matters on which the ex
officio members vote, consistent with the constitution
and bylaws of the corporation, and the votes of the ex
officio members shall be weighted such that, in the
aggregate, the votes of all voting ex officio members
are equal to the vote of one elected director.
(3) Tie votes.--In the event of a tie vote of the
board, the vote of the chair of the board shall serve
to break the tie.
(4) Quorum.--The board may not take action in the
absence of a quorum, which shall be 7 members, of whom
at least 3 shall be members described in subsection
(b)(2)(A).
(e) Chair of the Board.--The board shall elect 1 of the
members described in subsection (b)(2) to serve as chair of the
board first elected after the date of enactment of the United
States Olympic Committee Reform Act. The chair of the board
shall preside at all meetings of the board and have such other
duties as may be provided in the constitution and bylaws of the
corporation. No individual may hold the position of chair of
the board for more than 4 years.
(f) Committees.--
(1) In general.--The board of directors shall
establish the following 4 standing committees:
(A) The Audit Committee.
(B) The Compensation Committee.
(C) The Ethics Committee.
(D) The Nominating and Governance Committee.
(2) Committee Membership.--The Compensation Committee
shall consist of 3 board members selected by the board.
The Audit Committee, Ethics Committee, and Nominating
and Governance Committee shall each consist of--
(A) 3 board members described in subsection
(b)(2)(A), selected by the board;
(B) 1 board member described in subsection
(b)(2)(B), selected by the board; and
(C) 1 board member described in subsection
(b)(2)(C), selected by the board.
(3) Additional committees.--The board may establish
such additional committees, subcommittees, and task
forces as may be necessary or appropriate and for which
sufficient funds exist.
(g) Nomination and Election.--
(1) In general.--The nominating and governance
committee shall recommend candidates to the board of
directors to fill vacancies on the board as provided in
the constitution and bylaws of the corporation. For
each vacancy that is to be filled by a nominee of the
Athletes' Advisory Council or the National Governing
Bodies' Council, the Athletes' Advisory Council or the
National Governing Bodies' Council shall recommend 3
individuals to the nominating and governance committee,
which shall nominate 1 of the recommended individuals
to the board of directors.
(2) Recusal of members eligible for re-election.--Any
member of the nominating and governance committee who
is eligible for re-election by virtue of serving for an
initial term of less than 2 years shall be recused from
participation in the nominating and recommendation
process.
(3) Board To Elect Members.--Except as provided in
section 4(c)(2) of the United States Olympic Committee
Reform Act, the board of directors shall elect
directors from the candidates proposed by the
nominating and governance committee.
Sec. 220542. Assembly
(a) In General.--
(1) Forum function.--The assembly shall be a forum
for all stakeholders of the corporation. The assembly
shall have an advisory function only, except as
otherwise expressly provided in this chapter.
(2) Voting on matters relating to the olympic
games.--The assembly shall have the right to vote on,
and shall have ultimate authority to decide, matters
relating to the Olympic Games. The board of directors
shall determine whether a matter is a question relating
to the Olympic Games on which the assembly is entitled
to vote. The determination of the board shall be final
and binding.
(3) Meetings.--The assembly shall convene annually in
a meeting open to the public. The board of directors
may convene special meetings of the assembly.
(4) Annual budget.--The board of directors shall
establish an annual budget for the assembly, as
provided in the constitution and bylaws of the
corporation. In establishing the budget, the board of
directors shall take into account the interest of the
corporation in minimizing the costs associated with the
assembly.
(b) Structure of the Assembly.--
(1) In general.--The assembly shall consist of--
(A) representatives of the constituencies of
the corporation specified in section 220504 of
this title (other than former United States
Olympic Committee members);
(B) the International Olympic Committee's
members for the United States; and
(C) not more than 3 individuals who have
represented the United States in an Olympic
Games not within the preceding 10 years,
selected through a process to be determined by
the board of directors in accordance with the
constitution and bylaws of the corporation.
(2) Amateur Athlete Representation.--Amateur athletes
shall constitute not less than 20 percent of the
membership in the assembly.
(c) Voting.--
(1) Representatives of the national governing
bodies.--Representatives of the national governing
bodies shall constitute not less than 51 percent of the
voting power held in the assembly.
(2) Amateur Athletes.--Amateur athletes shall
constitute not less than 20 percent of the voting power
held in the assembly.
(d) Speaker of the Assembly.--The speaker of the assembly
shall be a member of the assembly (who, as a member, is
entitled to vote) who is elected by the members of the assembly
for a 4-year term. An individual may not serve as speaker for
more than 4 years. The speaker shall preside at all meetings of
the assembly and serve as a non-voting ex officio member of the
board of directors as provided in section 220541. The speaker
shall have no other duties or powers (other than the right to
vote), except as may be expressly assigned by the board of
directors.
Sec. 220543. Chief executive officer
(a) In General.--The corporation shall have a chief executive
officer who shall not be a member of the board of directors.
The chief executive officer shall be selected by, and shall
report to, the board of directors, as provided in the
constitution and bylaws of the corporation. The chief executive
officer shall be responsible, with board approval, for filling
other key senior management positions as provided in the
constitution and bylaws of the corporation.
(b) Duties.--The chief executive officer shall, either
directly or by delegation--
(1) manage all staff functions and the day-to-day
affairs and business operations of the corporation,
including but not limited to relations with
international organizations; and
(2) implement the mission and policies of the
corporation, as determined by the Board.
Sec. 220544. Whistleblower procedures and protections
The corporation, through the board of directors, shall
establish procedures for--
(1) the receipt, retention, and treatment of
complaints received by the corporation regarding
accounting, auditing or ethical matters; and
(2) the protection against retaliation by any
officer, employee, director or member of the
corporation against any person who submits such
complaints.
``Sec. 220545. Ethics and compliance
(a) In General.--The ethics committee shall be responsible
for oversight of--
(1) all matters relating to ethics policy and
practices of the corporation's employees, board
members, and volunteers;
(2) officers or directors of a member organization
insofar as their activities relate to corporation
business; and
(3) paid and volunteer leadership staff of a bid city
organization for activities that relate directly to the
bid city process.
(b) Internal Ethics Officer.--
(1) In general.--The board of directors shall employ
and fix the compensation of a chief ethics officer to
implement the ethics policy for the corporation.
(2) Duties.--The ethics committee shall establish
policies and procedures to delineate the duties of the
chief ethics officer.
(3) Line of authority.--
(A) In general.--The chief ethics officer
shall report to the chief executive officer of
the corporation.
(B) Certain parties.--Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A), the chief ethics officer
shall report to the ethics committee whenever
an alleged violation involves--
(i) senior management or directors of
the corporation;
(ii) officers or directors of a
member organization;
(iii) a bid city; or
(iv) the International Olympic
Committee.
(c) Ethics Policy.--The ethics committee shall establish an
ethics policy for the corporation, subject to the approval of
the board of directors, modeled upon the best practices used in
corporate and government offices. The policy shall include--
(1) a conflict of interest policy;
(2) an anti-discrimination policy;
(3) a workplace harassment policy;
(4) a gift, travel reimbursement, honorarium, and
outside income policy;
(5) a financial propriety policy, including a
prohibition on loans to corporation officers and
employees;
(6) a bid-city policy which includes a transparent
and objective set of criteria published in advance by
which the corporation will choose a United States city
to submit a bid to the International Olympic Committee
for an Olympic games, which adheres in all respects to
the rules and ethics guidelines of the Olympic Charter
and the International Olympic Committee, and which
applies to the leaders and staff of a city, or
organizations representing a bid city, that file an
official bid with the corporation to host Olympic
games;
(7) potential sanctions and penalties for violations
of the ethics policy, which may include removal from
corporation duties;
(8) a procedure for reporting and investigating
potential ethics violations; and
(9) procedures to assure due process for any
individual accused of an ethics violation, including--
(A) a timely hearing before the ethics
committee;
(B) the right to be represented by counsel;
and
(C) access to all documentation and
statements that would be used in an ethics
proceeding against that individual.
(d) Written Statement Required.--All members of the board,
employees, and officers, directors of member organizations, and
leaders or representatives of United States bid cities must
sign a statement that they have read the corporation's ethics
policy and agree to abide by its rules.
(e) Ethics Committee Adjudication of Violations.--When the
ethics committee determines that an individual has violated the
corporation's ethics policy, it will report to the Board and
may make recommendations for action to be taken.
(f) Investigation, Reporting, and Review Procedures.--The
ethics committee shall establish a procedure for the prompt
review and investigation of ethics violations, and establish
regular reporting and review procedures to document the number
and types of complaints or issues brought to the ethics
committee and the ethics officer.
(g) Outside Counsel.--The ethics committee may hire outside
counsel to conduct investigations, report findings, and make
recommendations.
(h) Bid City Defined.--In this section, the term `bid city'
means 1 or more cities, States, regional organizations, or
other organizations that file an official bid with the
corporation to be chosen as the site nominated by the United
States to the International Olympic Committee to host an
Olympic Games.