safe sport handbook-final
TRANSCRIPT
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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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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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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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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.