ThreeSixty 
In light of recent scandals involving professional and minor sport organizations both in Canada and around the world, the importance of third-party investigations has become increasingly apparent. Transparent and thorough investigations can help to prevent future incidents and mitigate an organization’s civil exposure.
One of the most important aspects of third-party investigations is transparency. When an organization receives a complaint, it is important to take the complaint seriously and investigate it thoroughly. This means conducting an investigation that is independent, unbiased, and transparent. The findings of the investigation should be shared with all relevant parties, including the complainant, the individual involved, and any other stakeholders involved.
Taking action when a complaint is laid is also crucial. Failure to take action can lead to a reputation-management crisis and can undermine the credibility of the organization. In many cases, organizations have been criticized for their handling of complaints, which has led to public outrage and calls for change.
If an organization is found to be liable for an incident, it may face civil lawsuits and significant financial penalties. However, a thorough investigation can help to identify areas of weakness in the organization’s policies and procedures, which can be addressed to prevent future incidents.
As the director of a minor sport organization, I would secure the services of an independent investigator who offers extensive investigational experiences, operates in an impartial manner, and brings forth a professional track record. This would require finding an investigator who has the necessary expertise and experience to conduct a thorough investigation, as well as a reputation for professionalism and impartiality.
One recent example of the importance of third-party investigations is the Larry Nassar scandal, which rocked the USA Gymnastics organization. Nassar, a former team doctor, was accused of sexually abusing hundreds of female gymnasts over a period of several years. The accusations were ignored for years by USA Gymnastics officials, and it wasn’t until an investigation by the Indianapolis Star that the allegations were finally brought to light. The ensuing scandal led to the resignation of several high-level officials, including the organization’s CEO, and prompted calls for systemic change within the organization.
Another recent example is the controversy surrounding the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). The CHL, which oversees junior hockey leagues across Canada, has been criticized for its handling of allegations of abuse by coaches and other officials. In 2020, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the CHL on behalf of former players who allege that they were sexually abused by coaches and other officials. The lawsuit alleges that the CHL failed to protect its players from abuse and ignored complaints from players and their families. The CHL has denied the allegations, but the scandal has raised questions about the organization’s culture and policies.
In both of these cases, third-party investigations could have played a critical role in preventing the abuse and addressing the issues within the organizations. However, in many cases, organizations have been slow to respond to complaints and failed to take appropriate action to address issues of abuse and misconduct.
Third-party investigations are essential in preventing incidents of abuse and misconduct in sport organizations. They can help to ensure transparency and impartiality, promote accountability, and mitigate an organization’s civil exposure. Failure to do so can have significant consequences for the organization, its stakeholders, and its reputation.
Reach out to ThreeSixty’s experts for your sports-related investigative needs.