safe sport handbook-final

8/22/2019 Safe Sport Handbook-FINAL

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usaswimming.org/protect

S A F E S P O R T H A N D B O O K


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1

TABLEOFCONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 2

USASWIMMINGSAFESPORTPROGRAMCONTACTS 4

SECTIONONE:SafeSportProgramPhilosophy 5

MissionStatementandGuidingPrinciples 5

ProgramFramework 6

SECTIONTWO:PoliciesandGuidelines 7

CodeofConduct 7

BestPracticeGuidelines 12

SECTIONTHREE:ScreeningandSelection 14

BackgroundChecks 14

PreEmploymentScreening 16

SECTIONFOUR:TrainingandEducation 17

SECTIONFIVE:Recognizing,Responding,andReporting 18

Recognizing:

Sexual

Abuse,

Bullying,

&

Physical

Abuse

18

Responding:CodeofConductViolations&RedFlagBehavior 23

Reporting:USASwimmingPolicyandContacts 26

APPENDIX:ModelPolicies 27

TeamTravelModelPolicy 28

ElectronicCommunicationModelPolicy 32

AntiBullyingModelPolicy 35

LockerRoomMonitoringModelPolicy 39


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"Safetyandsecuritydon'tjusthappen;theyaretheresultofcollectiveconsensusandpublicinvestment. Weoweourchildren,themostvulnerable

citizensinoursociety,alifefreeofviolenceandfear."NelsonMandela


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INTRODUCTION

Therearealotofgreatreasonstoswimatanylevel. Asalifelongactivity,peopleoftenswim

tohavefunandspendtimewithfriends. Swimmingalsoencouragesahealthylifestyleand

buildsselfconfidence. Swimmersevenbenefitfromthesportoutofthewater. Theylearn

goalsetting,teamworkandtimemanagementskills.

Unfortunately,sports,includingswimming,canalsobeahighriskenvironmentformisconduct,

includingphysicalandsexualabuse. Allformsofmisconductareintolerableandindirect

conflictwiththevaluesofUSASwimming.

Misconductmaydamageanathletespsychologicalwellbeing. Athleteswhohavebeen

mistreatedexperiencesocialembarrassment,emotionalturmoil,psychologicalscars,lossof

selfesteemandnegativeimpactsontheirrelationshipswithfamily,friendsandthesport.

Misconductoftenhurtsanathletescompetitiveperformanceandmaycausehimorherto

dropout

ofour

sport

entirely.

USASwimmingiscommittedtofosteringafun,healthyandsafesportenviornmentforallits

members. Weallmustrecognizethatthesafetyofswimmerslieswithallthoseinvolvedinthe

sportandisnotthesoleresponsibilityofanyonepersonattheclub,LSC,ornationallevel.

HOWTOUSETHISHANDBOOK

Weallhavearoletoplayincreatingahealthysettingforoursport. TheUSASwimmingSafe

SportProgramraisesawarenessaboutmisconductinoursport,promotesopendialogue,and

providestraining

and

resources.

When

we

work

asateam,

we

can

build

aplan

tomake

swimmingsafeforeveryone.

USASwimmingmembersshouldusethepolicies,guidelines,bestpractices,strategiesandtools

includedinthishandbooktoimplementSafeSportpracticesatthelocallevel. Together,we

cancreateasafeenvironmentforallmemberstoenjoythesportofswimming.


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4

USASWIMMINGSAFESPORTPROGRAMCONTACTS

NationalOfficeStaff

ContactNational

Office

Staff

to

make

areport

of

concerning

behavior,

to

request

atraining

for

your

club

orLSC,ortoaskquestionsabouttheSafeSportProgram.

DirectorofSafeSport SusanWoessner [email protected]

(719)8663589

SafeSportProgram LizHoendervoogt [email protected]

Coordinator (719)8663542

USASwimmingSafeSportCommittee(2013)

ContactSafeSportCommitteememberstoprovidefeedbackabouttheSafeSportProgram,make

suggestionsforfutureinitiatives,orgetgeneralinformationabouttheSafeSportProgram.

CecilGordon,Chair(MA)

CJFiala(PV)

GeorgeGeanon(WI)

MargaretHoelzer(PN)

JohnIngram(ColoradoSpringsPoliceDepartment)

BobKizer(IL)

MeaghanMurphy(NJ)

RonVanPool(PN)

GregYork(PV)

JohnMorse,

USA

Swimming

General

Counsel,

exofficio

MaliaArrington,USOC,exofficio

MyLSCSafeSportChair

ContactyourLSCSafeSportChairtobringatrainingprogramtoyourcluborLSC,tohelpidentifylocal

resourcesinyourarea,andforthelatestupdatesfromtheSafeSportProgram.

LSC: ______________________________________________________

Name:______________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________

Phone:______________________________________________________


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5

SECTIONONE:SafeSportProgramPhilosophy

MISSIONSTATEMENTANDGUIDINGPRINCIPLES

MissionStatement:

USA

Swimming

is

committed

to

safeguarding

the

well

being

of

all

of

its

members,withthewelfareofitsathletemembersasthetoppriority.

GuidingPrinciples1. USASwimmingbelievesthateverymembershouldhaveasafe,healthy,funsport

environment.

2. USASwimmingbelievesthateveryyoungpersonshouldbeprotectedfromabuseandsafe

from

harm.

3. USASwimmingbelievesthatallnonathletemembersshareacollectiveresponsibilityto

protectourmembership.

4. USASwimmingwillmakeavailabletrainingforallmemberstoincreaseawarenessand

understandingofathleteprotectionpoliciesandbestpractices.USASwimmingwillprovide

aprocessformemberstorecognizeandrespondtoanySafeSportissuesthatarise.

5. USASwimmingwillprovideresources,information,andguidanceonSafeSportrelated

issuestoallmembers,includingcoaches,parentsandathletes.

6. USASwimmingwilltreatallallegationsofabuseorconcernsregardingathletesafety

seriouslyandwillrespondappropriatelyandasprescribedbytheUSASwimmingRulesand

Regulations.


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POLICIES & GUIDELINES

usaswimming.org/protect

PROGRAM FRAMEWORK

MONITORING &

SUPERVISION

GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT

& FEEDBACK

Provide specific, mandatory rules

that must be followed at all levels

of the organization; provide

additional best practices that

protect all members of the

organization; solicit feedback on

policies and guidelines in practice

and use the feedback to review

and propose updates.

Observe interactions and react

appropriately at the local level

and the national level; provide

clear expectations of behavior

for both adult-youth and youth-

youth interactions.

Create connection to the local

level; establish clear communica-

tion channels going both ways;

solicit feedback and communicate

how the feedback was incorpo-

rated into change efforts; work

together not against each other.

RECOGNIZING,

RESPONDING &

REPORTING

Empower membership to

recognize red flag behavior,

abusive behavior, or signs of

abuse in athletes; make reporting

channels clear and accessible;

remove barriers to reporting;

establish clear responsibilities for

NHQ, the LSC, and the club on

how to respond to reports.

SCREENING &

SELECTION

Establish the organizations first

line of defense against predators;

provide tools to vet what

individuals are allowed to

become members, employees,

or volunteers.

TRAINING &

EDUCATION

Provide tools and resources for

our community to increase

understanding and awareness of

abuse in sport and abuse

prevention; create opportunities

for education and training; review

and update efforts based on

industry findings.


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SECTIONTWO:PoliciesandGuidelines

2013USASWIMMINGCODEOFCONDUCTANDATHLETEPROTECTIONPOLICIES

Article304:USASWIMMINGCODEOFCONDUCT

304.1ThemissionofUSASwimmingistoencourageparticipationandthepursuitofexcellence

inallaspectsofswimming. USASwimminggrantstheprivilegeofmembershiptoindividuals

andorganizationscommittedtothatmission. Theprivilegeofmembershipmay,therefore,be

withdrawnordeniedbyUSASwimmingatanytimewhereUSASwimmingdeterminesthata

memberorprospectivemember'sconductisinconsistentwiththemissionoftheorganization

orthebestinterestofthesportandthosewhoparticipateinit.

Inordertoassistallmemberstobetterservetheinterestsofthosewhoparticipatein

swimming,USA

Swimming

has

adopted

this

Code

ofConduct.

304.2AnymemberorprospectivememberofUSASwimmingmaybedeniedmembership,

censured,placedonprobation,suspendedforadefiniteorindefiniteperiodoftimewithor

withouttermsofprobation,finedorexpelledfromUSASwimmingifsuchmemberviolatesthe

provisionsoftheUSASwimmingCodeofConduct,setforthin304.3,oraids,abetsor

encouragesanotherpersontoviolateanyoftheprovisionsoftheUSASwimmingCodeof

Conduct.

304.3 ThefollowingshallbeconsideredviolationsoftheUSASwimmingCodeofConduct:

.1 Violationoftherighttocompeteprovisionssetforthin301.1through301.4.

.2 Violationoftheantidopingprovisionssetforthin303.3.

.3 DiscriminationinviolationofanypartoftheUSASwimmingRulesandRegulationsor

theAmateurSportsActwhichrequiresthatUSASwimmingmustprovide:"anequal

opportunitytoamateurathletes;coaches,trainers,managers,administrators,andofficialsto

participateinamateurathleticcompetition,withoutdiscriminationonthebasisofrace,color,

religion,age,gender,ornationalorigin."

.4 ViolationofanyoftheAthleteProtectionPoliciessetforthinArticle305.

.5 ViolationofanyoftheSexualMisconductReportingRequirementssetforthinArticle

306.

.6 Convictionof,impositionofadeferredsentencefor,oranypleaofguiltyornocontest

atanytime,pastorpresent,ortheexistenceofanypendingcharges,for(i)anyfelony,(ii)any


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8

offenseinvolvinguse,possession,distributionorintenttodistributeillegaldrugsorsubstances,

(iii)anycrimeinvolvingsexualmisconduct,or(iv)anycriminaloffenseagainstaminor.

.7 Bullyingisprohibited.ForthepurposesoftheCodeofConduct,thetermBullyingshall

mean,regardlessofwhenorwhereitmayoccur,thesevereorrepeatedusebyoneormore

USASwimming

members

(Members)

ofan

oral,

written,

electronic

orother

technological

expression,image,sound,dataorintelligenceofanynature(regardlessofthemethodof

transmission),oraphysicalactorgesture,oranycombinationthereof,directedatanyother

Memberthattoareasonablyobjectivepersonhastheeffectof:(i)causingphysicalor

emotionalharmtotheotherMemberordamagetotheotherMembersproperty;

(ii)placingtheotherMemberinreasonablefearofharmtohimself/herselforofdamageto

his/herproperty;(iii)creatingahostileenvironmentfortheotherMemberatanyUSA

Swimmingactivity;(iv)infringingontherightsoftheotherMemberatanyUSASwimming

activity;or(v)materiallyandsubstantiallydisruptingthetrainingprocessortheorderly

operationofanyUSASwimmingactivity(whichforthepurposesofthissectionshallinclude,

withoutlimitation,practices,workoutsandothereventsofamembercluborLSC).Allegations

ofBullyingofanathletebyacoachshallbeinvestigatedunder304.3.13.

.8 (A)Anyinappropriatesexualconductoradvance,orotherinappropriateoral,written,

visual,orphysicalconductofasexualnaturedirectedtowardsanathleteby(i)acoachmember

orothernonathletemember,or(ii)anyotheradultparticipatinginanycapacitywhatsoeverin

theactivitiesofUSASwimming(whethersuchadultisamemberornot).

(B)Anyactofsexualharassment,includingwithoutlimitationunwelcomesexual

advances,requestsforsexualfavors,andotherinappropriateoral,written,visual,orphysical

conductofasexualnatureinconnectionwithorincidentaltoaUSASwimmingrelatedactivity

byany

person

participating

inthe

affairs

oractivities

ofUSA

Swimming

(whether

such

person

is

amemberornot)directedtowardanymemberorotherpersonparticipatingintheaffairsor

activitiesofUSASwimming.

.9 Thesaleordistributionofillegaldrugsortheillegalsaleordistributionofanysubstance

listedonFINA'srecognizedlistofbannedsubstances.

.10 Theuseofillegaldrugsinthepresenceofanathlete,byacoach,official,trainer,ora

personwho,inthecontextofswimming,isinapositionofauthorityover,thatathlete.

.11

The

providing

of

alcohol

to

an

athlete

by

a

coach,

official,

trainer,

manager

or

any

other

personwheretheathleteisunderthelegalageallowedtoconsumeorpurchasealcoholinthe

statewherethealcoholisprovided.

.12 Theabuseofalcoholinthepresenceofanathleteundertheageof18,byacoach,

official,trainer,orapersonwho,inthecontextofswimming,isinapositionofauthorityover

thatathlete.


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.13Abuse

(A)Physicalabuseofanathletebyanypersonwho,inthecontextofswimming,isina

positionofauthorityoverthatathlete.Physicalabuseisdefinedasanonaccidentalinjury

and/oraninjuryprimarilycausedbythegrossnegligenceonthepartofthepersoninaposition

ofauthorityovertheathlete.

(B)Bullying

ofan

athlete

by

acoach

member

orother

non

athlete

member

who

isina

positionofauthorityoverthatathlete.

.14 Anyactoffraud,deceptionordishonestyinconnectionwithanyUSASwimmingrelated

activity.

.15 Anynonconsensualphysicalcontact,obscenelanguageorgesture,orotherthreatening

languageorconductdirectedtowardsanymeetofficialandwhichisrelatedtoanydecision

madebysuchofficialinconnectionwithaUSASwimmingsanctionedcompetition.

.16 Action,otherthanthroughgeneraladvertising,byacoach,owner,officer,volunteer,

representative,oremployeeofaswimclub,oraUSASwimmingorLSCemployee,either

throughdirectcontactwithanathleteortheencouragementofothers,torecruitorotherwise

encourageanathletewhoisalreadyamemberofaUSASwimmingmemberswimclubtoleave

thatclub,unlesstheactingpartyreceivespriorwrittenapprovaltorecruitorencouragethe

athletetochangeaffiliationfromthedesignatedclubrepresentativeoftheathlete'sexisting

USASwimmingmemberswimcluborcontactisinitiatedbytheathlete,theathlete'sparentor

authorizedrepresentative.Generaladvertisingincludesanyinformationthatis:

A. Distributedtoanidentifiablegeneralpopulationwherethereisareasonable

expectationthatthemajorityofthatpopulationarenotcurrentmembersofUSASwimming,or

B.Placed

inoron

any

item

that

issold.

Intheeventofaviolationofthissection,asanctionmaybeimposedagainstanycoach,owner,

officer,volunteer,representativeoremployeeofaswimclub,oragainstanysuchclub,orany

combinationthereof,asappropriate.

.17 ViolationofanyteammisconductruleasestablishedbytheUSOC,USASwimming,any

ZoneorLSCteamauthority.

.18 Anyothermaterialandintentionalact,conductoromissionnotprovidedforabove,

which

is

detrimental

to

the

image

or

reputation

of

USA

Swimming,

a

LSC

or

the

sport

of

swimming.

Article305:ATHLETEPROTECTIONPOLICIES

ThefollowingpoliciesrelatingtoAthleteProtectionaremandatorycomponentsoftheUSA

SwimmingCodeofConduct:


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10

305.1 Inappropriatetouchingbetweenanathleteandanadultnonathletememberor

ParticipatingNonMember(asdefinedin401.1)isprohibited,including,butnotlimitedto,

excessivetouching,hugging,kissing,sexuallyorientedbehavior,sexuallystimulatingor

otherwiseinappropriategames,andhavinganathletesitonanonfamilymemberadultslap.

305.2

Anyrubdown

ormassage

performed

on

an

athlete

by

any

adult

member

orParticipating

NonMember,excludingthespouse,parent,guardian,sibling,orpersonalassistantofsuch

athlete,isprohibitedunlesssuchadultisalicensedmassagetherapistorothercertified

professional. Anyrubdownormassageperformedataswimvenuebyalicensedprofessional

mustbeconductedinopen/publiclocationsandmustneverbedonewithonlytheathleteand

licensedmassagetherapistintheroom.Evenifacoachisalicensedmassagetherapist,the

coachshallnotperformarubdownormassageofanathleteunderanycircumstances.

305.3 Useofaudioorvisualrecordingdevices,includingacellphonecamera,isnotallowedin

changingareas,restroomsorlockerrooms.

305.4 EmployeesandvolunteersofUSASwimming,LSCsandmemberclubswhointeract

directlyandfrequentlywithathletesasaregularpartoftheirdutiesandindividualswithany

ownershipinterestinamemberclubmustbenonathletemembersofUSASwimmingand

satisfactorilycompletecriminalbackgroundchecksasrequiredbyUSASwimming. Thisdoes

notapplytovolunteerssuchastimers,marshals,computeroperators,etc.whoonlyhave

limitedcontactwithathletesduringameet.

305.5Travel

.1 Regardlessofgender,acoachshallnotshareahotelroomorothersleeping

arrangementwith

an

athlete

unless

the

coach

isthe

parent,

guardian,

sibling,

orspouse

ofthat

particularathlete.

.2 TeammanagersandchaperonesmustbemembersofUSASwimmingandhave

successfullypassedaUSASwimmingrequiredcriminalbackgroundcheck.

.3 Whenonlyoneathleteandonecoachtraveltoacompetition,theathletemusthave

his/herparent's(orlegalguardians)writtenpermissioninadvancetotravelalonewiththe

coach.

.4

Clubs

and

LSCs

shall

develop

their

own

travel

policies.

USA

Swimming

will

provide

a

modelclubtravelpolicyasanexample.Clubtravelpoliciesmustbesignedandagreedtobyall

athletes,parents,coachesandotheradultstravelingwiththeclub.

305.6 ClubsshallestablishtheirownactionplansforimplementingUSASwimmingsanti

bullyingpolicy.USASwimmingshallprovideamodelplanasanexamplewhichshallserveas

thedefaultforanyclubthatfailstoestablishitsownplan.Clubantibullyingplansmustbe


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reviewedandagreedtoannuallybyallathletes,parents,coachesandothernonathlete

membersoftheclub.

305.7 Clubsshallestablishtheirownelectroniccommunication/socialmediapolicy.USA

Swimmingshallprovideamodelpolicyasanexample,whichshallserveasthedefaultforany

clubthat

fails

toestablish

itsown

policy.

Club

electronic

communication

policies

should

be

reviewedandagreedtoannuallybyallathletes,parents,coachesandothernonathlete

membersoftheclub.

2

Article306:SEXUALMISCONDUCTREPORTINGREQUIREMENTS

306.1 Itiseverymembersresponsibilitytopromptlyreportanyincidentregardingsexual

misconductbyamemberasdescribedinArticle304.3.8toUSASwimmingsSafeSportstaff.

Reportingmustoccurwhenanindividualhasfirsthandknowledgeofmisconductorwhere

specificandcredibleinformationhasbeenreceivedfromavictimorknowledgeablethirdparty.

Variousstatelawsmayalsorequirereportingtolawenforcementortoadesignatedchild

protectionagency.

306.2 Nomembershallretaliateagainstanyindividualwhohasmadeagoodfaithreport

under306.1.

306.3 Filingaknowinglyfalseallegationofsexualmisconductisprohibitedandmayviolate

statecriminallawandcivildefamationlaws. Anypersonmakingaknowinglyfalseallegationof

sexualmisconductshallbesubjecttodisciplinaryactionbyUSASwimming.

306.4 Neithercivilnorcriminalstatutesoflimitationapplytoreportsofcasesofsexualabuse.


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USASWIMMINGBESTPRACTICEGUIDELINES

AllUSASwimmingmembersarerequiredtoabidebytheCodeofConduct. Inadditiontothat

Code,USASwimmingpublishesthefollowingBestPracticeGuidelines. TheBestPractice

Guidelinesbelowdescribestrategiesforcreatinganopenandobservableenvironmentand

establishingclear

boundaries

between

adults

and

athletes.

Clubs

are

encouraged

touse

the

BestPracticeGuidelinestodeveloppoliciesthatcanbeimplementedatthelocallevel.

1. Parentsshouldbeencouragedtoappropriatelysupporttheirchildrensswimming

experience.

2. Allswimmingpracticesshouldbeopentoobservationbyparents.

3. TwodeepLeadership:Onecoachmemberandatleastoneotheradultwhoisnotinthe

watershouldbepresentatallpracticesandothersanctionedclubactivitieswheneverat

leastoneathleteispresent. Clubsandcoachesshouldevaluatetheirseasonalplansand

mapouthowtobestaccomplishthisstronglyrecommendedguideline.

4. OpenandObservableEnvironment:Anopenandobservableenvironmentshouldbe

maintainedforallinteractionsbetweenadultsandathletes. Private,oroneonone

situations,shouldbeavoidedunlesstheyareopenandobservable. Commonsenseshould

beusedtomoveameetingtoanopenandobservablelocationifthemeetinginadvertently

beginsinprivate.

5. Coachesshouldnotinviteorhaveanathlete(s)totheirhomewithoutthepermissionofthe

athletesparents(orlegalguardian).

6. Duringteamtravel,whendoingroomchecks,attendingteammeetingsand/orother

activities,twodeepleadershipandopenandobservableenvironmentsshouldbe

maintained.

7. Athletesshouldnotrideinacoachsvehiclewithoutanotheradultpresentwhoisthesame

genderasthe

athlete,

unless

prior

parental

permission

isobtained.

8. Duringovernightteamtravel,ifathletesarepairedwithotherathletestheyshallbeofthe

samegenderandshouldbeasimilarage.Whereathletesareage13&over,chaperones

and/orteammanagerswouldideallystayinnearbyrooms.Whenathletesareage12

&under,chaperonesand/orteammanagersmaystaywithathletes.Where

chaperones/teammanagersarestayinginaroomwithathletes,theyshouldbethesame

genderastheathleteandwrittenconsentshouldbegivenbytheathletesparents(orlegal

guardian).

9. Whenonlyoneathleteandonecoachtraveltoacompetition,atthecompetitionthecoach

andathleteshouldattempttoestablishabuddyclubtoassociatewithduringthe

competition

and

when

away

from

the

venue.

10.Communicationsbetweennonathleteadultmembersandathletesshouldnotincludeany

topicorlanguagethatissexualorinappropriateinnature.

11.Nonathleteadultmembersshouldrespecttheprivacyofathletesinsituationssuchas

changingofclothes,showering,etc. Nonathleteadultmembersshouldprotecttheirown

privacyinsimilarsituations.

12.Relationshipsofapeertopeernaturewithanyathletesshouldbeavoided. Forexample,

coachesshouldavoidsharingtheirownpersonalproblemswithathletes.


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13.Coachesandothernonathleteadultmembersshouldavoidhorseplayandroughhousing

withathletes.

14.Whenacoachtouchesanathleteaspartofinstruction,thecoachshoulddosoindirect

viewofothersandinformtheathleteofwhathe/sheisdoingpriortotheinitialcontact.

Touchingathletesshouldbeminimizedoutsidetheboundariesofwhatisconsidered

normalinstruction.

Appropriate

interaction

would

include

high

fives,

fist

bumps,

side

to

sidehugsandhandshakes.

15.Coachesshouldnotinitiatecontactwithoracceptsupervisoryresponsibilityforathletes

outsideclubprogramsandactivities.

16.Coachesshouldnotengageinsexualintimacieswithaformerathleteforatleasttwo(2)

yearsafterthecessationorterminationofprofessionalservices. Becausesexualintimacies

withaformerathletearefrequentlyharmfultotheathlete,andbecausesuchintimacies

underminepublicconfidenceinthecoachingprofessionandtherebydeterthepublicsuse

ofneededservices,coachesshouldnotengageinsexualintimacieswithformerathletes

evenafteratwoyearintervalexceptinthemostunusualcircumstances. Thecoachwho

engagesinsuchactivityaftertwo(2)yearsfollowingcessationorterminationofthecoach

athleterelationshipbearstheburdenofdemonstratingthattherehasbeennoexploitation,

inlightofallrelevantfactors,including:

Theamountoftimethathaspassedsincethecoachathleterelationshipterminated;

Thecircumstancesoftermination;

Theathletespersonalhistory;

Theathletescurrentmentalstatus;

Thelikelihoodofadverseimpactontheathleteandothers;and

Anystatementsoractionsmadebythecoachduringthecourseoftheathletecoach

relationshipsuggestingorinvitingthepossibilityofapostterminationsexualor

romanticrelationshipwiththeathleteorcoach.

Boththeathleteandthecoachmustbe18yearsofageorolder.


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14

SECTIONTHREE:ScreeningandSelection

INTRODUCTION

Screeningandselectionproceduresarethefirstlineofdefenseindeterminingwhois

permittedtointeract

with

athletes.

Verifying

an

applicant's

criminal

history

by

completing

a

backgroundcheckandensuringresponsiblehiringusingthepreemploymentscreenarecritical

piecestoprovidingasafeenvironmentforswimmers. Inthissectionyouwillfindtoolstovet

whichindividualsareallowedtobecomeinvolvedwithUSASwimming.

BACKGROUNDCHECKS

USASwimmingsbackgroundcheckrequirementisdesignedtodeterindividualswhoshould

notbeworkingwithathletesfromeverapplyingformembership. Additionally,itidentifiesany

unsuitablecriminalhistoryofthoseindividualswhodoapplyformembership.

Any

individual

seeking

non

athlete

membership

with

USA

Swimming

must

successfully

completeacriminalbackgroundcheckthroughUSASwimmingsbackgroundcheckvendor,AISS

aSterlingInfosystemsCompany. Backgroundchecksarevalidfor24monthsandmustbe

reneweduponexpirationtoremainamemberingoodstanding.

Forfullprogramdetails,includingFrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQ),ortoinitiatea

backgroundcheck,pleasevisitwww.usaswimming.org/backgroundcheck.

SearchSpecificsandDisqualifyingCriteria

Therearetwobackgroundchecksofferedfornewnonathletemembers. TheLevelthat

potentialmembersarerequiredtopassisdeterminedbythemembershipcategory. Individuals

registeringasCoach

orOfficial

members

must

complete

the

Level

IIbackground

check.

IndividualsregisteringasOthermustcompletetheLevelIbackgroundcheck.

TheUSASwimmingLevelIcriminalbackgroundcheckincludes:

1. NationalDatabaseSearchforcriminalconvictionsincludingsexoffendersearchinallstates,

SocialSecuritytraceandidentityverification,andasearchofotherwatchlistsfromvarious

nationalandinternationaldatabases.

2. CountyCriminalSearchincountyofcurrentresidencefortheprevioussevenyears. The

nameprovidedbytheapplicantandallothernamesusedbytheapplicantwillbesearched.

TheUSA

Swimming

Level

IIcriminal

background

check

includes:

1. NationalDatabaseSearchforcriminalconvictionsincludingsexoffendersearchinallstates,

SocialSecuritytraceandidentityverification,andasearchofotherwatchlistsfromvarious

nationalandinternationaldatabases.

2. CountyCriminalSearchinallthecountiesofpreviousresidenceforthepasttenyears. The

nameprovidedbytheapplicantandallothernamesusedbytheapplicantwillbesearched.


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15

USASwimminghasestablishedthefollowingautomaticmembershipdisqualifiersandpotential

membershipdisqualifiers.

AutomaticDisqualifiers: AnindividualwillbedisqualifiedfromUSASwimmingmembershipifabackgroundsearchrevealsthatsuchindividualhasbeenconvictedof,receivedanimpositionof

adeferred

sentence

for,

orentered

aplea

ofguilty

orno

contest

atany

time,

orthe

existence

ofanypendingchargesforthefollowing:

1. Anyfelonyinvolving:

a. Violenceagainstaperson;

b. Violentcrimesinvolvingweapons;

c. Animalabuse.

2. Anyfelonyormisdemeanorinvolving:

a. Allsexualcrimes,includingmisconduct,lewdconduct,sexualassault,rape,

andregisterviolations;

b. Druguseorpossession,(includingtheuseofdrugparaphernalia)withinthe

previous3years;

c. Otherdrugrelatedcrimesincludingdrugdistribution,intenttodistribute,

manufacturing,trafficking,sale,ormaintainingdisorderlyhousewithinthe

previous7years;

d. Childendangerment,neglectorabuse.

IndividualssubjecttodisqualificationunderAutomaticDisqualifiersmaydisputetheaccuracyof

thereportedinformationwithSterlingInfosystems,butmaynotdisputetheconsequenceof

disqualificationiftheabovecriteriaaremet.

PotentialDisqualifiers: AnindividualwillbesubjecttoreviewfordisqualificationfromUSASwimmingmembershipifabackgroundsearchrevealsthatsuchindividualhasbeenconvicted

of,receivedanimpositionofadeferredsentencefor,oranypleaofguiltyornocontestatany

time,ortheexistenceofpendingchargesatanytimeofanycrimeinvolving:

1. OtherFeloniesnotincludedinAutomaticDisqualifiersabove;

2. OtherMisdemeanorsfor:

a. DrugrelatedcrimeswhicharenotcoveredinAutomaticDisqualifiersabove;

b. Violenceagainstaperson(includingcrimesinvolvingfirearms);

c. Destructionofproperty,includingarson,vandalism,andcriminalmischief;

d. Animalabuseorneglect.

IndividualssubjecttoreviewunderPotentialDisqualifiersmaydisputetheaccuracyofthe

reportedinformationwithSterlingInfosystems,andmayrequestahearingbeforetheUSA

SwimmingBackgroundCheckAppealsPaneltocontesttheconsequenceofdisqualification.

Note:OffensesthathavealreadybeenreportedtoUSASwimmingunderitsprevious

backgroundcheckprocesswouldnottriggeradditionalaction.


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16

PREEMPLOYMENTSCREENING

Clubsareresponsibleforhiringandsupervisingtheirowncoachesandstaffandmanagingtheir

ownvolunteers. Responsibleandthoroughhiringpracticesarecriticaltomaintainingasafe

andhealthy

environment

for

our

members.

ThePreEmploymentScreeningProgramrequiresclubstoconductthreescreenspriorto

offeringemploymenttoanypotentialemployee. Thethreerequiredscreensare(1)past

employmentreferencechecks;(2)verificationofhighestlevelofeducationachieved;and(3)

acquisitionofastatemotorvehiclereport. Clubsarealsoencouragedtocompletetwo

optionalscreens:(1)socialnetworksearch;and(2)Googlemediasearch.

Forfullprogramdetails,includingFrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQ),ortoinitiateapre

employmentscreen,pleasevisitwww.usaswimming.org/preemploymentscreens.


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17

SECTIONFOUR:TrainingandEducation

INTRODUCTION

USASwimming

iscommitted

toraising

awareness

about

the

prevention

ofabuse

insport.

We

areproudtopartnerwithPraesidium,Inc.,anindustryexpertinabuseprevention,tobring

customizedandcomprehensivetrainingtoolsforcoaches,volunteersandparentsinthe

swimmingcommunity.

Ourtrainingtoolswillhelpyou:

Understandthescopeandtheeffectsofabuseinsport

Recognizethesignsofgroomingbehaviorandboundaryviolations

Understandhowtoestablishboundariesandprotectagainstfalseallegations

Knowhowtoreactandreportwhenyoususpectabuse

USASwimming

offers

three

athlete

protection

training

courses

free

ofcharge

toour

members.

TheUSASwimmingSafeSportProgramoffersseveraladditionaltrainingresourcesatourhome

page:www.usaswimming.org/protect.

MANDATORYTRAININGFORNONATHLETEMEMBERS

NonathletemembersofUSASwimmingarerequiredtocompleteamandatoryathlete

protectiontrainingprogrameverytwoyears. Thecourseisfreeofchargeandshouldtake

aboutanhourtocomplete. Thecourseisavailableatwww.usaswimming.org/apt.

TRAININGFORPARENTS

USASwimming

isproud

tooffer

free

athlete

protection

training

tothe

parents

ofour

member

athletes. Parentsareacriticalcomponenttoouroverallgoaltoprotectingchildrenfromsexual

abuse. Thecomprehensiveonlineprogrammingincludesinformationabouthowoffenders

operate,howtorecognizeandrespondtoboundaryviolations,mythsandfactsaboutchild

sexualabuseandUSASwimmingsAthleteProtectionPoliciesandProcedures. Thetraining

programisavailableatwww.praesidiuminc.com/armatus/reference_parents.php.

TRAININGFORATHLETES

USASwimmingisproudtoofferfreeathleteprotectiontrainingtoallofourmemberathletes.

ThetrainingwillteachathletesabouttheUSASwimmingSafeSportProgramandshare

strategiesthatathletescanusewithadultsiftheyeverfeeluncomfortable. Thetraining

programisavailableatwww.usaswimming.org/protect.

INPERSONTRAININGOPPORTUNITIES

USASwimmingencouragesclubsandLSCstoprovideSafeSporttrainingopportunitiestotheir

members. ConsiderincorporatingSafeSporttrainingintoyourSwimposium,Houseof

Delegatesmeeting,swimmeetorothergathering. ContactUSASwimmingSafeSportstafffor

moreinformation.


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18

SECTIONFIVE:Recognizing,Responding,andReporting

I. RECOGNIZING

Thissection

offers

guidance

on

how

torecognize

abuse.

Abuse

can

be

categorized

into

different

types,including:sexualabuse,bullyingandphysicalabuse. Achildmaybesubjectedtooneor

moreformsofabuseatagiventime.

SexualAbuse

Sexualmisconductincludessexualabuse,sexualharassmentandrape. Everymemberofthe

sportcommunity,especiallyadultstaffinpositionsofauthority,cancontributetoasport

environmentfreefromsexualmisconductbyworkingtogetherandbeinginformed.

Definition

Sexualmisconductinvolvesanytouchingornontouchingsexualinteractionthatis

nonconsensualorforced,coercedormanipulated,orperpetratedinanaggressive,harassing,

exploitativeorthreateningmanner. Italsoincludesanysexualinteractionbetweenanathlete

andanindividualwithevaluative,directorindirectauthority. Last,anyactorconduct

describedassexualabuseormisconductunderfederalorstatelaw(e.g.,sexualabuse,sexual

exploitation,rape)qualifiesassexualmisconduct.1

NotesonDefinition

Animbalanceofpowerisalwaysassumedbetweenacoachandanathlete.

Minorscannot

consent

tosexual

activity

with

an

adult,

and

allsexual

interaction

between

anadultandaminorisstrictlyprohibited.

USASwimmingPolicy

SexualMisconductisprohibitedbyArticles304.3.6,304.3.8,ofthe2013USASwimmingCode

ofConduct,and305.1oftheAthleteProtectionPolicies:

304.3.6Convictionof,impositionofadeferredsentencefor,oranypleaofguiltyorno

contestatanytime,pastorpresent,ortheexistenceofanypendingcharges,for

(i)anyfelony,

(ii)any

offense

involving

use,

possession,

distribution

or

intent

to

distribute

illegal

drugsorsubstances,

(iii)anycrimeinvolvingsexualmisconduct,or

(iv)anycriminaloffenseagainstaminor[isaviolationoftheUSASwimming

CodeofConduct].

1USOCSafeSportHandbook.pp.1819. http://safesport.org/pdf/handbook.pdf


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19

304.3.8

(A)Anyinappropriatesexualconductoradvance,orotherinappropriateoral,

written,visual,orphysicalconductofasexualnaturedirectedtowardsanathleteby(i)a

coachmemberorothernonathletemember,or(ii)anyotheradultparticipatinginany

capacitywhatsoeverintheactivitiesofUSASwimming(whethersuchadultisamember

ornot)

[isaviolation

ofthe

USA

Swimming

Code

ofConduct].

(B)Anyactofsexualharassment,includingwithoutlimitationunwelcomesexual

advances,requestsforsexualfavors,andotherinappropriateoral,written,visual,or

physicalconductofasexualnatureinconnectionwithorincidentaltoaUSASwimming

relatedactivitybyanypersonparticipatingintheaffairsoractivitiesofUSASwimming

(whethersuchpersonisamemberornot)directedtowardanymemberorotherperson

participatingintheaffairsoractivitiesofUSASwimming[isaviolationoftheUSA

SwimmingCodeofConduct].

305.1Inappropriatetouchingbetweenanathleteandanadultnonathletememberor

ParticipatingNonMember(asdefinedin401.1)isprohibited,including,butnotlimited

to,excessivetouching,hugging,kissing,sexuallyorientedbehavior,sexuallystimulating

orotherwiseinappropriategames,andhavinganathletesitonanonfamilymember

adultslap[isaviolationofUSASwimmingsAthleteProtectionPoliciesand,therefore,

CodeofConduct].

ExamplesofSexualMisconduct

Touchingexamples

Fondlinganathletesbreastsorbuttocks

Exchangeofrewardinsport(e.g.,teamplacement,scores,feedback)forsexualfavor

Sexualrelations

orintimacies

between

an

athlete

and

other

sport

participant

inaposition

oftrust,authorityand/orevaluativeandsupervisorycontroloverthatathlete

Genitalcontact

Nontouchingexamples

Sexuallyorientedcomments,jokesorinnuendomadetooraboutanathlete,orother

sexuallyharassingbehavior

Acoachornonathletememberdiscussinghisorhersexlifewithanathlete

Acoachornonathletememberaskinganathleteabouthisorhersexlife

Acoachornonathletememberrequestingorsendinganudeorpartialdressphototo

athlete

Acoachornonathletememberexposinganathletetopornographicmaterial

Acoachornonathletemembersendinganathletesexuallyexplicitorsuggestiveelectronic

orwrittenmessagesorphotos(e.g.,sexting)

Deliberatelyexposinganathletetosexualacts

Deliberatelyexposinganathletetonudity(exceptinsituationswherelockerroomsand

changingareasareshared)


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20

Groomingexamples

Sexuallyexplicit,excessive,orotherwiseinappropriateuseofemail,textmessaging,social

media,orotherelectroniccommunication

Massagingorstretching

an

athlete

Excessiveorinappropriategiftgiving

Anycombinationofaboveorotherbehaviorsthatestablishapatternofgroomingbehavior

Exception

Theseguidelinesdonotapplytoapreexistingrelationshipbetweentwospousesorlife

partners.

Bullying

Sportscanhelpindividualsbuildselfesteemandconfidence,makingthemstrongerandbetter

abletodealwithchallenges. Thewiderangeofemotionsathletesexperienceinpracticeand

competitionarenormal,healthycomponentsofsports. However,severebehaviorora

repeatedpatternofbehaviorbyeithercoachesorteammatesthatinflictspsychologicalor

emotionalharmhasnoplaceinsports. Bygainingacompleteunderstandingoftheactionsthat

qualifyasbullying,participantscanbeinastrongerpositiontotakeaction.

USASwimmingsDefinitionandPolicy

BullyingisprohibitedbyArticles304.3.7and304.3.13Bofthe2013USASwimmingCodeof

Conduct:

304.3.7Bullyingisprohibited.ForthepurposesoftheCodeofConduct,theterm

Bullyingshallmean,regardlessofwhenorwhereitmayoccur,thesevereorrepeated

usebyoneormoreUSASwimmingmembers(Members)ofanoral,written,electronic

orothertechnologicalexpression,image,sound,dataorintelligenceofanynature

(regardlessofthemethodoftransmission),oraphysicalactorgesture,orany

combinationthereof,directedatanyotherMemberthattoareasonablyobjective

personhastheeffectof:

(i)causingphysicaloremotionalharmtotheotherMemberordamagetothe

otherMembersproperty;

(ii)placing

the

other

Member

in

reasonable

fear

of

harm

to

himself/herself

or

of

damagetohis/herproperty;

(iii)creatingahostileenvironmentfortheotherMemberatanyUSASwimming

activity;(iv)infringingontherightsoftheotherMemberatanyUSASwimming

activity;or

(v)materiallyandsubstantiallydisruptingthetrainingprocessortheorderly

operationofanyUSASwimmingactivity(whichforthepurposesofthissection


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21

shallinclude,withoutlimitation,practices,workoutsandothereventsofa

membercluborLSC).

AllegationsofBullyingofanathletebyacoachshallbeinvestigatedunder304.3.13.

Exceptions

Bullyingdoesnotincludeprofessionallyacceptedcoachingmethodsofskillenhancement,

physicalconditioning,teambuilding,disciplineorimprovingathleticperformance. Constructive

criticismaboutanathletesperformancedoesnotconstitutebullying.

ExamplesofBullying

Verbalacts

Repeatedlyandexcessivelyverballyattackinganathletepersonally(e.g.,callingthem

worthless,fatordisgusting)

Repeatedly

and

excessively

yelling

at

participants

in

a

manner

that

serves

no

productive

trainingormotivationalpurpose

Physicalacts

Throwingsportequipment,waterbottlesorchairsat,orinthepresenceof,participants

Punchingwalls,windowsorotherobjects

Actsthatdenyattentionandsupport

Ignoringanathleteforextendedperiodsoftime

Routinelyorarbitrarilyexcludingparticipantsfrompractice

Clubsare

required

tohave

an

action

plan

toaddress

bullying

inplace

attheir

club.

Amodel

planisincludedintheAppendixtothishandbook.

Anyallegationofbullyingofanathletebyacoachwillbeinvestigatedbyathreecoachpanel

namedbytheUSASwimmingPresidentasrequiredbyArticle405.2.3.

PhysicalAbuse

Almostallsportsinvolvesstrenuousphysicalactivity. Inpracticesandcompetition,athletes

regularlypushthemselvestotheirmaximumeffort. Whiletheseeffortsareanecessarypartof

improvingperformance,activitythatphysicallyharmsanathleteisunacceptable. Oneofthe

bestwaystopromotesafeconditionsistounderstandexactlywheretheboundarieslieand

takeateamapproachtomonitoringathletes.


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Definition

Physicalabuseisdefinedasanonaccidentalinjuryand/oraninjuryprimarilycausedbythe

grossnegligenceonthepartofapersoninapositionofauthorityovertheathlete2

USASwimming

Policy

PhysicalabuseisprohibitedbyArticle304.3.13Aofthe2013USASwimmingCodeofConduct:

304.3.13A Physical abuse of an athlete by anypersonwho, in the context of

swimming,isinapositionofauthorityoverthatathlete[isconsideredaviolation

oftheUSASwimmingCodeofConduct].

Exceptions

Physicalmisconductdoesnotincludeprofessionallyacceptedcoachingmethodsofskill

enhancement,physicalconditioning,teambuilding,appropriatedisciplineorimprovingathlete

performance.

ExamplesofPhysicalMisconduct

Contactexamples

Punching,beating,biting,striking,chokingorslappinganathlete

Intentionallyhittinganathletewithobjectsorsportingequipment

Encouragingorpermittinganathletetoreturntopracticeorcompetitionprematurelyor

withouttheclearanceofamedicalprofessional,followingaseriousinjuryorconcussion.

Prescribeddietingorotherweightcontrolmethods(e.g.,weighins,calipertests)without

regardforthenutritionalwellbeingandhealthoftheathlete

Noncontactexamples

Isolatinganathleteinaconfinedspace(e.g.,lockinganathleteinasmallspace)

Forcinganathletetoassumeapainfulstanceorpositionfornoathleticpurpose(e.g.

requiringanathletetokneelonaharmfulsurface)

Withholding,recommendingagainstordenyingadequatehydration,nutrition,medical

attentionorsleep.

Anyallegationofphysicalabuseofanathletebyacoachwillbeinvestigatedbyathreecoach

panelnamedbytheUSASwimmingPresidentasrequiredby405.2.3.

2USOCSafeSportHandbook.pp.1819. http://safesport.org/pdf/handbook.pdf


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RespondingtoCodeofConductViolations

II.RESPONDING

Youhavearesponsibilityasacoachorothernonathletemember,andasanadult,toprotect

thechildrenwithinyourcare.Theycannotprotectthemselves. Theyrelyonyoutokeepthem

safe. Ifyouobserveaboundaryviolation,policyviolation,orsuspiciousorinappropriate

interactions,this

section

will

help

you

know

how

torespond.

1. Interrupttheactionandspeakdirectlytothepersoninvolved.

Trytobegintheconversationwithsomethingpositive,andthendescribetheactionsyouve

seenthatconcernyouandsuggestwhatshouldbedone. Interruptingdoesntmeanyouare

accusinganyoneofmolestingachild. Youarejustmakingsurethateveryonefollowstherules

thatkeep

kids

safe.

2. Shareyourconcernswiththeheadcoach,teammanagerorClubBoardPresident.

Ifyouseesomething,saysomething. Ifyoudontspeakup,nothingwillchangeandthe

situationcouldgetdangerous. Tellyoursupervisorexactlywhatyouveobserved.Arrangea

timewhenyoucanspeakwithleadershipprivatelyandwithoutdistractions. Shareyour

observationsandconcernswithasmuchdetailasyoucanandexplainwhyyouareconcerned

andwhatyouwouldliketoseechanged.

3. ContactUSASwimmingSafeSportStaffandmakeareport.

SafeSportstaffLizHoendervoogtorSusanWoessnerwilllistentoyourconcerns,gather

informationandtakeappropriateaction.

7198664578

[email protected]

4. ReportanonymouslythroughtheUSASwimmingonlinereportingform.

Intheeventyouarereluctanttoreport(duetouncertaintyregardingtheappropriatenessof

theconduct,fearofretaliationfromsupervisorsorotherclubmembers,oranyotherreason),

makeuseofananonymousmethod,liketheonlinereportingformavailablehere.

Bottomline?

Its

better

toreport

than

toregret.

Dont

talk

yourself

out

oftaking

action.

You

couldbetheonepersonpreventingachildfrombeingsexuallyabused.

CopyrightPraesidium2011|TheinformationandsuggestionscontainedaboveareprovidedbyPraesidiumasacourtesytoitsclients.Itisnot

intendedtobelegaladvice.ItisprovidedAsIswithoutwarranty,expressorimplied.Thereaderassumesallriskforreliancethereon.


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RespondingtoRedFlagBehavior

SometimeswerecognizebehaviorthatisnotaUSASwimmingCodeofConductviolationbutis

stillconcerning

behavior

that

needs

tobe

addressed,

such

asan

adult

who

has

poor

boundaries

withathletes. Textingathletesfrequently,discussingmaritalproblemswiththeathletesor

buyinggiftsforacertainathleteareexamplesofpoorboundaries.

Alwaysrespondquickly,ifyouwitnessorbecomeawareofthebehavior.

Achildssafetymaybeinjeopardyandadelayinactioncouldallowabusetooccur. Redflags

canquicklyleadtoabuse. Thatmeansyouneedtorespondrightaway,nomatterhowbusy

youare. SimilarlytoaCodeofConductviolation,yourconcernsshouldbesharedwiththe

headcoach,teammanagerorClubBoardPresident.

Ifyouareinaleadershippositionatyourclubandyouwitnessredflagbehaviororsuch

behaviorisreportedtoyou,followtheseguidelinestoaddressit:

1. Findoutasmuchasyoucanaboutthesituation,ifredflagbehaviorisreportedtoyou.

Getasmuchinformationasyoucanfromthepersonmakingthereportandfromanyothers

whomayhaverelevantinformation,likecoworkers. Youmayalsofindithelpfultoreview

personnelrecordstodetermineifthisisafirsttimereportorarecurrence.

2. Addressnextstepsinternally.

Becauseyourand/ortheclubsactionscanhaveseriouslegalimplications,itsalwaysagood

ideatoreviewwhatyouvelearnedwithyoursupervisorand/ortheBoardandtodiscusswhat

stepsshould

be

taken

next.

3. Basedonwhatyoufindout,takethenecessarydisciplinaryaction.

Followyourclubsprogressivedisciplinaryprocedurefordealingwithpolicyviolations,or

otherwiseaddressthebehaviorasnecessary.

4. Thoroughlydocumentwhatyoulearnedfromyourinvestigationandwhatactionsyou

tookinresponse.

Documentationcanbecrucialifyoumustlaterprovethatyouexercisedduediligenceinacting

onareportofinappropriateorsuspiciousbehavior.

5. Decidewhoelseneedstoknowaboutthesituation.

Youmayneedtoadviseothercoachesortheparentsofthechildreninvolved. Othercoaches

mayhaveheardrumorsorhavequestionsthatyoucanputtorest. Parentsmayneed

informationtoallayanyfearstheymayhaveandtodiscussthesituationwiththeirchildren.

Mostpeopleappreciatebeingintheknowdirectly,ratherthanhearingstoriesthroughthe

rumormill.


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6. Usethesituationtostrengthentraining,monitoringandsupervision,andenhanceyour

policies.

Redflagincidentscanteachusagreatdeal,ifweletthem. Usewhathappenedinthissituation

toaskyourself,Howcouldthishappen?aswellas,Whatdidwedowell? Maybeyoullsee

thatyourcoachesneedmoretrainingonhowtosupervisechildrenorhowtorespondifthey

seeared

flag.

Dont

let

an

incident

go

by

without

learning

something

from

itsoyou

can

do

an

evenbetterjobinthefuture.

CopyrightPraesidium2011|TheinformationandsuggestionscontainedaboveareprovidedbyPraesidiumasacourtesytoitsclients.Itisnot

intendedtobelegaladvice.ItisprovidedAsIswithoutwarranty,expressorimplied.Thereaderassumesallriskforreliancethereon.


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III.REPORTING

USASWIMMINGREPORTINGPOLICY

Article306.1: ItiseverymembersresponsibilitytopromptlyreportanyincidentregardingsexualmisconductbyamemberasdescribedinArticle304.3.8toUSASwimmingsSafeSport

staff.Reporting

must

occur

when

an

individual

has

firsthand

knowledge

of

misconduct

or

where

specificandcredibleinformationhasbeenreceivedfromavictimorknowledgeablethirdparty.

Variousstatelawsmayalsorequirereportingtolawenforcementortoadesignatedchild

protectionagency.

WhentoReport:

Itscriticalforclubs,coaches,staffmembers,volunteersandparentstoreportsuspicionsor

allegationsofchildsexualabusetotheproperofficialsandappropriatelawenforcement

authorities.

Byworking

together,

we

can

create

safe

conditions

for

our

sport

and

protect

athletes.

TheguidingprinciplesforreportingCodeofConductviolationsare:

Thesafetyandwellbeingoftheathletemusttakepriority;

ReportsofCodeofConductviolationsarerequiredwithoutdelaytotheUSASwimmingSafe

SportProgramStaff;and

Reportsofredflagbehaviororboundaryviolationsshouldbemadewithoutdelaytothe

headcoach,teammanagerorBoardofDirectorsofyourclub.

The

appropriate

people

should

always

be

informed

when

a

person

has

reasonable

grounds

for

concernthatamembermayhaveviolatedtheCodeofConductoramemberisbeingabused.

Howtoreport:

Areportcanbemadebytelephone,letter,email,orwithUSASwimmingsonlinereporting

form;allofwhichmaybedonesoanonymously.

Moreinformationonreportingisavailablehere.

USASwimmingSafeSportProgramStaff

DirectorofSafe

Sport

SusanWoessner [email protected] 7198663589

7193320184

SafeSportProgramCoordinator

LizHoendervoogt [email protected] 7198663542

7192372705


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31/44

27

APPENDIX:ModelPolicies

INTRODUCTION

USASwimming

rules

require

that

clubs

develop,

adopt

and

implement

policies

relating

to:

(1)

Travel;(2)ElectronicCommunication;and(3)Antibullying. Additionally,clubsmaychooseto

adopttheoptionalLockerRoomMonitoringPolicy.

USASwimminghasdevelopedthefollowingmodelpoliciestoassistclubsindevelopingtheir

ownpolicies. Clubsarenotrequiredtoadoptthemodelpolicyasdraftedorinfull,except

wherenotedintheModelTeamTravelpolicy. Thepoliciesareintendedtoserveasapotential

startingplaceforclubs. Clubsareencouragedtoadaptthepoliciestofittheuniquestructure,

personnelandneedsoftheclub.

Clubsshouldprovidecopiesoftheirpoliciestoallmembers. Clubsareadditionallyencouraged

toreviewthepoliciesannuallywithathletesandtheirparentsandallowforopendialogueand

question/answerregardingeachpolicysothatclearexpectationsareset.

REQUIREDPOLICIES

AppendixA ModelTeamTravelPolicy

AppendixB ModelElectronicCommunicationPolicy

AppendixC ModelAntiBullyingPolicy

OPTIONALPOLICY

AppendixD

ModelLocker

Room

Monitoring

Policy


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APPENDIXA

MODELPOLICY: TEAMTRAVEL

ThefollowingistheModelTravelPolicy,providedtoassistUSASwimmingmemberclubsin

developingtheirownpolicies. ClubandLSCtravelpoliciesmustbesignedandagreedtobyall

athletes,parents,

coaches

and

other

adults

traveling

with

the

club.

If

aclub

[or

LSC]

chooses

not

to,orisunabletocreateawrittenandapprovedsetoftravelpolicies,Sections1and2ofthe

ModelTravelPolicybelowwillbecomethedefaulttravelpoliciesforthatteam[orLSC]. Oncea

customizedsetofpoliciesisdevelopedandapprovedbyyourclub,thedefaultpolicywillno

longerapply. EachmemberclubandeachLSChastheresponsibilityforapprovaland

implementationofitsownteamtravelpolicy.

TeamTravelPolicyfor[insertnameofclub]Purpose:

During

travel,

athletes

are

often

away

from

their

families

and

support

networks,

and

thesettingnewchangingareas,lockerrooms,workoutfacilities,automobilesandhotel

roomsislessstructuredandlessfamiliar.ThepurposeofaTeamTravelPolicyistoestablish

standardsofbehaviorandmanageexpectationsoftheclubanditsmembers,therebyproviding

asenseofstructureandfamiliaritywhileinanotherwiselessfamiliarsetting.

TeamTravelisdefinedasovernighttraveltoaswimmeetorotherteamactivitythatisplanned

andsupervisedbythecluborLSC.

Section1 USASwimmingRequiredPolicies

ClubandLSCtravelpoliciesmustincludethesepolicies. TheseitemsareCodeofConduct

stipulationsinthe

USA

Swimming

Rulebook.

a. Regardlessofgender,acoachshallnotshareahotelroomorothersleeping

arrangementwithanathlete(unlessthecoachistheparent,guardian,sibling,orspouseof

thatparticularathlete).(Article305.5.A)

b. TeammanagersandchaperonesmustbemembersofUSASwimmingandhavesuccessfully

passedaUSASwimmingadministeredcriminalbackgroundcheck.(Article305.5.B)

c. Whenonlyoneathleteandonecoachtraveltoacompetition,theathletemusthave

his/herparents(orlegalguardians)writtenpermissioninadvancetotravelalonewiththe

coach.(Article305.5C)

d.

Clubtravel

policies

must

be

signed

and

agreed

toby

allathletes,

parents,

coaches

and

other

adultstravelingwiththeclub.(Article305.5.D)

Section2 RecommendedPolicies

a. Duringteamtravel,whenconductingroomchecksandattendingteammeetingsand/or

otheractivities,twodeepleadershipandopenandobservableenvironmentsshouldbe

maintained.


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b. Athletesshouldnotrideinacoachsvehiclewithoutanotheradultpresentwhoisthesame

genderastheathlete,unlesspriorparentalpermissionisobtained.

c. Duringovernightteamtravel,ifathletesroomwithotherathletestheyshallbeofthesame

genderandshouldbeasimilarage. Whereathletesareage13&over,chaperonesand/or

teammanagersshouldstayinnearbyrooms. Whenathletesareage12&under,

chaperonesand/or

team

managers

may

stay

with

athletes.

Where

chaperones/team

managersarestayinginaroomwithathletes,theyshouldbethesamegenderasthe

athleteandwrittenconsentshouldbegivenbyathletesparents(orlegalguardian).

d. Whenonlyoneathleteandonecoachtraveltoacompetition,thecoachandathleteshould

attempttoestablishabuddyclubtoassociatewithduringthecompetitionandwhen

awayfromthevenue.

e. Toensuretheproprietyoftheathletesandtoprotectthestaff,thereshouldbenomale

athletesinfemaleathletesroomsandnofemaleathletesinmaleathletesrooms(unless

theotherathleteisasiblingorspouseofthatparticularathlete).

f. AcopyoftheClubCodeofConductmustbesignedbytheathleteandhis/herparentor

legalguardian.

g. TeamorLSCofficialsshouldobtainasignedliabilityreleaseand/orindemnificationformfor

eachathlete.

h. TeamorLSCofficialsshouldcarryasignedmedicalconsentorauthorizationtotreatform

foreachathlete.

i. CurfewsshallbeestablishedbytheteamorLSCstaffeachdayofthetrip.

j. Teammembersandstafftravelingwiththeteamwillattendallteamfunctions,including

meetings,practices,meals,meetsessions,etc.unlessotherwiseexcusedorinstructedby

theheadcoachorhis/herdesignee.

k. Thedirectionsanddecisionsofcoaches/chaperonesarefinal.

l. Swimmersareexpectedtoremainwiththeteamatalltimesduringthetrip. Swimmersare

nottoleave

the

competition

venue,

the

hotel,

arestaurant

orany

other

place

atwhich

the

teamhasgatheredwithoutthepermissionofthecoachorchaperone.

m.Whenvisitingpublicplacessuchasshoppingmalls,movietheatres,etc.,swimmerswillstay

ingroupsofnolessthanthreepersons. 12&underathleteswillbeaccompaniedbya

chaperone.

n. Theheadcoachorhis/herdesigneeshallmakeawrittenreportoftravelpolicyorcodeof

conductviolationstotheappropriatecluborLSCleadershipandtheparentorlegal

guardianofanyaffectedminorathlete.

Section3 OtherPoliciestoConsider

The

following,

organized

by

topic,

is

a

bullet

point

list

of

additional

travel

policies

to

consider.

TeamsandLSCsmaywanttoutilizesomeofthesepoliciesbasedontheirindividual

preferencesandneeds.

Safety

a. Additionalguidelinestobeestablishedasneededbythecoaches;

b. Supervisedteamroomprovidedforrelaxationandrecreation;

c. Respecttheprivacyofeachother;and


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30

d. Onlyusehotelroomswithinteriorentrances.

Behavior

a. Bequietandrespecttherightsofteammatesandothersinhotel;

b. Bepromptandontime;

c.

Developcell

phone

usage

guidelines;

d. Developcomputeruseguidelinesincludingsocialmedia;

e. Respecttravelvehicles;

f. Establishtraveldresscode;

g. Useappropriatebehaviorinpublicfacilities;

h. Establishtwodifferentcurfewsinownroomsandlightsout;

i. Muststayinassignedhotelroom;and

j. Needsandwellbeingoftheteamcomefirst.

Financial

a. Noroomservicewithoutpermission;

b. Swimmersresponsibleforallincidentalcharges;

c. Swimmersresponsibleforanydamagesorthieveryathotel;

d. Mustparticipateincontractedgroupmeals;and

e. Communicatetravelreimbursementinformationandpolicies.

General

a. Establishfairtripeligibilityrequirements;

b. Establishageguidelinesfortraveltrips;

c. Parent(s)responsibleforgettingswimmer(s)tostateddeparturepoint;and

d. Requirementsforfamiliestoattend"TeamTravelMeets."

Section4 CodeofConduct/HonorCode

LSCsandclubsareencouragedtocreateaCodeofConductorHonorCodeasacompanion

documenttotheteamtravelpolicies.

Recommended:

a. Allteammembers,teamstaffandparentsofminorsareapprisedinwritingofthisCodeof

ConductandtheattachedUSASwimmingCodeofConduct. Asignatureonthisdocument

constitutesunconditionalagreementtocomplywiththestipulationsofbothdocuments.

b. Teammemberswilldisplayproperrespectandsportsmanshiptowardcoaches,officials,

administrators,

teammates,

fellow

competitors

and

the

public

at

all

times.

c. Teammembersandstaffwillrefrainfromanyillegalorinappropriatebehaviorthatwould

detractfromapositiveimageoftheteamorbedetrimentaltoitsperformanceobjectives.

d. Thepossessionoruseofalcoholortobaccoproductsbyanyathleteisprohibited.

e. Thepossession,use,saleordistributionofanycontrolledorillegalsubstanceoranyformof

weaponisstrictlyforbidden.

f. Nodeckchangesarepermitted.Athletesareexpectedtouseavailablechangefacilities.


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g. Teammembersareremindedthatwhencompetinginmeets,travelingontrips,and

attendingothermeetrelatedfunctions,theyarerepresentingboththemselvesandthe

(NAMEOFCLUB).Athletebehaviormustpositivelyreflectthehighstandardsoftheclub(or

LSC).

ForConsideration:

a. FailuretocomplywiththeHonorCodeassetforthinthisdocumentmayresultin

disciplinaryaction.Suchdisciplinemayinclude,butmaynotbelimitedto:

i. Dismissalfromthetripandimmediatereturnhomeattheathletesexpense;

ii. Disqualificationfromoneormoreevents,oralleventsofcompetition;

iii. Disqualificationfromfutureteamtravelmeets;

iv. Financialpenalties;

v. Dismissalfromtheteam;and/or

vi. ProceedingsforaLSCorUSASwimmingNationalBoardofReview.

b. Swimmersaretorefrainfrominappropriatephysicalcontactatteamactivitiesandevents.

c. Swimmersaretorefrainfromuseofinappropriatelanguage.


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APPENDIXB

MODELPOLICY:ELECTRONICCOMMUNICATION

USASwimmingclubsarenowrequiredtoimplementanelectroniccommunicationpolicy. The

policymustbereviewedwithandagreedtobyallathletes,parents,coachesandotheradults

affiliatedwith

the

club.

The

following

is

amodel

policy

for

appropriate

electronic

communicationbetweenadultsandathletesandisprovidedtoassistUSASwimmingmember

clubswithdevelopingtheirownpolicies. Ifaclubchoosesnotto,orisunableto,createa

writtenelectroniccommunicationpolicy,thefollowingmodelpolicywillbecomethedefault

electroniccommunicationpolicyforthatclub. Onceacustomizedsetofpoliciesisdeveloped

andapprovedbyyourclub,thedefaultpolicywillnolongerapply. Eachmemberclubandeach

LSChastheresponsibilityforapprovalandimplementationofitsownelectroniccommunication

policy.

Electronic

Communication

Policy

of

the

[insertthe

name

of

the

club]

PURPOSE

The[insertthenameoftheclub](theClub)recognizestheprevalenceofelectronic

communicationandsocialmediaintodaysworld. Manyofourswimmersusethesemeansas

theirprimarymethodsofcommunication. WhiletheClubacknowledgesthevalueofthese

methodsofcommunication,theClubalsorealizesthatthereareassociatedrisksthatmustbe

consideredwhenadultsusethesemethodstocommunicatewithminors.

GENERALCONTENT

Allcommunicationsbetweenacoachorotheradultandanathletemustbeprofessionalin

natureand

for

the

purpose

ofcommunicating

information

about

team

activities.

The

content

andintentofallelectroniccommunicationsmustadheretotheUSASwimmingCodeof

Conduct.

Forexample,aswithanycommunicationwithanathlete,electroniccommunicationshouldnot

containreferencesorrelatetoanyofthefollowing:

drugoralcoholuse;

sexuallyorientedconversation,sexuallyexplicitlanguageand/orsexualactivity;

theadultspersonallife,socialactivities,relationshiporfamilyissuesorpersonalproblems;

and/or

inappropriateorsexually

explicit

pictures.

Note: Anycommunicationconcerninganathlete'spersonallife,socialactivities,

relationshiporfamilyissuesorpersonalproblemsmustbetransparent,accessibleand

professional.


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33

Whetheroneisanathlete,coach,boardmemberorparent,theguidingprincipletousein

communicationis:

Isthiscommunicationsomethingthatsomeoneelsewouldfindappropriateoracceptableinafacetofacemeeting?

IsthissomethingIwouldbecomfortablesayingoutloudtotheintendedrecipientofmycommunicationinfrontoftheintendedrecipientsparents,thecoachingstaff,theboardor

otherathletes?

IsthissomethingIwouldbecomfortablewithifitwereonthefrontpageofmylocalnewspaper?

Withrespecttoelectroniccommunications,electroniccommunicationswithswimmersshould

beTransparent,AccessibleandProfessional.

Transparent:All

electronic

communication

between

coaches

and

athletes

should

be

transparent. Yourcommunicationshouldnotonlybeclearanddirect,butalsofreeofhidden

meanings,innuendoandexpectations.

Accessible: Allelectroniccommunicationbetweencoachesandathletesshouldbeconsidered

partoftheClubsrecords. Wheneverpossible,includeanothercoachorparentinthe

communicationsothatthereisnoquestionregardingaccessibility.

Professional: Allelectroniccommunicationbetweenacoachandanathleteshouldbe

conductedprofessionally. Thisincludeswordchoices,tone,grammarandsubjectmatterthat

modelthestandardsandintegrityofastaffmember.

IfyourcommunicationmeetsallthreeoftheT.A.P.criteria,thenitislikelyyourmethodof

communicationwithathleteswillbeappropriate.

FACEBOOK,MYSPACE,BLOGSANDSIMILARSITES

CoachesmayhavepersonalFacebook(orothersocialmediasite)pages,buttheyarenot

permittedtohaveanyathletememberoftheClubjointheirpersonalpageasafriend. A

coachshouldnotacceptanyfriendrequestfromanathlete,andthecoachshouldremindthe

athletethatthisisnotpermitted. Coachesandathletesarenotpermittedtoprivatemessage

eachotherthroughFacebook. Coachesandathletesarenotpermittedtoinstantmessage

eachother

through

Facebook

chat

orother

IM

method.

Coachesareencouragedtosettheirpagestoprivatetopreventathletesfromaccessingthe

coachspersonalinformation.

IftheClubhasanofficialFacebookpage,athletesandtheirparentscanfriendtheClubfor

informationandupdatesonteamrelatedmatters.


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TWITTER

BestPractice: TheClubhasanofficialTwitterpagethatcoaches,athletesandparentscan

followforinformationandupdatesonteamrelatedmatters. Coachesarenotpermittedto

followathletesonTwitter. Likewise,athletesarenotpermittedtofollowcoachesonTwitter.

Coachesand

athletes

are

not

permitted

todirect

message

each

other

through

Twitter.

AlternativeOption: CoachesandathletesmayfolloweachotheronTwitter. Coachesand

athletesarenotpermittedtodirectmessageeachotherthroughTwitter.

TEXTING

Subjecttothegeneralguidelinesmentionedabove,textingisallowedbetweencoachesand

athletesduringthehoursfrom7:00a.m.until9:00p.m(timesshouldbeestablishedwith

considerationtothestartofmorningpractice). Textingonlyshallbeusedforthepurposeof

communicatinginformationdirectlyrelatedtoteamactivities.

EMAIL

Athletesandcoachesmayuseemailtocommunicatebetweenthehoursof7:00a.m.and9:00

p.m(timesshouldbeestablishedwithconsiderationtothestartofmorningpractice). When

communicatingwithanathletethroughemail,aparent,anothercoachoraboardmember

mustalsobecopied.

REQUESTTODISCONTINUEALLELECTRONICCOMMUNICATIONS

Theparentsorguardiansofanathletemayrequestinwritingthattheirchildnotbecontacted

bycoachesthroughanyformofelectroniccommunication.


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APPENDIXC

MODELPOLICY: ANTIBULLYING

ThefollowingisamodelproceduretoimplementtheUSASwimmingruleprohibitingbullying,

whichisprovidedtoassistUSASwimmingmemberclubsindevelopingtheirownprocedure.

USASwimming

clubs

are

required

to

have

an

action

plan

to

address

and

prevent

bullying,

and

theplanmustbereviewedwithandagreedtobyallathletes,parents,coachesandotheradults

attheclub.Ifaclubchoosesnotto,orisunableto,createawrittenactionplan,thefollowing

modelplanwillbecomethedefaultplanforthatclub,andtheclubwillbeexpectedto

implementtheseprocedureswhenreportsofbullyingaremade. Onceacustomizedplanis

developedandapprovedbyyourclub,thedefaultplanwillnolongerapply. Eachmemberclub

hastheresponsibilitytoapproveandimplementitsactionplan.

AntiBullyingPolicyofthe[insertthenameoftheclub]PURPOSE

Bullyingofanykindisunacceptableat[insertthenameoftheclub](theClub)andwillnotbe

tolerated. Bullyingiscounterproductivetoteamspiritandcanbedevastatingtoavictim. The

Clubiscommittedtoprovidingasafe,caringandfriendlyenvironmentforallofourmembers.

Ifbullyingdoesoccur,incidentswillbedealtwithpromptlyandeffectively. Anyonewhoknows

thatbullyingishappeningisexpectedtotellacoach,teammanagerorboardmember.

ObjectivesoftheClubsAntiBullyingPolicy:

1. TomakeitclearthattheClubwillnottoleratebullyinginanyform.

2.

Todefine

bullying

and

educate

allcoaches,

swimmers,

parents

and

board

members

of

thetypesofbehaviorthatconstitutebullying.

3. Toinformallcoaches,swimmersandparentsthatthereisapolicyandprotocol,should

anybullyingissuesarise.

4. TomakecleartheresponsibilityofallClubmemberstoreportbullying.

5. TospreadthewordthattheClubtakesbullyingseriouslyandthatallswimmersand

parentscanbeassuredthattheywillbesupportedwhenbullyingisreported.

WHATISBULLYING?

TheUSASwimmingCodeofConductdefinesbullyingin304.3.7. Bullyingisthesevereor

repeateduse

by

one

ormore

USA

Swimming

members

(Members)

oforal,

written,

electronic

orothertechnologicalexpression,image,sound,dataorintelligenceofanynature(regardless

ofthemethodoftransmission),oraphysicalactorgesture,oranycombinationthereof,

directedatanyothermemberthattoareasonablyobjectivepersonhastheeffectof:

i. causingphysicaloremotionalharmtotheotherMemberordamagetotheother

Membersproperty;


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ii. placingtheotherMemberinreasonablefearofharmtohimself/herselforofdamageto

his/herproperty;

iii. creatingahostileenvironmentfortheotherMemberatanyUSASwimmingactivity;

iv. infringingontherightsoftheotherMemberatanyUSASwimmingactivity;or

v.

materially

and

substantially

disrupting

the

training

process

or

the

orderly

operation

of

anyUSASwimmingactivity(whichforthepurposesofthissectionshallinclude,without

limitation,practices,workoutsandothereventsofamembercluborLSC).

REPORTINGPROCEDURE

Anathletewhofeelsthatheorshehasbeenbulliedshoulddooneormoreofthefollowing

things:

Talktohisorherparents;

TalktoaClubcoach,Boardmemberorotherdesignatedindividual;

WritealetteroremailtoaClubcoach,Boardmemberorotherdesignatedindividual;

MakeareporttotheUSASwimmingSafeSportstaff.

Thereisnoexpresstimelimitforinitiatingacomplaintunderthisprocedure,buteveryeffort

shouldbemadetobringthecomplainttotheattentionoftheappropriateclubleadershipas

soonaspossibletostopthebullyingbehaviorassoonaspossibleandtomakesurethat

memoriesarefreshandbehaviorcanbeaccuratelyrecalled.

HOWWEHANDLEBULLYING

Ifbullyingisoccurringduringteamrelatedactivities,weSTOPBULLYINGONTHESPOTusing

thefollowingsteps:

1.

Interveneimmediately.

Itisok

toget

another

adult

tohelp.

2. Separatethekidsinvolved.

3. Makesureeveryoneissafe.

4. Meetanyimmediatemedicalormentalhealthneeds.

5. Staycalm. Reassurethekidsinvolved,includingbystanders.

6. Modelrespectfulbehaviorwhenyouintervene.

Ifbullyingisoccurringatourcluboritisreportedtobeoccurringatourclub,weaddressthe

bullyingbyFINDINGOUTWHATHAPPENEDandSUPPORTINGTHEKIDSINVOLVEDusingthe

followingapproach:

FINDINGOUTWHATHAPPENED1. First,wegetthefacts.

a. Keepalltheinvolvedchildrenseparate.

b. Getthestoryfromseveralsources,bothadultsandkids,andgatherallavailable

informationregardingthecircumstancesunderwhichtheincidentoccurred.

c. Listenwithoutblaming.


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d. Dontcalltheactbullyingwhileyouaretryingtounderstandwhathappened.

2. Then,wedetermineifit'sbullying. Therearemanybehaviorsthatlooklikebullyingbutrequiredifferentapproaches. Itisimportanttodeterminewhetherthesituationisbullying

orsomethingelse.

a. ReviewtheUSASwimmingdefinitionofbullying;

b. Todetermineifthebehaviorisbullyingorsomethingelse,considerthefollowing

questions:

Whatisthehistorybetweenthekidsinvolved?

Havetherebeenpastconflicts?

Isthereapowerimbalance? Rememberthatapowerimbalanceisnot

limitedtophysicalstrengthandcanincludethingslikethepopularityofthe

kidsinvolved.

Hasthishappenedbefore? Isthechildworrieditwillhappenagain?

c. Rememberthatitmaynotmatterwhostartedit. Somekidswhoarebulliedmay

beseenasannoyingorprovoking,butthisdoesnotexcusethebullyingbehavior.

d.

Onceyou

have

determined

ifthe

situation

isbullying,

support

allofthe

kids

involved.

SUPPORTINGTHEKIDSINVOLVED1. Supportthekidswhoarebeingbullied

a. Listenandfocusonthechild. Learnwhatsbeengoingonandshowyouwantto

help.Assurethechildthatbullyingisnottheirfault.

b. Worktogethertoresolvethesituationandprotectthebulliedchild.Thechild,

parents,andfellowteammembersandcoachesmayallhavevaluableinput.Itmay

helpto:

Askthechildbeingbulliedwhatcanbedonetomakehimorherfeelsafe.

Rememberthatchangestoroutineshouldbeminimized. Heorsheisnotat

faultandshouldnotbesingledout. Forexample,considerrearranginglane

assignmentsforeveryone. Ifbiggermovesarenecessary,suchasswitching

practicegroups,thechildwhoisbulliedshouldnotbeforcedtochange.

Developagameplan. MaintainopencommunicationbetweentheCluband

parents.Discussthestepsthatwillbetakenandhowbullyingwillbe

addressedgoingforward.

c. Bepersistent. Bullyingmaynotendovernight. Committomakingitstopand

consistentlysupportthebulliedchild.

2. Addressbullyingbehavior

a. Makesurethechildwhoengagedinthebullyingbehaviorunderstandswhyhisor

herbehaviorisunacceptable. Youngpeoplewhobullymustlearntheirbehavioris

wrongandharmsothers.

b. Showkidsthatbullyingistakenseriously. Calmlytellthechildthatbullyingwillnot

betolerated. Modelrespectfulbehaviorwhenaddressingtheproblem.


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c. Workwiththechildtounderstandsomeofthereasonsheorshebullied.For

example:

Sometimeschildrenbullytofitinortomakefunofsomeonewhoisdifferent

fromthem. Inotherwords,theremaybesomeinsecurityinvolved.

Othertimeskidsactoutbecausesomethingelseissuesathome,abuse,

stressisgoing

on

intheir

lives.

They

also

may

have

been

bullied.

These

kidsmaybeinneedofadditionalsupport.

d. Involvethekidwhobulliedinmakingamendsorrepairingthesituation. Thegoalis

tohelpthemseehowtheiractionsaffectothers. Forexample,thechildcan:

Writealetterapologizingtotheathletewhowasbullied. Doagooddeedforthepersonwhowasbullied,fortheClub,orforothersin

yourcommunity.

Cleanup,repair,orpayforanypropertytheydamaged.e. Avoidstrategiesthatdontworkorhavenegativeconsequences:

Zerotoleranceorthreestrikes,youreoutaregenerallyunsuccessfulstrategies. Swimmersmaybelesslikelytoreportandaddressbullyingif

suspensionorgettingkickedofftheteamistheconsequence.

Similarly,conflictresolutionandpeermediationoftendontworkforbullying. Bullyingisnotaconflictbetweenpeopleofequalpowerwhoshare

equalblame. Facingthosewhohavebulliedmayfurtherupsetkidswho

havebeenbullied.

f.

Followup.

After

the

bullying

issue

isresolved,

continue

finding

ways

tohelp

the

childwhobulliedtounderstandhowwhattheydoaffectsotherpeople. For

example,praiseactsofkindnessortalkaboutwhatitmeanstobeagood

teammate.

3. Supportbystanderswhowitnessbullying. Everyday,kidswitnessbullying. Theywanttohelp,butdontknowhow. Fortunately,thereareafewsimple,safewaysthatathletescan

helpstopbullyingwhentheyseeithappening:

a. Beafriendtothepersonbeingbullied.

b.

Tellatrusted

adult

your

parent,

coach

orclub

board

member.

c. Helpthekidbeingbulliedgetawayfromthesituation. Createadistraction,focus

theattentiononsomethingelseorofferawayforthetargettogetoutofthe

situation. Letsgo,practiceisabouttostart.

d. Setagoodexamplebynotbullyingothers.

e. Dontgivethebullyanaudience. Bulliesareencouragedbytheattentiontheyget

frombystanders. Ifyoudonothingelse,justwalkaway.


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APPENDIXD

MODELLOCKERROOMMONITORINGPOLICY

ThefollowingisamodelprocedureprovidedtoassistUSASwimmingmemberclubswhowishto

developalockerroommonitoringprocedure. Lockerroommonitoringpoliciesarenotrequired

bythe

Safe

Sport

Program,

but

clubs

who

wish

to

implement

one

may

use

the

following

as

a

resource.

PURPOSE

Thefollowingguidelinesaredesignedtomaintainpersonalprivacyaswellastoreducetherisk

ofmisconductinlockerroomsandchangingareas.

FACILITIES

Thefollowingisadescriptionofourpracticeandcompetitionfacilitiestoallowathletesand

theirfamilies

toplan

their

use:

Wepracticeat: [Providepracticefacilitylocationhere].

Thislocationhas:[Usethisspacetodescribethelockerroomsatyourpracticefacility].

Samplelockerroomdescriptions:

(a)Nolockerroomorchangingfacilities.Swimmerswillbeexpectedtocomedressedforpracticeandtochangeandshowerathome.

(b)Achangingareathatissharedwiththegeneralpublic.Assuch,therearelikelytobepeoplewhoarenotassociatedwith[nameofclub]inthechangingareaaroundthetime

ofpractice.

(c)Achangingareaandlockerroomdedicatedtoourswimmers.MONITORING

GeneralPolicyConsiderations

Coachesandstaffmakeeveryefforttorecognizewhenanathletegoestothelockerroomor

changingarea

during

practice

and

competition

and,

ifthey

do

not

return

inatimely

fashion,

we

willcheckontheathleteswhereabouts.

Wediscourageparentsfromenteringlockerroomsandchangingareasunlessitistruly

necessary. Inthoseinstances,itshouldonlybeasamesexparent. Ifthisisnecessary,parents

shouldletthecoachoradministratorknowaboutthisinadvance.


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Ifanathleteneedsassistancewithhisorheruniformorgear(forexample,achildunderthe

ageofeight),oranathletesdisabilitywarrantsassistance,thenweaskthatparentsletthe

coachoranadministratorknowbeforehandthatheorshewillbehelpingtheathlete.

PossiblePolicy Option1

[Nameofclub]

has

predictable

and

limited

use

oflocker

rooms

and

changing

areas

(e.g.,

immediatelybeforeandfollowingpracticesandmeets). Thisallowsfordirectandregular

monitoringoflockerroomareas. Whileconstantmonitoringinsideoflockerroomsand

changingareasmightbethemosteffectivewaytopreventproblems,weunderstandthatthis

wouldlikelymakeswimmersuncomfortableandmayevenplaceourstaffatriskfor

unwarrantedsuspicion.

Therefore,weconductasweepofthelockerroomsandchangingareasbeforeathletesarrive,

post[staff,coach,parent,otheradult]directlyoutsideofthelockerroomsandchangingareas

duringperiodsofuseandleavethedoorsopenonlywhenadequateprivacyisstillpossible.

[Staff,coach,

parent,

other

adult]

conducts

regular

sweeps

inside

locker

rooms

aswell,

with

womencheckingonfemalelockerrooms,andmencheckingonmalelockerrooms.

PossiblePolicy Option2

[Nameofclub]hasstaggeredpractices,withdifferentgroupsarrivinganddepartingthroughout

theday. Itisthereforenotpracticaltoconstantlymonitorlockerroomsandchangingareas

overthisextendedcourseoftime. Whilewedonotpost[staff,coach,parent,otheradult]

insideoratthedoorsofthelockerroomsandchangingareas,wedomakeoccasionalsweeps

oftheseareas. [Staff,coach,parent,otheradult]conductthesesweeps,withwomenchecking

onfemalelockerrooms,andmencheckingonmalelockerrooms.

USEOFCELLPHONESANDOTHERMOBILERECORDINGDEVICES

Cellphonesandothermobiledeviceswithrecordingcapabilities,includingvoicerecording,still

camerasandvideocamerasincreasetheriskfordifferentformsofmisconductinlockerrooms

andchangingareas. TheUSASwimmingAthleteProtectionPoliciesprohibittheuseofsuch

devicesinthelockerroomorotherchangingarea:

Article305.3Useofaudioorvisualrecordingdevices,includingacellphonecamera,isnotallowedinchangingareas,restroomsorlockerrooms.

safe sport handbook-final

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