EAST COAST AQUATIC TEAM
SAFE SPORT HANDBOOK
USA SWIMMING ATHLETE PROTECTION GUIDELINES
Protecting Athletes
We believe that the experience of children and young athletes in all organized sports should be guided by what is best for the safe and healthy development of the young person. Young athletes who participate in organized sports activities have a unique opportunity for learning. In working with each child, it essential that we are mindful of their physical, emotional, and developmental needs. We must also be particularly diligent in recognizing the unique vulnerabilities that are an inherent part of childhood. It is the responsibility of all adults to not only recognize these vulnerabilities, but to develop the knowledge and skills needed to create and maintain a safe and child-centered sports environment.
We recognize the important role that USA Swimming plays in providing leadership and creating an organizational culture that is focused on the safety and wellbeing of young people. The protection of children requires that all adults work together to support young athletes. As the child’s first and enduring resource for safety, parents and guardians play a critical role in athlete protection. When parents participate they are able to help educate other adults about the needs of the child, and help prepare the child to participate in sports programs in a way that promotes safety, enjoyment, and learning.Adults, including coaches, officials, staff, facility workers, volunteers, chaperones, and others who interact with children, are in also positions of great trust and influence. The ability to use this position of trust to support the well-being of children is critical. The overwhelming majority of these adults fulfill their roles in a positive and responsible manner. Nonetheless, we must also understand that a few adults may seek to use the trust and authority that comes with their access and status to take advantage of a child.
USA Swimming strives to continually improve the programs and services it offers to its members and among these some of the most important relate to the safeguards for protecting young athletes. Because we aspire to foster safe and positive environments within all our member clubs, we believe it is especially important to provide our member adult leaders with policies and best practice guidelines that help define elements of appropriate behavior and conduct.
Policies and Best Practice Guidelines for Athlete Protection In order to provide a positive experience and a safe environment for athletes, all non-athlete adult members of USA Swimming should maintain professionalism and avoid any appearance of impropriety in their relationships with athletes. Coaches, in particular, should recognize the influence, power and position of trust they have with athletes and should use these only in an athlete's best interest. This document provides specific mandatory policies and best practice guidelines that are strongly recommended.
Click here for the full Safe Sport handbook
East Coast Aquatic Safesport Policies
ECAT Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP)
ECAT Anti-Bullying Policy and Procedures
ECAT Social Media and Electronic Communication Policy
Reporting
Mandatory Reporting Law: "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 24hrs."
Suspected violations, abuse or misconduct should be reported to USA Swimming and the US Center for Safe Sport:
- Click here for instructions on how to make a report regarding a Safe Sport concern.
- To reach contact USA Swimming regarding a concern, please call (719) 866-4578
- If you have questions and/or concerns regarding sexual harrassment or misconduct, contact the US Center for Safe Sport here. You can also reach them at (833) 5US-SAFE or through their online reporting form here.
- To make an anonymous report, please text (888) 270- SWIM
If you have a concerns regarding team policies or would like to report a violation, please reach out to our Safe Sport Club Coordinator, Tiffany Reese at [email protected] or (757) 343-6523.
Additional Documents and Links
Permission to Use Massage Therapist
Permission to Drive Minor Athlete Locally
Permission to Drive Minor Athlete to non-local competition
