December 15, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – OL Reign News Release
SEATTLE, WA. – In response to yesterday’s joint release of the NWSL and NWSLPA Joint Investigative Team findings and recommendations following a 14-month independent investigation, OL Reign is taking the next steps toward action by first acknowledging failures outlined in the report that allowed for misconduct to occur.
OL Reign commends the courage of players who participated in the investigation and recognizes the comprehensive efforts to take significant steps towards systemic change would not be possible without their bravery in sharing their stories. We apologize to players, present and former, who were directly impacted by these events within our club.
The extensive details and facts cited in this report, and prior investigations, lay the groundwork for the continued work of the clubs in collaboration with the NWSL and NWSLPA to repair and restore trust with players, staff, and fans as we move forward. We are committed to deliver a safe and supportive environment at our organization and welcome the opportunity to adopt recommendations from the report as a means to improve our processes, procedures and policies so we may grow, heal and ultimately thrive.
Beginning in late 2021, OL Reign implemented policies centered on the safety of players including:
– Launching an anonymous reporting system, Real Response, for players or staff to report misconduct
– Expanding Safesport training to all technical and front office staff
– Enhancing hiring processes to improve vetting procedures
As a part of the club’s continued commitment to ensure meaningful progress is made, OL Reign announced the following plans to accelerate and implement systemic reform:
– Hire a Director of HR and Sports Safety with a goal to finalize the process before the start of the 2023 season
– In collaboration with players and key club stakeholders, develop a Code of Conduct
– Establish and launch DEI programs and ongoing trainings to address all types of misconduct including discrimination, harassment and abuse
– Activate and support immediate and future initiatives driven by the NWSL and the NWSLPA
OL Reign notes these actions are not meant to diminish the pain or trauma players have endured throughout the process but reflects a collective pledge to build systems and an environment in which player safety is paramount to the long-term success of the club.
• Discuss this story on the National Women’s Soccer…