Amherst Tritons Locker Room Policy

 

  • This policy applies to all in-program contact occurring in locker rooms and changing areas.  

  • Monitoring and availability of private and semi private changing areas will occur at all sanctioned events, or facilities that are partially or fully under the Triton’s jurisdiction.

  • Every reportable incident, as defined by USA Safe Sport and MAAP, must adhere to the MAAP policy with regard to the nature of one-on-one interactions.  That is, all locker room interactions must be conducted as both observable and interruptible.  

  • The photographic or recording capabilities of any device (cell phones, cameras, tablets) cannot be used by any Participant in locker rooms or changing areas during In-Program activities. 

  • Adult Participants MUST NOT change clothes or behave in a way that intentionally exposes their breast, buttocks, groin, or genitals to a Minor Athlete.

  • Adult Participants CANNOT shower with a Minor Athlete unless:

    • A Close-in-Age exception exists: The Adult Participant has no Authority over the Minor Athlete and there is no more than a four year age difference.

    • The Adult Participant and Minor Athlete are wearing swimwear and the shower is part of a pre- or post-activity rinse.

 

Media and Championship Recording:

  • | Media and Championship Celebration recordings are allowed if:

    • Parent/guardian consent is given.

    • Organization approval is given for the specific instance.

    • Two or more Adult Participants are present.

    • Everyone is fully clothed.

 

Locker Room Monitoring:

  • Monitoring must occur for all locker rooms and changing areas.

  • A semi-private or private area to change must be provided to all Minor Athletes.

 

Policy Exceptions: 

  • If one of the following exceptions exists with appropriate consent, interactions between a Minor Athlete and Adult Participant in a Locker Room are not required to be observable and interruptible:

    • Emergency.

    • Dual Relationship – The Adult Participant has an existing relationship with Minor Athlete outside of the sport program. (Note: There is NO Dual Relationship exception for showering)

    • Close-in-Age – The Adult Participant has no authority over the Minor Athlete and is not more than 4 years older than the Minor Athlete.

    • Personal Care Assistant – The Adult Participant is a Personal Care Assistant and has met all the requirements.

 

Discipline:

  • Please refer to the ATST disciplinary policy to understand the course of action that will be taken by coaches, staff, and/or the Board of Directors, should any of the above be violated per Safe Sport rule.

 

Common Questions:

  • Can locker room monitors be in the locker room or changing area with Minor Athletes?

    • A: Yes. As long as the monitor is not one-on-one with Minor Athletes and all interaction is observable and interruptible, the Adult Participant can monitor the locker room inside or outside the area as needed by the Organization. The monitor should avoid Minor Athletes who are actively changing. 

 

  • Can an adult athlete shower with a Minor Athlete if they are on the same team? 

    • A: It depends. If an adult athlete meets the Close-in-Age Exception, then they are permitted to shower with a Minor Athlete. Additionally, if the shower is part of a pre- or post-event rinse, and swim apparel is being worn, an adult athlete can shower with a Minor Athlete. There are no other circumstances where an adult athlete can shower with a Minor Athlete. The parent/guardian of the Minor Athlete may request that the Adult Participant not shower with their Minor Athlete and the Organization and Adult Participant must abide by this request.

 

  • What is a Semi-Private or Private Changing Area? Does an Organization need to provide a private and semi private changing area at each sanctioned event and at all facilities partially or fully under the jurisdiction of the Organization? 

    • A: A Semi-Private Area is an area that is not separate from where other individuals are changing but offers the Minor Athlete some privacy. For example, a bathroom stall with a door or an area created by a partition or drapery. A Private Area is an area separated completely from anyone else changing. This area would be fully enclosed with a door and no other individual would be able to enter without the Minor Athlete’s permission. This could be a single restroom or family restroom where the Minor Athlete can lock the door and change alone. Providing one option is sufficient. If your organization does not utilize locker rooms and athletes are advised to come prepared and dressed to compete, a restroom stall is sufficient as a semi-private area to change if needed.