SAFE SPORT
USA Swimming is committed to fostering a fun, healthy, and safe environment for all its members, and in 2010, it formally implemented a comprehensive Safe Sport program to respond to and prevent instances of abuse and misconduct within the sport of swimming. Since then USA Swimming Safe Sport has worked tirelessly to educate members, put policies in place, and empower LSC's and clubs to create the best possible environments for all members.
ATHLETE PROTECTION TRAINING
All non-athlete members of USA Swimming and all adult athletes (ages 18+) are required to complete the Athlete Protection Training by clicking the link below. New members will be required to have their application form and payment processed by the Rochester Swim Club before you can sign in to complete the course.
The certification is required for all new and existing members including coaches, officials, chaperones, meet directors, and adult athletes. If you have registered with USA Swimming for the first time, this is the course you ened to take. Click HERE for more information and to complete the course!
USA SWIMMING SAFE SPORT PHILOSOPHY
Guiding Principles:
- USA Swimming believes that every member should have a safe, healthy, fun sport environment.
- USA Swimming believes that every young person should be protected from abuse and safe from harm.
- USA Swimming believes that all non-athlete members share a collective responsibility to protect our membership.
- USA Swimming will make available training for all members to increase awareness and understanding of athlete protection policies and best practices. USA Swimming will provide a process for members to recognize and respond to any Safe Sport issues that arise.
- USA Swimming will provide resources, information, and guidance on Safe Sport related issues to all members, including coaches, parents and athletes.
- USA Swimming will treat all allegations of abuse or concerns regarding athlete safety seriously and will respond appropriately and as prescribed by the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations.
USA Swimming Safe Sport Handbook
WHERE TO START WITH MY CONCERN
When making the decision to report a concern you have, it can often feel intimidating and overwhelming. Please use these guidelines to help you on the first step “Where do I report?” Please use the provided links which will additionally help you get in touch with the appropriate people.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. If you are not sure who to contact with a concern please contact Safe Sport Staff at the National Office and we will be sure to talk through your concern, answer your questions and connect you with the correct people.
If you concern deals with any of the following:
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Sexual Misconduct
Sexual Harassment
Sexually Explicit/Inappropriate Communication through Social Media
Please contact the U.S. Center for Safe Sport to make a report. Use the online reporting form, call (720) 524-5640, or find more information at www.safesport.org.
If your concern deals with any of the following:
- Criminal Charges
- Use, Sale, or Distribution of illegal drugs
- Physical Abuse
- Inappropriate Touching
- Lap Sitting
- Coaches sharing hotel rooms with Athletes
- Rubdown or Massage performed by coaches
- Pictures or video taken in locker rooms or changing areas
Please contact Liz Hahn at the National Office or complete the online reporting form.
If your concern deals with any of the following:
- Fraud
- Deception
- Recruiting
Please make a report through your Zone Board of Review by referencing our Zone Directors List
If your concern deals with any of the following:
- Peer to Peer Bullying
- Adult to Athlete Bullying
- Parent Issues
- Violations of team rules and team code of conduct
Please make a report to your team. We have provided a proposed letter of correspondence to assist you in beginning this process.
MANDATORY REPORTING RULE
Pursuant to federal law, all adults authorized to interact with minor or amateur athletes who learn of facts that give reason to suspect that a child has suffered an incident of child abuse, including sexual abuse, shall make a report of the suspected abuse to law enforcement and/or your state’s designated agency within 24 hours.
ARTICLE 306
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
1. It is every member’s responsibility to promptly report any incident regarding sexual misconduct by a member as described in Article 304.3.8 to USA Swimming’s Director of Safe Sport. Reporting must occur when an individual has firsthand knowledge of misconduct or where specific and credible information has been received from a victim or knowledgeable third party. Various state laws may also require reporting to law enforcement or to a designated child protection agency.
2. No member shall retaliate against any individual who has made a good faith report under 306.1.
3. False reporting of sexual misconduct made in bad faith is prohibited.
4. Neither civil nor criminal statutes of limitation apply to reports of cases of sexual abuse.”
