SafeSport Investigative Updates

The U.S. Center for SafeSport opened is an independent nonprofit organization to investigate sexual misconduct allegations within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. As Sailing is part of that movement, participants and events are within its reach.

The Centralized Disciplinary Database is a resource designed to keep the public informed when relevant individuals are either subject to certain temporary restrictions pending investigation by the Center or are subject to certain sanctions after an investigation found them in violation of the SafeSport Code.

An update on November 11, 2026:

Jason Vanderground (Grand Rapids, MI)
The Detroit News reports that he was a prominent volunteer in youth sailing, holding leadership roles with the Macatawa Bay Junior Association. The youth sailing program responded by removing him from his volunteer responsibilities pending the outcome of the SafeSport process. The report emphasized that his temporary suspension is an interim measure and is not, by itself, a finding of misconduct or guilt.

Scot Tempesta (Carlsbad, CA)
This suspension was previously listed as ‘subject to appeal / not yet final’ but that is no longer a condition. The offense is due to ‘Emotional Misconduct; Sexual Harassment’.

For the full sailing list, click here.

Per the suspension sanction:
“Respondent is prohibited from participating, in any capacity, in any event, program, activity, or competition authorized by, organized by, or under the auspices of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the National Governing Bodies recognized by the USOPC, a Local Affiliated Organization as defined by the Code, or at a facility under the jurisdiction of the same.”

For US Sailing, this means that a Suspended Respondent may not participate in any events run by the USOPC, US Sailing (ex: Championships, Championship qualifiers, national team camps/clinics), or an LAO (which, for US Sailing, is our Accredited Community Sailing Centers).

Respondent’s US Sailing membership and any certifications have been suspended, and LAOs have been notified.

For US Sailing’s Athlete Safety Policy Handbook, click here.