Alabama Adapted

University of Alabama Adapted Athletics (UAAA) offers an Ombud as a resource available to UAAA athletes. The Ombud focus is to serve as an outside advocate and advisor to student athletes and operate on the core principles of confidentiality, privacy, independence, and impartiality.
 
Purpose
UAAA Ombud will provide free, independent, and impartial consultation and problem-solving support to all UAAA athletes. This includes, but is not limited to, discipline, participation concerns, policy interpretation and eligibility questions, interpersonal conflicts, conduct, and discrimination, safety, well-being, and harassment matters.
 
Confidentiality & Privacy
All communications, notes, and case details are strictly confidential.
Ombuds are not supervised by the UAAA department leadership. The Ombud has full autonomy to receive requests, gather Ombud information, and support participants without interference.
The Ombud is neutral. The Ombud will not advocate for any side in disputes but will facilitate fair dialogue and mediate with helful advice.
 
Duties & Services

• Offer one-on-one meetings via in-person, phone, or virtual sessions
• Clarify relevant university policies
• Refer individuals to appropriate formal resources (e.g., SafeSport, Title IX, grievance committees, legal counsel) when required
• Help identify concerns, clarify issues, and facilitate voluntary resolution through communication tools like facilitated meetings or written correspondence
• Provide insight and support navigating grievance or appeal pathways—informing participants of timelines, documentation, and policies, with informed consent

 
Procedure for Accessing Ombuds Support

1. Awareness & Accessibility Publicize Ombud role and contact information via the Adapted Athletics website, athlete orientation, and handbook.
2. Initial Contact & Intake Participant reaches out through email or phone. Ombud confirms confidentiality, role, and discusses desired outcome.
3. Clarification & Referrals Ombud helps define the issue, identify applicable policies or resources, and proposes possible steps.
4. Facilitation or Mediation (optional) With permission, Ombud helps set up dialogue or group meetings, without mandating participation.
5. Formal Filing If informal steps aren't effective or appropriate, Ombud advises on filing formal complaints or appeals, explaining timelines, standards, and support options. All internal documentation is confidential and retained solely for Ombud’s records. Participants receive follow-up and suggestions—no written reports are provided to the UAAA Department without consent.

 
Communication & Training

• Introductory Sessions At the start of the school year/season, Ombud presents role and services to athletes, coaches, and staff.
• Ongoing Outreach Quarterly reminders via email and handbook updates reinforce Ombud accessibility and services.

 
Exceptions to Confidentiality
All communications remain confidential except when Ombud:

• Has witnessed a felony
• Learns of current serious risk of harm
• Is compelled by legal mandate (e.g. court or congressional subpoena)
• Needs to report under federal or policy law (e.g., SafeSport)

 
Disclaimer
Advice and assistance provided by Ombud is not legal advice. Participants may be referred for formal processes or legal counsel when needed. Ombud does not file notices or represent the University.
 
 
By implementing this framework, UAAA program will ensure that Ombud Gibson’s Ombuds services are trusted, accessible, effective, and aligned with national best practices from organizations like the USOPC.