WHERE TO START WITH MY CONCERN
When making the decision to report a concern you have, it can often feel intimidating and overwhelming. Please use these guidelines to help you on the first step “Where do I report a concern?”
See the ACE Grievance Procedures for specifics to help you get in touch with the appropriate people.
If your concern deals with any of the following:
- Peer to Peer Bullying
- Adult to Athlete Bullying
- Parent Issues/ Parent Complaints
- Violations of ACE rules and team code of conduct
- Violations of the team policies including the team's Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy
Should a parent or swimmer feel another swimmer’s conduct is inappropriate or violates the ACE Code of Conduct, the parent/swimmer should bring forward these concerns with the swimmer's group coach & ACE Head Coach, Kim Berndt, or ACE Safe Sport coordinator, Laura Thoreen at [email protected].
The complaint should be made in person or in writing. We have provided a proposed letter of correspondence to assist you in beginning this process.
For issues dealing with any of the following:
- Sexual Misconduct
- Sexual Harassment
- Sexually Explicit/Inappropriate Communication through Social Media
Contact U.S. Center for SafeSport: 833-5US-SAFE (587-7233) or use the online reporting form or find more information at http://www.uscenterforsafesport.org To report anonymously. Text anonymous tips to 888-270-SWIM (7946)
If your concern deals with any of the following:
- Criminal Charges
- Use, Sale, or Distribution of illegal drugs
- Physical Abuse
- Inappropriate Touching
- Lap Sitting
- Coaches sharing hotel rooms with athletes
- Rubdown or Massage performed by coaches
- Pictures or video taken in locker rooms or changing areas
To deal with a Safe Sport concern, contact USA Swimming at (719) 866-4578 or email [email protected] or you may use the online reporting form https://fs22.formsite.com/usaswimming/form10/index.html
For issues dealing with known or suspected child abuse:
- Contact the Nebraska Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-652-1999 or local law enforcement OR If you suspect the child is in immediate danger, please dial 911. For more information, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Abuse.aspx
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
.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.
.2 No member shall retaliate against any individual who has made a good faith report under 306.1.
.3 False reporting of sexual misconduct made in bad faith is prohibited.
.4 Neither civil nor criminal statutes of limitation apply to reports of cases of sexual abuse.”
If you are not sure who to contact with a concern please refer to the ACE Grievance procedures or contact the Safe Sport Staff at the National Office and we will be sure to talk through your concern, answer your questions and connect you with the correct people.
