Office of the Athlete Ombuds

(a) Establishment Each athletic association shall establish an office to support student athletes, to be known as the Office of the Athlete Ombuds. (b) Duties The Office of the Athlete Ombuds for an athletic association shall— (1) provide independent information and advice to athletes, at no cost, about this Act and the rules, regulations, and policies of the athletic association; (2) assist student athletes in the resolution of athlete concerns with respect to the athletic association, conferences, and institutions; and (3) direct student athletes to external third-party resources for student athletes, including athlete advocacy organizations. (c) Confidentiality (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Office of the Athlete Ombuds for an athletic association shall maintain as confidential any information communicated or provided to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds in confidence in any matter relating to a concern of a student athlete. (2) Exception The Office of the Athlete Ombuds may disclose information described in paragraph (1)— (A) with the permission of the person who provided the information to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds; (B) in response to a subpoena issued by a court of competent jurisdiction; or (C) if necessary to protect any person from imminent risk of serious harm.