WHERE TO START WITH MY CONCERN

When faced with the decision of how to report a concern, it's important to understand which channels are most appropriate for your specific situation. Below are guidelines that can help you navigate this process and get in touch with the right people.

SafeSport Coordinator:  Jessica Martin ([email protected])

Where Do I Report?

1. Concerns Regarding Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Harassment, or Inappropriate Communication:

 If your concern involves sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or sexually explicit/inappropriate communication through social media, you should contact the U.S. Center for Safe Sport.

You can:

2. Concerns Regarding Criminal Activity or Safety Violations: 

If your concern involves any of the following:

  • Criminal charges
  •  Use, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs
  • Physical abuse or inappropriate touching
  • Lap sitting
  • Coaches sharing hotel rooms with athletes
  • Rubdown or massage performed by coaches
  • Picture or videos taken in locker rooms or changing areas

Please report it to the USA Swimming Safe Sport team by emailing:

3. Concerns Regarding Fraud, Deception, or Recruiting:

​Please follow up with USA Swimming through the Safe Sport division using the same contact options above.

 

4. Concerns Regarding Adult-to-Athlete Bullying, Parent Issues, or Violations of Team Rules:

If your concern involves:

  • Adult-to-athlete bullying
  • Parent issues
  • Violations of team rules or team code of conduct

Your first step should be to reach out to your team directly. The team may have specific procedures for handling such reports. To get started, you can use the proposed letter of correspondence to initiate a conversation or report your concern.

 

 

Important Notes:

  • Not sure who to contact? If you're unsure which route to take, please contact the Safe Sport Staff at the National Office. They will help you navigate your concerns, answer any questions, and connect you with the correct resources.

  • Confidentiality and Support: When making a report, rest assured that your concern will be taken seriously. The organizations listed are committed to providing support, ensuring confidentiality, and investigating issues in a responsible and thorough manner.

Remember, taking the first step to report a concern can feel daunting, but it is an important and powerful way to help ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.

       

 

MANDATORY REPORTING RULE

          Pursuant to federal law, all adults authorized to interact with minor or amateur athletes who learn of facts that give reason to suspect that a child has suffered an incident of child abuse, including sexual abuse, shall make a report of the suspected abuse to law enforcement and/or your state’s designated agency within 24 hours.

ARTICLE 306

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

306.1  It is every member’s responsibility to promptly report any incident regarding sexual misconduct by a member as described in Article 304.3.8  to USA Swimming’s Director of Safe Sport.  Reporting must occur when an individual has firsthand knowledge of misconduct or where specific and credible information has been received from a victim or knowledgeable third party.  Various state laws may also require reporting to law enforcement or to a designated child protection agency.

306.2  No member shall retaliate against any individual who has made a good faith report under 306.1.

306.3  False reporting of sexual misconduct made in bad faith is prohibited.

306.4  Neither civil nor criminal statutes of limitation apply to reports of cases of sexual abuse.