Language for Meet Information
In your meet announcement you should mention MAAPP. The following is USA Swimming approved language:
Option 1: All applicable adults participating in or associated with this meet, acknowledge that they are subject to the provisions of the USA Swimming Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (“MAAPP”), and that they understand that compliance with the MAAPP policy is a condition of participation in the conduct of this competition.
Option 2: Current USA Swimming Rules, including the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (“MAAPP”), will govern this meet.
Language for Briefings at Meets
Meet briefings are a great way to talk about Safe Sport and the new MAAPP requirements. This might be the first time that someone has heard about MAAPP and the fact that they are held to its expectations during the meet. The language below is approved for you to use in those briefings or include on additional information you give to volunteers.
Officials and timers briefing:
§ This meet is conducted according to current USA Swimming Rules, including the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy.
§ Make sure all interactions with athletes are observable and interruptible.
§ Deck changing is prohibited. Report instances of deck changing to the meet referee/meet director.
§ [IF ONLY ONE LOCKER ROOM/RESTROOM] Make sure you are not alone with an athlete in the locker room, including to use the restroom. Be proactive and tell the meet director immediately if this happens, even when it occurred through no fault of your own. Separate times have been delegated for your use.
Coaches briefing:
§ This meet is conducted according to current USA Swimming Rules, including the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy.
§ Make sure all interactions with athletes are observable and interruptible, including any meetings you have in between races or sessions.
§ Deck changing is prohibited. Make sure you tell all your athletes this. If they are seen deck changing you can expect that someone will come and remind them or you as their coach of this expectation.
§ Remind your athletes of appropriate behavior in the locker room. Be sure to include that the use of any devices that record or take photos are prohibited in the locker room and changing areas.
§ [IF ONLY ONE LOCKER ROOM/RESTROOM] Make sure you are not alone with an athlete in the locker room, including to use the restroom. Be proactive and tell the meet director immediately if this happens, even when no fault of your own. Separate times have been delegated for your use.
§ [IF MULTIPLE FACILITIES] There is a separate locker room/restroom for athletes and all other adults. Make sure that you are only using the facility marked for you.
§ As a reminder, coaches are not allowed to massage any athlete, even if you are a licensed massage therapist. This includes all massages, rubdowns, stretching, physical manipulation, injury rehabilitation, and the use of electronic or instrument assisted modalities such as stim treatment, dry needing, and cupping.
