SAFESPORT


U.S. FIGURE SKATING LAUNCHES SAFESPORT PROGRAM


U.S. Figure Skating strives to provide a


safe environment for its members and to pro- tect the opportunity of its members to partici- pate in the sport in an atmosphere that is free of harassment and abusive practices. The U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport Program provides re- sources for all members to help identify abuse and misconduct, outlines steps that can be taken to reduce both and off ers procedures to respond to them. There are many positive reasons to partic-


ipate in fi gure skating, but like all sports, it can also an environment where misconduct can occur: emotional, physical, sexual, bullying, harassment and hazing. All forms of miscon- duct are unacceptable and in direct violation with U.S. Figure Skating rules. The new U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport


Program, supported by the Professional Skat- ers Association, was formally launched in May at the annual Governing Council meeting. SafeSport was originally cre- ated by the U.S. Olympic Committee, and U.S. Figure Skating has adapted the USOC’s program to create its own program, which includes poli- cies that will apply to all U.S. Figure Skating clubs, programs, events and activities. The U.S. Figure Skating


SafeSport Program addresses the following types of abuse, harass- ment and misconduct: • Sexual abuse and misconduct • Physical abuse and misconduct • Emotional abuse and misconduct • Bullying, threats and harassment • Hazing • Willfully tolerating misconduct The association will not tolerate or con-


ize themselves with each form of abuse and misconduct and refrain from engaging in such misconduct. What Can Your Club Do? Five Simple Steps: 1. Appoint a SafeSport Compliance Chair


to your local club board who will serve as the primary contact for U.S. Figure Skating; over- see the implementation of the SafeSport Pro- gram; assist in fostering a safe, healthy and positive environment for your members; ver- ify coach compliance with U.S. Figure Skating rules; and disseminate information on best practices. 2. Adopt and implement the SafeSport policies found within the SafeSport Handbook


Policies


Prohibiting Abuse and Misconduct


Monitoring


and Supervision of SafeSport Program


• SafeSport travel guidelines • Codes of conduct for skaters, parents, coaches and club board members


3. Select at least three persons within the


club to complete the SafeSport Training devel- oped by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). For more information or to register for SafeSport Training, go to www.safesport.org. 4. Communicate and educate your mem- bers on the defi nitions of abuse and miscon- duct and ask everyone to help monitor and govern areas where potential abuse and mis- conduct could occur. 5. When in doubt, report — if you sus-


Education and Awareness Training


pect abuse or misconduct or have specifi c and credible information about inappropriate behavior, it is your duty as a member of U.S. Figure Skating to report it under GR 1.03. Based upon the severity of the incident, the report should be directed to the local authorities, U.S. Figure Skating and/or your club’s SafeSport compliance chair. For more information on reporting, please go to www.usfi gureskating. org/safesport, then “Clubs” and “SafeSport,” or send an email to safesport@usfi gureskating.org. Resources For more information, please go


Responding to Reports of Abuse


Reporting Concerns of Abuse


done any form of harassment or abuse of any of its members including athletes, coaches, offi cials, directors, employees, parents, volun- teers or any other persons while they are par- ticipating in or preparing for a fi gure skating activity or event conducted under the auspic- es of U.S. Figure Skating. Everyone can play a role in preventing


abuse and reducing misconduct in sport. All U.S. Figure Skating members should familiar-


Mandatory


Background Screening


to www.usfi gureskating.org/safes- port to fi nd all of the U.S. Figure


Skating SafeSport Program Resourc- es including:


• U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport Hand- book — includes SafeSport policies and guidelines


• U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport brochures to distribute to members


that are applicable to your club and facility to reduce the risks of potential abuse: • Athlete protection and commitment to safety


• Two-deep leadership and appropriate supervision


• Locker room and changing room policy • Social media, mobile and electronic communications policy


“U.S. Figure Skating is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for our members’ physical, emotional and social development and ensuring it promotes an environment free from abuse and misconduct. Through the U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport Program, U.S. Figure Skating is committed to providing the safest possible environment for all participants.” — Patricia St. Peter, president, U.S. Figure Skating


20 MAY 2013


• How to Make a Report • Link to SafeSport Training • Links to State Reporting Laws


For more information on the SafeSport Pro-


gram, contact Susi Wehrli-McLaughlin, senior director of membership at U.S. Figure Skating, at swehrli@usfi gureskating.org.


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