Safe Sport Reporting

---

JCAT Safe Sport Club Coordinator's Reymundo Rodriguez 

jcatswim@gmail.com

The link below is the procedure for reporting to USA Swimming Safe Sport and the U.S. Center for Safe Sports. 

The link below will direct you to the page to submit your concerns or report an incident.

To deal with a Safe Sport concern, contact USA Swimming at (719) 866-4578

Contact the U.S. Center for Safe Sport to make a report. Call 833-5US-SAFE (587-7233) or use the

online reporting form or find more information at http://www.uscenterforsafesport.org/

Optional: report anonymously. Text anonymous tips to 888-270-SWIM (7946)

 JCAT Safe Sport Best Practice Guidelines 

1. Parents are encouraged to support their children’s swimming experience appropriately. 

2. All swimming practices shall be open to observation by parents.

3. Coaches should not initiate contact with or accept supervisory responsibility for athletes outside club programs and activities.

4. When only one athlete and one coach travel to a competition, at competition, the coach and athlete should attempt to establish a “buddy” club to associate with during the competition and when away from the venue.

5. Coaches and Parents: Relationships of a peer-to-peer nature with any athletes should be avoided.

6. Coaches and other non-athlete adult members shall not engage in activities that compromise the USA swimming code of conduct.

7. When a coach touches an athlete as part of instruction, the coach should do so in direct view of others and inform the athlete of what he/she is doing before the initial contact. Touching athletes should be minimized outside the boundaries of standard instruction. Appropriate interaction would include high-fives, fist bumps, side-to-side hugs, and handshakes. 

8. Coaches should avoid displaying situations as having athletes as their favorites.

9. Gift-giving, providing special favors, or showing favoritism to individual athletes is strongly discouraged.  

10.  Any infractions or violations of locker room misconduct shall be reported to the coaches on staff. The coach shall ask the parents of athletes to have the athlete exit the locker room. If no parent is present, a coach of the same gender shall escort the athlete out of the locker room. The coach, parent, and athlete will discuss appropriate steps to correct infractions or verify alleged misconduct. Discipline action is not limited to dismissal from the team or suspension from the team. 

11.  The use of inappropriate language or body gestures is not permitted. Parents shall behave appropriately on deck, at swim meets, practices, or other team functions. Violations may warrant suspension or dismissal from the team. 

Application of Policy                 

3 General Requirement                          

Definitions                                                                                       

Exceptions                                                                               

One-on-One Interactions                                                                       

Meetings and Individual Training Sessions                                             

Electronic Communications                                                                   

In-Program Transportation and Lodging                                                 

Locker Rooms and Changing Areas                                                       

Massages, Rubdowns, and Athletic Training Modalities              

This Policy Applies To all who participates with Just Care Aquictics and it team functions:

In-Program Contact: Any contact (including communications, interactions, or activities) between an Adult Participant and any Minor Athlete(s) related to participation in sport. Examples include, but are not limited to: competition, practices, camps/clinics, training/instructional sessions, pre/post event meals or outings, team travel, video review, team- or sport-related team building activities, celebrations, award ceremonies, banquets, team- or sport-related fundraising or community services, sports education, competition site visits, conventions and/or summits.

Adult Participants: Any adult 18 years of age or older who is a:

•        USA Swimming member, either athlete or non-athlete. 

•        Participating non-member (e.g., meet marshals, meet computer operators, timers,

etc.). 

•        authorized, approved, or appointed by USA Swimming, Zones, Local Swimming

Committees (“LSCs”), or member clubs to have regular contact with (e.g.,

ongoing interactions during a 12month period wherein the individual is in a role

of active engagement) or authority over Minor Athletes; and/or

•        Within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of USA Swimming, Zones, LSCs,

or member clubs.  

Adult Participants: Any adult 18 years of age or older who is a:

•        USA Swimming member, either athlete or non-athlete. 

•        Participating non-member (e.g., meet marshals, meet computer operators, timers,

etc.). 

•        authorized, approved, or appointed by USA Swimming, Zones, Local Swimming

Committees (“LSCs”), or member clubs to have regular contact with (e.g.,

ongoing interactions during a 12month period wherein the individual is in a role of

active engagement) or authority over Minor Athletes; and/or

•        Within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of USA Swimming, Zones, LSCs,

or member clubs. 

General Requirement

USA Swimming Zones, LSCs and member clubs are required to implement this Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy in full. The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy must be reviewed and agreed to in writing by all athletes, parents/legal guardians, coaches, and other non-athlete members of member clubs on an annual basis with such written agreement to be retained by the club or LSC, as applicable. 

DEFINITIONS

Athlete:  A USA Swimming athlete member.

Authority: When one person’s position over another person is such that, based on the totality of the circumstances, they have the power or right to direct, control, give orders to, or make decisions for that person (e.g., when a power imbalance exists). 

Billeting: A residential environment facilitated by an Adult Participant or Organization, or sanctioned event staff in which a Minor Athlete is temporarily housed in a private home with an adult or family who is not related to or known by the Minor Athlete. This lodging arrangement is in conjunction with an activity related to sports.  

Dual Relationship: When an Adult Participant has a relationship with a Minor Athlete that is outside of the sports program. Examples of Dual Relationships include, but are not limited to, family members, mental health professionals, teachers, medical professionals, and family friends. 

Emergency Circumstances: A serious, unexpected, and possibly dangerous situation that requires quick action and cannot be avoided. Emergency circumstances include but are not limited to, a physical, mental, or emotional medical emergency involving the Minor Athlete, relative of the Minor Athlete or relative of an Adult Participant; a Minor Athlete’s suicidal ideations/behavior; a report of abuse; a severe weather event; and last-minute practice changes.

Electronic Communication: Includes, but is not limited to, phone calls, emails, videoconferencing, video coaching, text messaging, and social media or any other electronic medium.

Event or Facility Under Partial or Full Jurisdiction: Includes any USA Swimming-sanctioned event.

(including all travel and lodging in connection with participation in the event) or any facility that USA Swimming, Zones, LSCs, or member clubs owns, lease, or rent for practice, training, or competition.

In-Program: Activities related to participation in sports. Examples include, but are not limited to:

competition, practices, meetings, camps/clinics, training/instructional sessions, pre/post event meals or outings, team travel, video review, team- or sport-related team building activities, celebrations, award ceremonies, banquets, team- or sport-related fundraising or community services, sports education, competition site visits, conventions, conferences, summits and/or workshops.

In-Program Contact: Any contact (including communications, interactions, or activities) between an Adult Participant and any Minor Athlete(s) related to participation in sport. Examples include, but are not limited to, contact occurring at or related to: competition, practices, meetings, camps/clinics, training/instructional sessions, pre/post event meals or outings, team travel, video review, team- or sport-related team building activities, celebrations, award ceremonies, banquets, team- or sport-related fundraising or community services, sports education, competition site visits, conventions, conferences, summits and/or workshops.

In-Program Massage: Any Massage, Manual Therapy, Therapeutic and Recovery modalities, involving an Adult Participant and any Minor Athlete(s) related to participation in sport. Examples include, but are not limited to Massage, Manual Therapy, Therapeutic and Recovery modalities occurring at or related to: competition, practices, meetings, camps/clinics, training/instructional sessions, pre/post event meals or outings, team travel, video review, team- or sport-related team building activities, celebrations, award ceremonies, banquets, team- or sport-related fundraising or community services, sport education, competition site visits, conventions, conferences, summits and/or workshops. 

In-Program Travel: Any transportation or travel involving an Adult Participant and any Minor Athlete(s) related to participation in a sport authorized or funded by the Organization. Examples include, but are not limited to, transportation or travel to or related to: competition, practices, meetings, camps/clinics, training/instructional sessions, pre/post event meals or outings, team travel, video review, team- or sport related team building activities, celebrations, award ceremonies, banquets, team- or sport-related fundraising or community services, sports education, competition site visits, conventions, conferences, summits and/or workshops.

Lodging and Residential Environment: Lodging arrangements include, but are not limited to hotel stays, rentals (i.e. Airbnb, VRBO, HomeToGo, etc.), and long-term residential environments, including lodging at training sites and Billeting. 

Massage: Any massage, rubdown, athletic training modality including physical modalities (e.g., stretching, physical manipulation, injury rehabilitation, etc.) and electronic or instrument-assisted modalities (e.g., stim treatment, dry needling, cupping, etc.).

Minor Athlete: An athlete under 18 years of age who is a USA Swimming member or was a USA Swimming member within the previous 12 months.

Organization: USA Swimming, LSC or Club

Regular Contact: Ongoing interactions during a 12-month period wherein an Adult Participant is in a role of direct and active engagement with any minor athlete.  

EXCEPTIONS

Close-In-Age Exception: In-Program Contact between an Adult Participant and a Minor Athlete is permitted if:

1. The Adult Participant has no authority over the Minor Athlete; and
2. The Adult Participant is not more than four years older, determined by birthday, than the Minor Athlete.

Dual Relationship Exception: An Adult Participant has a role or relationship with a Minor Athlete that is outside of the sport program. This exception requires written consent of the Minor Athlete’s parent/legal guardian at least annually, which must also identify which portion of MAAPP the parent/guardian is providing consent.  

Emergency Exception: Applies to all situations in MAAPP where an Adult Participant must violate requirement(s) of the MAAPP due to an emergency. Adult Participants must carefully consider whether specific circumstances meet the threshold of an emergency circumstance.  a. It is strongly encouraged that the Organization or Adult Participant document the emergency circumstance. 

ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONS

Observable and Interruptible

All one-on-one In-Program Contact interactions between a Minor Athlete and an Adult Participant must occur at an observable and interruptible distance from another adult, except 

1. In emergency circumstances;
2. When a Dual Relationship exists; and/or
3. When the Close-In-Age Exception applies.

MEETINGS AND INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SESSIONS

Meetings

1. Meetings between a Minor Athlete and an Adult Participant may only occur if another adult is present and where interactions can be easily observed and at an interruptible distance from another adult.
2. If a one-on-one meeting takes place, the door to the room must remain unlocked and open. If available, it must occur in a room that has windows, with the windows, blinds, and/or curtains remaining open during the meeting. 
3. Meetings must not be conducted in an Adult Participant or Athlete’s hotel room or other overnight lodging location during In-Program Travel. 

II.              Meetings with Licensed Mental Health Care Professionals and/or Health Care Providers

If a licensed mental health care professional, health care provider, and/or a student under the supervision of a licensed mental health care professional or licensed health care provider meets one-on-one with a Minor Athlete at an Event or Facility Under Partial or Full Jurisdiction of Organization in conjunction with participation, the meeting must be observable and interruptible by another adult, except if: 

1. The door remains unlocked;
2. Another adult is present at the facility;
3. The other adult is advised that a closed-door meeting is occurring, although the Minor

              Athlete’s identity does not need to be disclosed; 

        4. When appropriate and not violating aprovider'ss professional licensure, the organization is

            notified that the licensed mental health care professional, health care provider, and/or 

            a student

            under the supervision of a licensed mental health care professional or licensed health care

            provide, will be meeting with a Minor Athlete, whose name does not need to be disclosed; and 

        5. The licensed mental health care professional, health care provider, and/or student under the

            supervision of a licensed mental health care professional or licensed health care provider,

            obtains consent consistent with applicable laws and ethical standards, which can be withdrawn

            at any time. 

 III.  Individual Training Sessions

1. In-Program one-on-one individual training sessions outside of the regular course of training and practice between Adult Participants and Minor Athletes must be observable and interruptible by another adult, except:

                       i. When a Dual Relationship exists; and/or

                       ii. When the Close-In-Age Exception applies.

1. The Adult Participant providing the individual training session must receive advance, written consent from the Minor Athlete’s parent/legal guardian at least annually, with a copy provided to Just Care Aquatics, which can be withdrawn at any time. 
2. Parents/legal guardians must be allowed to observe the individual training session. 
3. Prior to parents/guardians providing consent, said parent/guardian complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s education and training on child abuse.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

Content

All Electronic Communication from Adult Participants to Minor Athletes must be professional in nature.

II. Open and Transparent

1. If an Adult Participant communicates one-on-one with a Minor Athlete via Electronic Communications, the Minor Athlete’s parent/legal guardian, or another adult family member, must be copied or included. If a Minor Athlete communicates to the Adult Participant privately first, said Adult Participant must copy or include the Minor Athlete’s parent/legal guardian, or another adult family member, on any Electronic Communication response to the Minor Athlete. Adult Participants must only use Electronic Communication platforms that allow for Open and Transparent communication. 
2. The following exceptions apply to Section II(a):

                  i.   In emergency circumstances;

                  ii.  When a Dual Relationship exists; and/or

                  iii. When the Close-In-Age Exception applies.

1. When an Adult Participant communicates electronically to the entire team or any number of Minor Athletes on the team, said Adult Participant must copy another Adult Participant.

III.             Requests to Discontinue

Parents/legal guardians may request in writing that their Minor Athlete not be contacted through any form of electronic communication by the Organization or by an Adult Participant subject to this Policy. The Organization must abide by any such request that the Minor Athlete not be contacted via electronic communication or included in any social media post, absent emergency circumstances.

IV.            Hours

Electronic communications must only be sent between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time for the location of the Minor Athlete, unless emergency circumstances exist or during competition travel.

V.              Prohibited Electronic Communication

1. Adult Participants are not permitted to maintain private social media connections with Minor Athletes and such Adult Participants are not permitted to accept new personal page requests on social media platforms from Minor Athletes unless the Adult Participant has a fan page, or the contact is deemed as celebrity contact as opposed to regular contact. Existing social media connections with Minor Athletes must be discontinued. Minor Athletes may “friend,” “like” or “follow” the Organization’s official page.
2. Adult Participants must not send private, instant, or direct messages to a Minor Athlete through social media platforms. 
3. The following exceptions apply to Section V:

i.   When a Dual Relationship exists; and/or

ii.  When the Close-In-Age Exception applies.

IN-PROGRAM TRAVEL AND LODGING AND RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTS 

Transportation

1. During In-Program Travel, observable and interruptible environments must be maintained.
2. An Adult Participant must not transport a Minor Athlete one-on-one during In-Program Travel and must always transport at least two Minor Athletes, who are at least 8 years of age, or another Adult Participant except: 

                 i.   In emergency circumstances;

                 ii.  When a Dual Relationship exists;

                 iii. When the Close-In-Age Exception applies; and/or

                 iv. The Minor Athlete’s parent/legal guardian has provided, at least annually, written consent

                      for the Adult Participant to transport the Minor Athlete one-on-one, which can be

                      withdrawn at any time.

1. Adult Participants who are parents/legal guardians of Minor Athletes must pick up their Minor Athlete first and drop off their Minor Athlete last in any shared or carpool travel arrangement. 
2. Prior to parents/guardians providing consent, said parent/guardian complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s education and training on child abuse.  

II.              Lodging and Residential Environments 

1. An Adult Participant must not share a lodging arrangement including, but not limited to hotel stays, rentals (i.e. Airbnb, VRBO, HomeToGo, etc.), and long-term residential environments, including lodging at training sites and Billeting, with an Athlete. 
2. During In-Program Travel, all In-Program Contact in a lodging arrangement including, but not limited to hotel stays, rentals (i.e. Airbnb, VRBO, HomeToGo, etc.), and long-term residential environments, including lodging at training sites and Billeting, between an Adult Participant and a Minor Athlete must be observable and interruptible.  
3. During In-Program Travel, when doing room checks, two-deep leadership (two Adult Participants should be present) and observable and interruptible environments must be maintained.
4. The following exceptions apply to II(a), (b), and (c):

                 i.  When a Dual Relationship exists, the Adult Participant is not a coach, and the 

                     Minor Athlete’s parent/legal guardian has provided advance, written consent for

                     the lodging arrangement; and/or

                 ii. When the Close-In-Age Exception applies, and the Minor Athlete’s parent/legal guardian

                     has provided advance, written consent for the lodging arrangement.

1. Minor Athletes should be paired to share a lodging arrangement including, but not limited to hotel stays, rentals (i.e. Airbnb, VRBO, HomeToGo, etc.), and long-term residential environments, including lodging at training sites and Billeting, with other Minor Athletes of the same competition category and of similar age.  
2. Adult Participants, including team managers and chaperones, who lodge with USA Swimming athletes must be USA Swimming non-athlete members of USA Swimming. 

III.             Written Consent 

A Minor Athlete’s parent/legal guardian must provide written consent, at least annually, for all InProgram Travel and lodging during In-Program Travel, which can be withdrawn at any time. 

IV.            Meetings

1. Meetings during In-Program Travel must be conducted consistent with the One-on-One Interactions section of this Policy (e.g., any such meeting must be observable and interruptible). 
2. Meetings must not be conducted in an Adult Participant or athlete’s hotel room or other overnight lodging location during In-Program Travel.
3. Prior to parents/guardians providing consent, said parent/guardian complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s education and training on child abuse.  

LOCKER ROOMS AND CHANGING AREAS

Requirement to Use Locker Room or Changing Area

The designated locker room or changing area must be used when an athlete or Adult Participant changes, in whole or in part, into or out of a swimsuit when wearing just one suit (e.g., deck changing is prohibited). 

II.              Observable and Interruptible

All In-Program Contact between Adult Participants and Minor Athletes in a locker room, changing area, or similar space must be observable and interruptible, except 

1. In emergency circumstances;
2. A Dual Relationship exists; and/or
3. The Close-In-Age exception applies.

III.             Private or Semi-Private Space for Minor Athletes

The Organization must provide a private or semi-private place for Minor Athletes that need to change clothes or undress at Events or Facilities Under the Partial or Full Jurisdiction of the Organization.

IV.            Use of Recording Devices

Use of any device’s (including a cell phone’s) recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras, and video cameras in locker rooms, changing areas, or similar spaces by a Minor Athlete or an Adult Participant is prohibited. 

V.              Undress

Adult Participants must not change clothes or behave in a manner that intentionally or recklessly exposes his or her breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals to a Minor Athlete under any circumstance. An Adult Participant must not request a Minor Athlete to expose the Minor Athlete’s breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals to the Adult Participant under any circumstance. Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to areas of the body exposed while wearing swimwear that conforms to the current concept appropriate for the individual’s competition category. 

VI.            Showers

1. Adult Participants must not shower with Minor Athletes unless

i. The Adult Participant meets the Close-in-Age Exception; and/or

ii. The shower is part of a pre-or post-activity rinse while wearing swimwear.

1. Parents/legal guardians may request in writing that their Minor Athlete(s) not change or shower with Adult Participants during In-Program Contact. The Organization must abide by such a request.

VII.           Monitoring

The Organization must regularly and randomly monitor the use of locker rooms and changing areas to ensure compliance with this Policy. Locker rooms and changing areas may be monitored by use of the following methods:

1. Conducting a sweep of the locker room or changing area before athletes arrive; 
2. Posting staff directly outside the locker room or changing area during periods of use; 
3. Leaving the doors open when adequate privacy is still possible; and/or
4. Making occasional sweeps of the locker rooms or changing areas with women checking on female locker rooms and men checking on male locker rooms. 

Every effort must be made to recognize when a Minor Athlete goes to the locker room or changing area during practice and competition, and if the Minor Athlete does not return in a timely fashion, to check on the Minor Athlete’s whereabouts. 

VIII.

Media and Championship Celebrations in Locker Rooms

Organization may permit recording or photography in locker rooms to highlight a sport or athletic accomplishment if: 

    a. Parent/legal guardian consent has been obtained, when possible; and

    b. Organization approves the specific instance of recording or photography; and 11

    c. Two or more Adult Participants are present; and d. Everyone is fully clothed.

    d. If a parent/legal guardian enters a locker room or changing area, it must only be a parent/legal guardian of the same competition category and the parent/legal guardian should notify a coach or administrator in advance.  

MANUAL THERAPY, THERAPEUTIC, AND RECOVERY MODALITIES

General Requirement

Any In-Program Massage performed on an athlete must be conducted in an observable and interruptible location and must be performed by a licensed massage therapist or other certified professional. However, even if a coach is a licensed massage therapist, the coach must not perform a rubdown or massage of an athlete under any circumstance. 

Any In-Program Massage performed on an athlete must be conducted in an observable and interruptible location and performed by a licensed massage therapist or other certified professionals. However, even if a coach is a licensed massage therapist, the coach must not perform a rubdown or massage of an athlete under any circumstance. 

1. Additional Minor Athlete Requirements
2. Written consent by a parent/legal guardian must be obtained in advance, at least annually, by the licensed massage therapist or another certified professional which can be withdrawn at any time. 
3. Parents/legal guardians must be allowed to observe the Massage, except for competition or training venues that limit credentialing. 
4. Any Massage of a Minor Athlete must be done with at least one other Adult Participant physically present and must never be done with only the Minor Athlete and the person performing the Massage in the room. 
5. Any Massage of a Minor Athlete must be performed with the Minor Athlete fully or partially clothed, ensuring that the breasts, buttocks, groin or genitals are always covered. Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to areas of the body exposed while wearing swimwear that conforms to the current concept appropriate for the individual’s competition category.
6. The provider must narrate the steps in the modality before taking them, seeking consent of the Minor Athlete throughout the process. 
7. Prior to parents/guardians providing consent, said parent/guardian complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s education and training on child abuse.  
8. Any Massage of a Minor Athlete must only occur after a proper diagnosis from a treating physician and be done in the course of care according to the physician’s treatment plan. 

APPENDIX A [REQUIRED BY U.S. CENTER FOR SAFESPORT FOR INCLUSION AS APPENDIX TO THE USA SWIMMING MINOR ATHLETE ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY] ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATION & TRAINING AND PREVENTION POLICIES All NGBs, LAOs, and the USOPC (the “Organization”) must implement proactive policies designed to prevent abuse. These organizational requirements are described below. A. Organizational Requirements for Education & Training 1. 2. 3. USA Swimming must track whether Adult Participants under its jurisdiction complete the required training listed in Part I. USA Swimming must, every 12 months, offer and, subject to parental consent, give training to minor athletes on the prevention and reporting of child abuse. a. b. For training to Minor Athletes, USA Swimming must track a description of the training and how the training was offered and provided to Minor Athletes. USA Swimming is not required to track individual course completions of Minor Athletes. USA Swimming must, every 12 months,  , offer training to parents on the prevention and reporting of child abuse. a. b. For training to parents, USA Swimming must track a description of the training and how the training was offered and provided to parents. USA Swimming is not required to track individual course completions of parents. B. Required Prevention Policies and Implementation 1. 2. 3. 4. USA Swimming must develop minor athlete abuse prevention policies to limit one-on-one interactions between Minor Athletes and Adult Participants. These policies must contain the mandatory components of the Center’s model policies in Part III. These model policies cover: a. Meetings  b. Individual Training Sessions c. Manual Therapy, Therapeutic, and Recovery Modalities d. Locker rooms and changing areas e. Electronic communications f. Transportation g. Lodging and Residential Environments The policies must be approved by the Center as described in subsection (C) below. The policies may include the recommended components in Part III and the recommended policies in Part IV. Given the uniqueness of each sport, however, some recommended components or policies may not be feasible or appropriate. An Organization may choose to implement stricter standards than the model policies. USA Swimming must also require that its LAOs implement these policies within each LAO. USA Swimming, Zones, LSCs and member clubs must implement these policies for all In-Program Contact. a. b. c. At sanctioned events and facilities partially or fully under its jurisdiction, the organization  must take steps to ensure the policies are implemented and followed. For In-Program Contact that occurs outside an Organization’s sanctioned event or facilities, implementing these policies means: i. Communicating the policies to individuals under its jurisdiction; ii. iii. Establishing a reporting mechanism for violations of the policies; Investigating and enforcing violations of the policies. 14 USA Swimming must have a reporting mechanism to accept reports that an Adult Participant is violating the Organization’s minor athlete abuse prevention policies. USA Swimming must appropriately investigate and resolve any reports received, unless the violation is reported to the Center and it exercises jurisdiction over the report. This requirement is in addition to requirements to report abuse under the SafeSport Code. C. Policy Approval and Submission Process 1. 2. 3. USA Swimming may adopt the mandatory minimum requirements of the MAAPP as-is or adapt it to fit their needs. Regardless, each Organization must submit their policies to the Center at compliance@safesport.org for review and approval by April 1, 2024. The Center will approve, approve with modifications, or deny the policies. If the Center denies the proposed policy, the mandatory components of Part III become the default policy until the Center approves the policy. USA Swimming must require their LAOs to incorporate the mandatory components of Part III. USA Swimming may require that their LAOs implement the USA Swimming’s policies, which may be more stringent than the policies in Part III. The mandatory components of Part III will serve as the default policy for any organization that fails to develop its own policy as required by this section. Any changes made to USA Swimming’s MAAPP after the policy is approved must be submitted to the Center for approval. The previously approved MAAPP will remain in effect until written approval is provided to USA Swimming from the Center. 

Policy Standards:

1. The Safe Sports guidelines shall serve as the reference for all policy standards about locker room supervision.
2. The safety and well-being of athletes shall be the top priority during general public hours and club practice times.

Procedure for Locker Room Supervision:

1. All athletes entering the locker rooms shall promptly inform the coaching staff of their presence, enabling coaches to be aware of individuals in the locker room.
2. Before departing, the coach or a designated parent shall thoroughly inspect the locker room to ensure that all athletes have left the premises, thereby maintaining a secure environment.

Bathroom Breaks during Practice:

1. Athletes must notify coaches of their intention to use the bathroom facilities during practice.
2. The coach shall allocate a specific time frame, allowing athletes ample time to utilize the facilities.
3. If an athlete exceeds the designated time frame, the coach or a designated parent volunteer shall promptly investigate the delay to ensure the athlete's well-being.

Locker Room Escort Policy:

1. Athletes aged 3-8 shall be accompanied by a team member, a member of their family, or a designated team parent when entering the locker rooms.
2. Athletes aged 9-12 can enter the locker rooms independently; however, they are strongly encouraged to have a buddy accompany them for added safety.
3. Athletes aged 13-17 are permitted to enter the locker rooms unaccompanied, but they are encouraged to have a buddy for enhanced security.

Parental Information:

1. All parents shall receive comprehensive information regarding the Safe Sport standards implemented to ensure the safety of all athletes.
2. Parents shall be educated on the proper supervision practices during general public hours at a public pool.

This policy aims to uphold the principles of Safe Sports and ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all athletes within the locker room and during bathroom breaks.

Locker Room Monitoring Procedure and Handling Misconduct

Purpose: The Locker Room Monitoring Procedure aims to ensure the safety, privacy, and appropriate behavior of individuals utilizing the locker room facilities within the club. It outlines the steps for monitoring and addressing misconduct to maintain a secure and respectful environment for all participants.

• Designated Monitor: 
• a. The club designates responsible individuals, such as coaches, staff members, or appointed volunteers, to serve as locker room monitors. 
• b. The designated monitors should undergo appropriate training on safeguarding and privacy protocols.
• Monitor Responsibilities: 
• a. The locker room monitor should be present in or around the locker room area during designated times, such as before and after practices, competitions, or team events. 
• b. The monitor should ensure that all individuals entering the locker room have the necessary authorization, such as club membership or participant identification. 
• c. The monitor should maintain a professional demeanor, respect privacy, and follow confidentiality guidelines. 
• d. The monitor should observe and report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior to the appropriate club officials.
• Privacy and Security: 
• a. Locker rooms should have clear signage indicating that they are private areas and unauthorized access is prohibited. 
• b. Locker room entrances should have appropriate security measures, such as lockable doors or access control systems, to prevent unauthorized entry. 
• c. Locker room facilities should be regularly inspected to ensure proper functioning, cleanliness, and maintenance.
• Reporting and Documentation: 
• a. Any observed or reported incidents of misconduct, harassment, or inappropriate behavior within the locker room should be promptly reported to the club management or designated officials. b. Reports should include details of the incident, the individuals involved or affected, and any witnesses present. c. Confidentiality should be maintained throughout the reporting and investigation process, sharing information only with relevant parties on a need-to-know basis.
• Handling Misconduct: a. Upon receiving a report of misconduct, the club management or designated officials should initiate an investigation promptly. b. The investigation should be conducted in a fair and impartial manner, ensuring confidentiality and sensitivity to the parties involved. c. If the investigation reveals evidence of misconduct, appropriate disciplinary actions should be taken, which may include warning, suspension, or termination of club membership, depending on the severity and frequency of the misconduct. d. The individuals affected by the misconduct should be provided with appropriate support and resources, such as counseling services or referrals, if necessary. e. If the reported misconduct involves criminal behavior, the club should cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities and follow legal procedures accordingly.
• Communication and Education: a. The club should communicate the Locker Room Monitoring Procedure to all members, participants, and their parents/legal guardians, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment. b. Regular education and awareness programs should be conducted for athletes, parents, coaches, and staff members on appropriate behavior, harassment prevention, and reporting procedures.
• Policy Review: a. The Locker Room Monitoring Procedure should be periodically reviewed and updated to align with industry best practices and legal requirements. b. Feedback from club members, participants, and parents/legal guardians should be encouraged to improve the effectiveness of the procedure.

By implementing this Locker Room Monitoring Procedure, the club aims to ensure the well-being, privacy, and security of individuals utilizing the locker room facilities, while addressing and appropriately handling any instances of misconduct or inappropriate behavior.