Berkeley Safe Sport Information for Athletes, Parents, and Coaches

USA Swimming (719) 866-4578  Deal with a Safe Sport Concern

U.S. Center for Safe Sport to make a report.  
Use the online reporting form, call (720) 524-5640, or find more information at http://www.uscenterforsafesport.org. 

 Safe Sport Best Practices Guidelines

USA Swimming Code of Conduct for ALL Members

BERKELEY BARRACUDAS SAFE SPORT CLUB COORDINATOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Justin Houston

Director of Summer and External Programs

 

Berkeley Preparatory School

4811 Kelly Road

Tampa, Florida 33615

(813) 885-1673 Ext. 2224

Cell: 813-205-7751

www.berkeleyprep.org

MINOR ATHLETE ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY

Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy

Action Plan of the Berkeley Barracudas to Address Bullying

Purpose:
Bullying is unacceptable at Berkeley Barracudas and will not be tolerated. It is counterproductive to team spirit and can be devastating to the victim. We are committed to providing a safe, caring, and friendly environment for all members. Any bullying incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We expect everyone to report any incidents to a coach, board member, or athlete/mentor.

Objectives:

Zero Tolerance: The Club will not tolerate bullying in any form.

Understanding: Define bullying and ensure everyone understands what it is.

Policy Awareness: Inform parents, swimmers, and staff of the bullying policy and protocol.

Reporting: Provide clear and understandable reporting procedures.

Support: Assure all members that bullying will be taken seriously, and that they will be supported.

What is Bullying?

According to the USA Swimming Code of Conduct, bullying involves the use of aggression, intentional or not, that harms another person. This includes verbal, written, electronic, or physical acts that cause pain and distress.

Definition (304.3.7):
Bullying is the severe or repeated use of actions (oral, written, electronic, or physical) by one or more USA Swimming members that:

Physical/Emotional Harm: Causes harm to another member or their property.

Fear: Places another member in reasonable fear of harm or damage.

Hostile Environment: Creates a hostile environment at any USA Swimming activity.

Rights Infringement: Infringes on the rights of another member.

Disruption: Materially disrupts the training process or orderly operation of any USA Swimming activity.

Reporting Procedure

If an athlete feels bullied, they should:

Talk to their parents.

Speak with a Club Coach or another designated individual.

Write a letter or email to the Club Coach.

Report to the USA Swimming Safe Sport staff.

There is no time limit for initiating a complaint, but it’s best to report as soon as possible.

How We Handle Bullying

Immediate Action:
If bullying occurs during team activities:

Intervene immediately (ask for help if needed).

Separate the involved kids.

Ensure everyone’s safety.

Address any medical or mental health needs.

Stay calm and reassure all kids involved.

Model respectful behavior.

Investigating:
When bullying is reported:

  1. Get the Facts:

    • Separate the children involved.
    • Collect stories from multiple sources.
    • Listen without blaming.
    • Avoid labeling the incident as "bullying" until the facts are clear.

  2. Determine if it's Bullying:

    • Review the USA Swimming definition.
    • Consider the history, power dynamics, frequency, and the victim’s concerns.

Supporting Those Involved:

  1. For the Victim:

    • Listen and focus on the child.
    • Work together to resolve the situation.
    • Provide ongoing support.

  2. For the Bully:

    • Help them understand the impact of their actions.
    • Involve them in making amends, such as writing an apology or performing a good deed.

  3. Avoid Ineffective Strategies:

    • Zero tolerance or "three strikes" policies are discouraged.
    • Conflict resolution or peer mediation is not suitable for bullying situations.

  4. Follow-Up:

    • Continue to support the child and monitor the situation.

Supporting Bystanders:

Encourage them to befriend the bullied person.

Urge them to tell a trusted adult.

Help the bullied child get away from the situation.

Set a good example by not bullying others.

Avoid giving the bully an audience.

Disclaimer:

The Berkeley Barracudas reserves the right to remove any child or adult found guilty of engaging in bullying behavior.