What is Safe Sport?
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit committed to ending all forms of abuse in sports. The Center's experts develop best practices, policies, and programs consistent with ending all forms of abuse in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movements; it is the first and only national organization of its kind. The movement seeks to end all forms of abuse...including bullying, harassment, hazing, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual misconduct and abuse.

The Center provides collaborative services to sport entities, including USA Swimming and Minnesota Swimming, on abuse prevention techniques being the centerpiece of our nation’s sports culture.

The vision is that every athlete will be safe, supported and strengthened through sport. 

• Safe: Athletes are protected from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse
• Supported: Athletes enjoy welcome, respectful environments and diversity is actively embraced
• Strengthened: Athletes use the skills they’ve learned in sport to contribute to the well-being of their communities. Every athlete thrives, on and off the field of play.

Why is Safe Sport important and how does it work?
Education and awareness are the most critical components to creating safe and respectful sporting environments, free of abuse and harassment. The Center's experts develop best practices, policies, and programs consistent with guidance from leading organizations—building a repository of best practices. It eagerly collaborates with clubs, like Metro Marlins, to champion respect and end abuse in sports. 

The U.S. Olympic Committee has entrusted the Center with the authority to respond to reports of sexual misconduct with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movements involving sexual misconduct. The organization carries out this important work professionally, emphasizing responsiveness, fairness and confidentiality. The Center’s confidential online system is the preferred method for making a report, though individuals can also contact our staff.

Best Practices
USA Swimming has identified nine Safe Sport guidelines that represent best practices for all USA Swimming members. You can find them here (pdf).

How does this affect parents and athletes?
All parents, athletes, coaches and volunteers are now required to learn about and commit to the Safe Sport movement and policies. 

Parents (including all parents/guardians within a family unit) and all athletes 18 years and older must read through the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) and related Safe Sport educational documents to learn about the updated policies. Some documents include forms (acknowledgments and permission) that must be signed.

Training & Resource Links
A comprehensive list of Safe Sport training, resources and educational links can be found in the drop down. Safe Sport policies, forms and acknowledgments can be found here.

QUICK CONTACT INFO

General Questions 
USA Swimming: Safe Sport Senior Manager Liz Hahn
Minnesota Swimming: Safe Sport Committee Chair Rebecca Binder
Metro Marlins Swim Team: Safe Sport contact Katherine Maguire 

Report a Safe Sport Concern 
USA Swimming: 
Call (719) 866-4578 or visit them online here
US Center for SafeSport: 
To make a report or find more information visit the organization online at 
www.uscenterforsafesport.org or call them directly at (720) 524-5640