The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)’s 2025 Safeguarding Code went into effect on December 26, 2024. Designed to enhance safety and uphold the integrity of the sport, it establishes new standards for behavior and introduces an independent JAMS arbitration panel to handle appeals.
If you are involved in a WTA Safeguarding Code proceeding, the experienced attorneys at Global Sports Advocates can protect your rights throughout the investigation and dispute resolution process. We can assist you in filing a complaint, prepare you for any interviews that may be required, and gather evidence to use if arbitration becomes necessary.
Key Features of the 2025 WTA Safeguarding Code
The new Safeguarding Code underscores the WTA’s commitment to fostering a secure environment for all participants, from players to tournament personnel.
Covered Persons
Persons subject to the Safeguarding Code include:
- WTA employees and contractors
- WTA directors
- WTA designated officials
- WTA players (full and associate members)
- Any non-WTA player member competing in a WTA tournament
- WTA tournament directors
- WTA sponsors and partners
- Player support team members such as coaches, agents, managers, health care providers, family members, and guests of a player
- Tournament personnel such as staff, officials, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, healthcare providers, members of the media, and tournament guests
- Other persons credentialed by a WTA tournament
Prohibited Conduct
The Safeguarding Code explicitly prohibits:
- Child abuse and sexual misconduct. This includes all forms of abuse or exploitation of minors, with strict reporting requirements for suspected misconduct.
- Emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. Intentional acts or patterns of behavior that cause harm to an individual’s well-being are strictly forbidden.
- Retaliation against whistleblowers. Acts of retaliation or attempts to dissuade individuals from reporting misconduct are treated as serious violations.
- Exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Any misuse of trust, power dynamics, or authority to manipulate or harm others is prohibited.
Whistleblower Protections
The WTA’s whistleblower policy, in place since 2019, has been strengthened under the Safeguarding Code. It ensures confidentiality and protects those who report misconduct from retaliation. Anonymous reporting options are available, although the WTA encourages reporters to provide contact information to facilitate its investigation.
Sanction Guidelines
The Safeguarding Code provides a detailed framework for sanctions, ranging from warnings and fines to permanent suspensions. Sanctions are determined based on factors such as:
- The nature and severity of the misconduct
- The roles and responsibilities of the individuals involved
- Mitigating or aggravating circumstances, including prior violations or cooperation during the investigation
After three violations, individuals are subject to automatic permanent suspension from the WTA. The Code also allows for discretionary sanctions, such as educational programs or therapy, when deemed appropriate.
The Role of the Independent JAMS Arbitration Panel
One of the most significant advancements in the 2025 Safeguarding Code is the establishment of an independent arbitration process managed by JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services). This ensures that appeals are handled impartially and transparently.
Submitting an Appeal
Once the WTA CEO has made a determination based on an investigation, the Respondent has 21 days to file an appeal. The appeal must be requested in writing and sent to the WTA Safeguarding Administration.
You are not required to have legal representation for an appeal; however, working with an experienced sports law attorney helps ensure that your rights are protected every step of the process.
Appeal Process Overview
The appeal process includes the following key features:
- Qualified arbitrators. JAMS arbitrators must meet strict independence and expertise criteria, including experience in safeguarding or sports-related arbitration.
- Confidential proceedings. The appeal process is entirely confidential. This includes protections for claimants, respondents, and witnesses during investigations and hearings.
- Burden of proof. To win your appeal, you must prove that it's more likely than not (at least 51% probable) the original decision is incorrect.
- Timely resolutions. Hearings are conducted promptly, with preliminary conferences held within days of appointing an arbitrator.
Rulings
The arbitrator has the authority to:
- Uphold the original decision and sanctions imposed by the WTA CEO
- Modify the decision, which may include reducing or increasing sanctions
- Overturn the decision if it’s determined that the respondent did not violate the Safeguarding Code
The arbitrator’s decision is final and binding, meaning it cannot be appealed further within the WTA system. The WTA must implement the arbitrator's ruling, whether it involves lifting, adjusting, or enforcing sanctions.
