SportsJuly 23, 2026

ombudsman

/ˈɒmbʊdzmən/

Definition

An official appointed to investigate, report on, and help resolve complaints or disputes between individuals and an organization or institution.

Etymology

The word comes from Swedish, meaning 'legal representative' or 'proxy,' derived from the Old Norse 'umboðsmann', which literally translates to 'agent' or 'representative'.

In the news

In the article, an independent ombudsman office is proposed to help student athletes navigate their legal rights and handle disputes. It serves as a necessary buffer to ensure athletes receive fair treatment regarding their benefits and scholarships.

Sen. Ted Cruz: Congress must fix college sports before it's too late

Read the full article ↗

USA Today

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