Alabama Adapted Athletics Names First Ombuds

Kimberly Gibson has been appointed the inaugural Ombud for the University of Alabama Adapted Athletics. She "will provide free, independent, and impartial consultation and problem-solving support to all UAAA athletes [including] discipline, participation concerns, policy interpretation and eligibility questions, interpersonal conflicts, conduct, and discrimination, safety, well-being, and harassment matters." The Ombuds generally follows IOA standards, with additional, specific exceptions to confidentiality: "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)."

Gibson takes on the Ombuds role after working Director of Behavioral Medicine for the University of Alabama athletics department. She has also been the MSW Field Coordinator for the university's school of social work. Gibson earned both her BSW and MSW at the University of Alabama. (Bama Adapted; Linkedin.)

See also: Posts about Athlete Ombuds.