Learn About Safe Sport
Aquakids is committed to providing a healthy and positive environment free from abuse for all its members. Aquakids adheres to USA Swimming’s Safe Sport program, a comprehensive abuse prevention program that uses a multi-layered approach to keep kids safe. This includes required policies and best practice guidelines; mandatory coaches and volunteer screening, including criminal background checks and employment screening; training and education; monitoring, supervision and mandatory reporting. These measures are informed by experts in the field of child safety and are among the strongest safeguards found in youth-serving organizations.
USA Swimming is committed to fostering a fun, healthy, and safe environment for all its members, and in 2010, it formally implemented a comprehensive Safe Sport program to respond to and prevent instances of abuse and misconduct within the sport of swimming. Since then USA Swimming Safe Sport has worked tirelessly to educate members, put policies in place, and empower LSCs and clubs to create the best possible environments for all members.
Full implementation of the Safe Sport Program involves six key components:
- Policies and Guidelines
- Screening and Selection
- Training and Education
- Monitoring and Supervision
- Recognizing, Responding, and Reporting
- Grassroots Engagement and Feedback
The USA Swimming site has tools such as dealing with a concern, a club tool kit, background check information, code of conduct policies and more. Please visit this link for the most up to date information.
USA Swimming and U.S. Center for Safe Sport Contact & Reporting Information
How to Deal with a Safe Sport Concern
U.S. Center for SafeSport 833-5US-SAFE (587-7233)
To make a report, use the U.S. Center for Safe Sport online reporting form, call U.S. Center for SafeSport 833-5US-SAFE (587-7233), or find more information HERE.
In addition, The Aquakids Swim Team has a Safe Sport Coordinator within our Board of Directors. If you would like to get involved at the club level, or have any questions please contact Tara Stainton directly at [email protected].
Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP)
USA Swimming Member clubs are required to implement the USA Swimming Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) in full by June 23, 2019. MAAPP contains five sections: one-on-one interactions, travel, social media and electronic communications, locker rooms and changing areas and massage, rubdowns and athletic training modalities. Please read below for the Policy and other education materials. Visit USA Swimming for more information.
Minor Athlete Protection Policy
USA Swimming letter to membership
Educational Documents
APT Requirement for Adult Athletes 18&Over FAQ
APT Training Page 18&O Athletes and Non Athlete USA Swimming Members
Social Media and Communications FAQ
USA Swimming Article 304 Code of Conduct
Safe Sport Training and Education
Safe Sport Training for Athletes: 12 & Over Online Course
Safe Sport for Parents: Parent Online Course
Team Documents & Downloads
Aquakids Code of Conduct for Athletes
Aquakids Action Plan To Address Bullying
