Andrew Temkin has been reinstated as a member in good standing with the U.S. Equestrian Federation following arbitration with the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Temkin, a USEF and Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing official from San Rafael, California, who has competed through the CCI4*-L level, was listed as permanently ineligible for membership by the USEF, with the organization citing “sexual misconduct with a minor” as the reason, last fall.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport received the complaint against Temkin in early 2018 and temporarily suspended him beginning in July, pending a full investigation. In October the SafeSport Center handed down a lifetime suspension, which USEF is obligated to enforce.

However, after receiving the lifetime suspension, Temkin had one last option for recourse with the U.S. Center for SafeSport: to enter arbitration. He did so, and after reviewing the complaint, the arbitrator ruled that a seven-month suspension was more appropriate for Temkin’s situation.

“The SafeSport Code allows responding parties to request an independent arbitration as a part of its process, which is designed to balance the safety and rights of athletes,” said Kate Brannen, a public relations representative for SafeSport.

Since Temkin had already effectively served a seven-month suspension while waiting for the results of the arbitration, he was eligible to be reinstated immediately. The arbitrator’s decision is binding, meaning neither Temkin nor the Center can appeal it.

“The U.S. Center for SafeSport notified USEF that following a January 31, 2019 arbitration hearing, an arbitrator set-aside the Director’s Decision, and accordingly modified the sanction issued to a seven-month suspension beginning June 29, 2018,” said USEF CEO Bill Moroney in an emailed statement. “As such, the decision is final, and the suspension has been fully served. Mr. Temkin’s membership status has been restored, and he is eligible to participate.”

Temkin is listed as a technical delegate at The Fork Horse Trials in Mill Spring, North Carolina, scheduled for April 4-7.

“I am grateful for the support that I have received from across the equestrian community and the arbitrator’s decision to restore my status,” Temkin said in a written statement to the Chronicle. “This has been a very difficult time for me and my family. I have no additional comment on this matter.”

Representatives from the Center for SafeSport and the USEF declined comment on specifics surrounding Temkin’s case, citing privacy concerns.

To view a full list of individuals with SafeSport violations, click here.