Coach, Your Player Has Been Accused of Sexual Misconduct. Here's What You Can – and Cannot – Do
One of your players has been accused of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or sexual assault. Your instinct is to protect your team, support your athlete, and help resolve the situation quickly. But navigating a Title IX investigation as a coach is complex, and well-intentioned actions can backfire, creating legal liability for you personally and jeopardizing your institution's compliance with federal law.
This guide clarifies your responsibilities, your rights, and the critical missteps to avoid.
Your Legal Obligations as a Mandatory Reporter
Under Title IX, coaches are mandatory reporters, also called responsible employees. This means:
What You MUST Do:
Report immediately to your school's Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator any allegation or suspected sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or sexual assault you become aware of, regardless of how you learn about it.
Report even if the player asks you not to; Title IX reporting is mandatory, not discretionary.
Document what you know: who told you, when, what was said.
Report emergency situations (immediate danger) directly to campus security, law enforcement, and 911.
Cooperate fully with Title IX investigators when contacted.
Failure to report can result in your termination for cause - language now standard in coaching contracts and potential personal liability claims.
Steps You CAN Take to Support Your Player
Within Institutional Boundaries:
Inform your player of their right to have an attorney present during all Title IX interviews and proceedings.
Refer your player to the school's Title IX office and student resources for support.
Recommend that your player hire an independent sexual assault lawyer experienced in Title IX matters, not just rely on the school's process.
Maintain normal team communications and operations unless the school directs otherwise.
Document your player's performance, behavior, and any relevant facts related to the allegations.
Support the athlete in accessing mental health resources. Title IX investigations are traumatic, and your player may need counseling.
What You MUST NOT Do: Critical Restrictions
Retaliation and Adverse Action:
Do NOT remove your player from the team, reduce playing time, or impose any discipline before a Title IX determination is made. This violates federal law and can constitute retaliation.
Do NOT change your player's schedule, travel arrangements, or team status because of an allegation. Schools have faced millions in damages for doing this.
Do NOT discourage your player from participating in the investigation or from seeking legal counsel.
Do NOT communicate with the complainant or any witnesses about the allegations. This can constitute obstruction and retaliation.
Do NOT post on social media in defense of your player or criticism of the process.
Interfering with the Investigation:
Do NOT contact the Title IX office to "protect" your player or ask for special treatment.
Do NOT instruct players, staff, or witnesses not to cooperate with investigators.
Do NOT coach witnesses on what to say or discourage them from speaking truthfully.
Do NOT destroy any evidence, communications, or records related to the allegations.
DO NOT attempt to settle the matter directly with the complainant.
Violations of these restrictions can result in: criminal obstruction charges, institutional sanctions, personal lawsuits against you, termination for cause, and permanent damage to your coaching career.
Your Role as an Educator
Your player is facing one of the most serious moments of their life. While you cannot and should not attempt to defend them against Title IX allegations, you can:
Treat them with dignity and respect while the process unfolds.
Make clear that your job is to follow the law, not to judge the outcome.
Encourage them to take the investigation seriously and seek qualified legal representation.
Remind them that a sexual misconduct lawyer can provide protections the school cannot.
The Bottom Line
Title IX investigations put coaches in an impossible position: caught between loyalty to their players and legal obligations to their institution. The key is understanding that supporting your player means helping them navigate the process correctly, not circumventing it.
If you're unsure whether an action violates Title IX reporting or retaliation rules, consult with a Title IX attorney immediately. The cost of legal guidance is minimal compared to the cost of getting it wrong.
If you're a coach facing Title IX complexities, questions about your reporting obligations, or concerns about retaliation claims, Christine Brown & Partners provides strategic guidance to help you protect your career and fulfill your legal duties. We represent coaches with the expertise needed to navigate this demanding landscape.
