Subject to appeal, the ruling prohibits Kerry for life from participating in any events or activities overseen by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). The 29-year-old Kerry participated in three Winter Olympics and served as one of Australia's two flagbearers at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Games, marking his final major international competition. 

During the 2016-17 season, when the alleged misconduct took place, Kerry was a registered coach with U.S. Figure Skating. Ice Skating Australia (ISA) stated in a release that it had not been informed of the investigation or the penalty until the announcement on Wednesday morning.

Established in 2017, the U.S. Center for SafeSport was created with the goal of safeguarding athletes, particularly minors, from sexual abuse within Olympic sports programs in the United States. 

The organisation clarified that Kerry, who has retired from Olympic competition, does not hold any positions affiliated with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).

The NSW Ice Skating Association (NSWISA) has since provided a statement, as reported by Wide World of Sports.

"We are very concerned about the issue and have reached out to SafeSport USA to receive a copy of the ruling which is reported on their website and is under appeal," NSWISA said. "We only became aware of the matter today [Wednesday].

"We will investigate the matter and take appropriate action to protect all our athletes. The current athletes he is training are greatly affected and their ongoing wellbeing is a priority. We are in contact with the Australian Professional Skaters Association and are seeking an update on their position."