In an effort to address the mounting concern over the safety of its underage athletes, USA Swimming has launched two initiatives.
The first, a new online abuse prevention training program designed specifically for its young athletes, defines sexual abuse and what to do if someone violates physical, emotional or behavioral boundaries. The Safe Sport abuse prevention training is presented in nine short video sections. The organization had previously released similar training for non-athlete members, including coaches, volunteers and officials, as well as for parents of young athletes.
The organization’s Athletes’ Executive Committee also has developed travel policies and procedures for all underage athletes attending meetings or conventions. The most important aspect of these policies is the requirement of a designated adult chaperone for every traveling athlete. The athlete and the responsible chaperone will be required to acknowledge, in writing, their respective responsibilities prior to any trip.
