Child Safety
To all SMRT members,
In recent weeks, there has been increased media attention brought forward regarding swimmer safety from abuse by coaches, volunteers, officials, and other adults involved in the sport of swimming. As we approach the long course season and draft a new slate of board officers to continue support for the Southern Marlins Racing Team, we would like to clarify the policies and procedures in place that insure the safety of all our swimmers.
- City Level: First, our club is a city sponsored team. Unlike private clubs, our coaches, pool staff, and any other employees hired by the city are required to have a SLED check for clearance. Additionally, if an employee is from another state, a nationwide check is also required. National background checks take longer to process but are a positive step in child protection. SLED background checks are also required for any city volunteers in close contact with children as well.
- Club level: The Booster Club has addressed the issue of child safety in the recent past. There is a travel policy in place requiring a chaperone for every ten swimmers. Additionally, the board insures that female chaperones are incorporated for travel purposes as well. The Booster Club has also hosted safety training sessions provided by the City of Charleston Police Department for all age groups. Annual safety training seminars/options will be one of the new agenda items for upcoming meetings.
- National level: Mr. Chuck Wielgus, President of USA Swimming, wrote a letter to directors, sponsors, and local LSCs regarding the recent media attention. He stated that child sexual abuse is a hot topic among all youth programs; not just swimming. The president also emphasized the facts: Less than 1/10th of 1% of our registered coaches have acted inappropriately. Over the last 10 years, 36 coaches have been expelled from the ranks of 36,000 dedicated members of the USA Swimming staff for inappropriate behavior. That leaves 99.99% of the positive role models on the deck. Wielgus elaborated that the prosecuting attorney for the recent case in the news has been aggressively seeking media attention and is seeking further potential clients. He stated that there are policies in place for safety including CPR, First Aid, safety training, a background check every two years for any criminal charges, a mandatory course in basic coaching, and a written code of conduct of compliance for all coaches. Most importantly, anyone - member or non-member of USA Swimming - can check the rulebook and find procedures to file a complaint with regards to the USA Swimming Code of Conduct. This complaint launches a legal investigation and is followed through to the National Board of Review if just cause is proven.
As a board, we want to recognize the commitment our coaches, staff, parents and volunteers put forth everyday to ensuring the productivity and safety of our programs and services. Furthermore, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Promote open communication about child sexual abuse with your swimmer and stress the importance of reporting inappropriate behavior to the proper adults. If there are any ideas or suggestions that support the club’s and city’s efforts in keeping our children safe, please email any of the current board members at their email address listed on the website www.swimsmrt.com. With everyone’s continued efforts, our children will remain safe.
Regards,
ABC of SMRT Board
