Safe Sport Policy
SafeSport Policy and Participant Safety Handbook
Approved November 2021
As a US Rowing member organization, Arlington-Belmont Crew (AB Crew) has adopted the following athlete safety program. The policy prohibits and defines the following conduct:
- Criminal Charges or Dispositions
- Child Abuse
- Sexual Misconduct
- Emotional and Physical Misconduct, including Stalking, Bullying, Hazing, and Harassment
- Aiding and Abetting
- Misconduct Related to Reporting
- Misconduct Related to the Center’s Process
- Other Inappropriate Conduct
- Violation of Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies / Proactive Policies
The AB Crew program is designed to assure athletes’ safety at the cage, erg room, on the water, and at all events, promoting an environment free from bullying, hazing, harassment (including sexual harassment), emotional misconduct, physical misconduct and sexual misconduct (including child sexual abuse).
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Our policies and procedures require coaches, Board members, and/or volunteers to report abuse, misconduct, and violations of this Participant Safety Handbook. To do so, coaches and/or volunteers (volunteer coaches, parent chaperones, referees, other volunteers) should have a basic understanding of sexual abusers, as well as “grooming,” the most common strategy offenders use to seduce their victims. Using a combination of attention, affection and gifts, offenders select a child, win the child’s trust (and the trust of the child’s parent or guardian), manipulate the child into sexual activity, and keep the child from disclosing abuse.
Accordingly, all coaches must complete online awareness training concerning misconduct in sport before performing services for AB Crew. All AB Crew members, parents, and volunteers are also encourages to complete the training.
APPLICANT SCREENING
Staff members, contractors and/or volunteers must consent to, and pass, a formal Applicant screening process before performing services for AB Crew.
Elements of our screening process may include, as applicable, successful completion of an application, interview, reference check and criminal background check.
PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Approved November 2021
As a US Rowing member organization, Arlington-Belmont Crew (AB Crew) has adopted the following athlete safety program. The policy prohibits and defines the following conduct:
- Criminal Charges or Dispositions
- Child Abuse
- Sexual Misconduct
- Emotional and Physical Misconduct, including Stalking, Bullying, Hazing, and Harassment
- Aiding and Abetting
- Misconduct Related to Reporting
- Misconduct Related to the Center’s Process
- Other Inappropriate Conduct
- Violation of Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies / Proactive Policies
The AB Crew program is designed to assure athletes’ safety at the cage, erg room, on the water, and at all events, promoting an environment free from bullying, hazing, harassment (including sexual harassment), emotional misconduct, physical misconduct and sexual misconduct (including child sexual abuse).
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Our policies and procedures require coaches, Board members, and/or volunteers to report abuse, misconduct, and violations of this Participant Safety Handbook. To do so, coaches and/or volunteers (volunteer coaches, parent chaperones, referees, other volunteers) should have a basic understanding of sexual abusers, as well as “grooming,” the most common strategy offenders use to seduce their victims. Using a combination of attention, affection and gifts, offenders select a child, win the child’s trust (and the trust of the child’s parent or guardian), manipulate the child into sexual activity, and keep the child from disclosing abuse.
Accordingly, all coaches must complete online awareness training concerning misconduct in sport before performing services for AB Crew. All AB Crew members, parents, and volunteers are also encouraged to complete the training.
APPLICANT SCREENING
Staff members, contractors and/or volunteers must consent to, and pass, a formal Applicant screening process before performing services for AB Crew.
Elements of our screening process may include, as applicable, successful completion of an application, interview, reference check and criminal background check.
PROHIBITED CONDUCT
A. Criminal Charge or Disposition
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to have a Criminal Charge or Disposition.
Criminal Conduct is relevant to an individual’s fitness to participate in sport. The age of a Criminal Charge or Disposition is not relevant to whether a violation of the Code occurred, but may be considered for sanctioning purposes. The Center reviews Criminal Charges or Dispositions involving sexual misconduct or child abuse de novo; any prior consideration or finding by an NGB, LAO, or the USOPC regarding a Criminal Disposition involving sexual misconduct or child abuse is not relevant to the Center’s determination.
1. Definitions
a, Criminal Disposition
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to be or have been subject to any disposition or resolution of a criminal proceeding, other than an adjudication of not guilty, including, but not limited to: an adjudication of guilt or admission to a criminal violation, a plea to the charge or a lesser included offense, a plea of no contest, any plea analogous to an Alford or Kennedy plea, the disposition of the proceeding through a diversionary program, deferred adjudication, deferred prosecution, disposition of supervision, conditional dismissal, juvenile delinquency adjudication, or similar arrangement.
b. Criminal Charge, including Warrant for Arrest
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to have any pending criminal charge(s) or warrant(s) for arrest.
When assessing whether conduct constitutes a Criminal Charge or Disposition, the Center may assess and rely upon the original charges, amended charges, or those to which a plea was entered.
2. Sex Offender Registry
A Participant who is currently on any state, federal, territorial, or tribal sex offender registry is ineligible to participate.
3. Hearing Related to Criminal Charge or Disposition
A Participant who wishes to challenge the Center’s decision related to a Criminal Charge or Disposition may request a hearing concerning the sanction only pursuant to Rule-14.
If the Center renders a Decision regarding a Participant’s Criminal Charge or Disposition, and that Charge or Disposition is subsequently modified by a criminal court, the Participant may request that the matter be reopened by the Center, pursuant to Section XI(R). In instances where a pending criminal charge(s) resolves, in that the charge(s) is eventuallydismissed, results in an acquittal, or results in a Criminal Disposition as defined above, a Respondent’s request to reopen will always be granted and a new Decision issued.
B. Child Abuse
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to engage in Child Abuse.
C. Sexual Misconduct
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to engage in Sexual Misconduct. Sexual Misconduct offenses include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual or Gender-related Harassment
- Non-consensual Sexual Contact (or attempts to commit the same)
- Non-consensual Sexual Intercourse (or attempts to commit the same)
- Sexual Exploitation
- Bullying or hazing, or other inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature.
1. Sexual or Gender-related Harassment
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether verbal, non-verbal, graphic, physical, or otherwise, when the conditions outlined in (a) or (b) below are present:
Sexual harassment includes harassment related to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, which may include acts of aggression, intimidation, or hostility, whether verbal or non
verbal, graphic, physical, or otherwise, even if the acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature, when the conditions outlined in (a) or (b), below, are present.
a. Submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of any person’s employment, standing in sport, or participation in Events, sports programs or activities; or when submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for sporting decisions affecting the individual (often referred to as “quid pro quo” harassment); or
b. Such conduct creates a hostile environment. A “hostile environment” exists when the conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive such that it interferes with, limits, or deprives any individual of the opportunity to participate in any program or activity. Conduct must be deemed severe, persistent, or pervasive from both asubjective and an objective perspective.
Whether a hostile environment exists depends on the totality of known circumstances, including, but not limited to:
i. The frequency, nature, and severity of the conduct;
ii. Whether the conduct was physically threatening;
iii. The effect of the conduct on the Claimant’s mental or emotional state;
iv. Whether the conduct was directed at more than one person;
v. Whether the conduct arose in the context of other discriminatory conduct;
vi. Whether the conduct unreasonably interfered with any person’s educational or work performance or sport programs or activities; and
vii. Whether the conduct implicates concerns related to protected speech.
A hostile environment can be created by persistent or pervasive conduct or by a single or isolated incident that is sufficiently severe. The more severe the conduct, the less need there is to show a repetitive series of incidents to prove a hostile environment, particularly if the conduct is physical. A single incident of sexual contact without Consent, for example, may be sufficiently severe to constitute a hostile environment. In contrast, the perceived offensiveness of a single verbal or written expression, standing alone, is typically not sufficient to constitute a hostile environment.
2. Nonconsensual Sexual Contact
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to engage in Sexual Contact without Consent.
Sexual Contact is any intentional touching of a sexual nature, however slight, with any object or body part (as described below), by a person upon another person.
Sexual Contact includes but is not limited to: (a) kissing, (b) intentional touching of the breasts, buttocks, groin or genitals, whether clothed or unclothed, or intentionally touching of another with any of these body parts; and (c) making another touch themselves, the Participant, or someone else with or on any of these body parts.
3. Nonconsensual Sexual Intercourse
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to engage in Sexual Intercourse without Consent.
Sexual intercourse is any penetration, however slight, with any object or body part (as described below), by a person upon another person.
Sexual Intercourse includes (a) vaginal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger; (b) anal penetration bya penis, object, tongue, or finger; and (c) any contact, no matter how slight, between the mouth of one person and the genitalia of another person.
4. Sexual Exploitation
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to engage in Sexual Exploitation. Sexual Exploitation occurs when a Participant purposely or knowingly:
a. Allows third parties to observe private sexual activity from a hidden location (e.g., closet) or through electronic means (e.g., Skype or live streaming of images) without Consent of all partiesinvolved in the sexual activity.
b. Records or photographs private sexual activity or a person’s intimate parts (including genitalia, groin, breasts or buttocks) without Consent of all parties in the recording or photo.
c. Engages in voyeurism (e.g., watching private sexual activity or viewing another person’s intimate parts when that person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy), without Consent of all parties being viewed.
d. Disseminates, shows or posts images of private sexual activity or a person’s intimate parts (including genitalia, groin, breasts or buttocks) without prior Consent of the person depicted in the images.
e. Intentionally exposes another person to a sexually transmitted infection or virus without that person’s knowledge.
f. Engages in prostituting or trafficking another person.
5. Bullying, Hazing, or Other Inappropriate Conduct of a Sexual Nature
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to engage in bullying, hazing, and other inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature, as further defined in the corresponding sections below.
D. Emotional and Physical Misconduct
It is a Code violation for a Participant to engage in emotional or physical misconduct, when that misconduct occurs within a context that is reasonably related to sport, which includes, without limitation:
- Emotional Misconduct
- Physical Misconduct
- Bullying Behaviors
- Hazing
- Harassment.
1. Emotional Misconduct
Emotional Misconduct includes (a) Verbal Acts, (b) Physical Acts, (c) Acts that Deny Attention or Support, (d) Criminal Conduct, or (e) Stalking. Emotional Misconduct is determined by the objective behaviors, not whether harm is intended or results from the behavior.
a. Verbal Acts
Repeatedly and excessively verbally assaulting or attacking someone personally in a mannerthat serves no productive training or motivational purpose.
b. Physical Acts
Repeated or severe physically aggressive behaviors, including but not limited to, throwing sport equipment, water bottles or chairs at or in the presence of others, punching walls, windows or other objects.
c. Acts that Deny Attention or Support
Ignoring or isolating a person for extended periods of time, including routinely or arbitrarily excluding a Participant from practice.
d. Criminal Conduct
Emotional Misconduct includes any act or conduct described as emotional abuse or misconduct under federal or state law (e.g., child abuse, child neglect).
e. Stalking
Stalking occurs when a person purposefully engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person, and knows or should know, that the course of conduct would cause a reasonable person to (i) fear for their safety, (ii) the safety of a third person, or (iii) to experience substantial emotional distress.
“Course of conduct” means at least two or more acts, in which a person directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about another person, or interferes with another person’s property. “Substantial emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or anguish.
Stalking also includes “cyber-stalking,” wherein a person stalks another using electronic media, such as the internet, social networks, blogs, cell phones, texts, or other similar devices or forms of contact.
f. Exclusion
Emotional Misconduct does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team building, appropriate discipline or improved Athlete performance. Emotional Misconduct also does not include conduct reasonably accepted as part of sport or conduct reasonably accepted as part of Participant’s participation.
2. Physical Misconduct
Physical Misconduct is any intentional contact or non-contact behavior that causes, or reasonably threatens to cause, physical harm to another person.
Examples of physical misconduct may include, without limitation:
a. Contact violations
Punching, beating, biting, striking, strangling or slapping another; intentionally hitting another with objects, such as sporting equipment; encouraging or knowingly permitting an Athlete to return to play prematurely following a serious injury (e.g., a concussion) and without the clearance of a medical professional.
b. Non-contact violations
Isolating a person in a confined space, such as locking an Athlete in a small space; forcing an Athlete to assume a painful stance or position for no athletic purpose (e.g., requiring an athlete to kneel on a harmful surface); withholding, recommending against, or denying adequate hydration, nutrition, medical attention or sleep; providing alcohol to a person under the legal drinking age; providing illegal drugs or non prescribed medications to another.
c. Criminal Conduct
Physical Misconduct includes any act or conduct described as physical abuse or misconduct under federal or state law (e.g., child abuse, child neglect, assault).
d. Exclusion
Physical Misconduct does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team building, appropriate discipline, or improved Athlete performance. For example, hitting, punching and kicking are well-regulated forms of contact in combat sports, but have no place in swimming. Physical Misconduct also does not include conduct reasonably accepted as part of sport or conduct reasonably accepted as part of Participant’s participation.
3. Bullying Behavior
Repeated or severe behavior(s) that are (a) aggressive (b) directed at a Minor, and (c) intended or likely to hurt, control, or diminish the Minor emotionally, physically or sexually. Bullying-like behaviors directed at adults are addressed under other forms of misconduct, such as Hazing or Harassment. Examples of bullying behavior may include, without limitation, repeated or severe:
a. Physical
Hitting, pushing, punching, beating, biting, striking, kicking, strangling, slapping, spitting at, or throwing objects (such as sporting equipment) at another person.
b. Verbal
Ridiculing, taunting, name-calling or intimidating or threatening to cause someone harm.
c. Social, including cyberbullying
Use of rumors or false statements about someone to diminish that person’s reputation; using electronic communications, social media or other technology to harass, frighten, intimidate or humiliate someone; socially excluding someone and asking others to do the same.
d. Sexual
Ridiculing or taunting that is sexual in nature or based on gender or sexual orientation (real or perceived), gender traits or behavior, or teasing someone about their looks or behavior as it relates to sexual attractiveness.
e. Criminal Conduct
Bullying Behavior includes any conduct described as bullying under federal or state law.
f. Exclusion
Conduct may not rise to the level of Bullying Behavior if it is merely rude (inadvertently saying or doing something hurtful), mean (purposefully saying or doing something hurtful, but not as part of a pattern of behavior), or arising from conflict or struggle between persons who perceive they have incompatible views or positions. Bullying does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team building, appropriate discipline, or improved Athlete performance.
4. Hazing
Any conduct that subjects another person, whether physically, mentally, emotionally or psychologically, to anything that may endanger, abuse, humiliate, degrade orintimidate the person as
a condition of joining or being socially accepted by a group, team, or organization. Purported Consent by the person subjected to Hazing is not a defense, regardless of the person’s perceived willingness to cooperate or participate.
Examples of Hazing include:
a. Contact acts
Tying, taping or otherwise physically restraining another person; beating, paddling or other forms of physical assault.
b. Non-contact acts
Requiring or forcing the consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs or other substances, including participation in binge drinking and drinking games; personal servitude; requiring social actions (e.g., wearing inappropriate or provocative clothing) or public displays (e.g.,, public nudity) that are illegal or meant to draw ridicule; excessive training requirements demanded of only particular individuals on a team that serve no reasonable or productive training purpose; sleep deprivation; otherwise unnecessary schedule disruptions; withholding of water or food; restrictions on personal hygiene.
c. Sexualized acts
Actual or simulated conduct of a sexual nature.
d. Criminal acts
Any act or conduct that constitutes hazing under applicable federal or state law.
e. Exclusion
Conduct may not rise to the level of Hazing if it is merely rude (inadvertently saying or doing something hurtful), mean (purposefully saying or doing something hurtful, but not as part of a pattern of behavior), or arising from conflict or struggle between persons who perceive they have incompatible views or positions. Hazing does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team building, appropriate discipline, or improved Athlete performance.
5. Harassment
Repeated or severe conduct that (a) causes fear, humiliation or annoyance, (b) offends or degrades, (c) creates a hostile environment (as defined above), or (d) reflects discriminatory bias in an attempt to establish dominance, superiority or power over an individual or group based on age, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, national origin, or mental or physical disability; or (e) any act or conduct described as harassment under federal or state law. Whether conduct is harassing depends on the totality of the circumstances, including the nature, frequency, intensity, location, context, and duration of the behavior.
Conduct may not rise to the level of Harassment if it is merely rude (inadvertently saying or doing something hurtful), mean (purposefully saying or doing something hurtful, but not as part of a pattern of behavior), or arising from conflict or struggle between persons who perceive they have incompatible views or positions. Harassment does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team building, appropriate discipline, or improved Athlete performance.
E. Aiding and Abetting
Aiding and Abetting occurs when one aids, assists, facilitates, promotes, or encourages the commission of Prohibited Conduct by a Participant, including but not limited to, knowingly:
- Allowing any person who has been identified as suspended or otherwise ineligible by the Center to be in any way associated with or employed by an organization affiliated with or holding itself out as affiliated with an NGB, LAO, the USOPC, or the Olympic & Paralympic Movement;
- Allowing any person who has been identified as suspended or otherwise ineligible by the Center to coach or instruct Participants;
- Allowing any person who has been identified as ineligible by the Center to have ownership interest in a facility, an organization, or its related entities, if that facility/organization/related entity is affiliated with or holds itself out as affiliated with an NGB, LAO, the USOPC, or the Olympic & Paralympic Movement;
- Providing any coaching-related advice or service to an Athlete who has been identified as suspended or otherwise ineligible by the Center;
- Allowing any person to violate the terms of their suspension or any other sanctions imposed by the Center.
In addition, a Participant also violates the Code if someone acts on behalf of the Participant to engage in Aiding or Abetting, or if the guardian, family member, or Advisor of a Participant, including Minor Participants, engages inAiding or Abetting.
F. Misconduct Related to Reporting
1. Failure to Report
An Adult Participant who fails to report actual or suspected Sexual Misconduct or Child Abuse to the Center and, when appropriate, to law enforcement may be subject to disciplinary action under the Center’s resolution procedures and may also be subject to federal or state penalties.
a. The obligation to report is broader than reporting a pending charge or criminal arrest of a Participant; it requires reporting to the Center any conduct which, if true, would constitute Sexual Misconduct or Child Abuse. The obligation to report to the Center is an ongoing one and is not satisfied simply by making an initial report. The obligation includes reporting, on a timely basis, all information of which an Adult Participant becomes aware, including the names of witnesses, third-party reporters, and Claimants.
b. The obligation to report includes personally identifying information of a potential Claimant to the extent known at the time of the report, as well as a duty to reasonably supplement the report as to identifying information learned at a later time.
c. Participants should not investigate or attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of allegations involving Sexual Misconduct or Child Abuse. Participants making a good faith report are not required to prove the reports are true before reporting.
2. Intentionally Filing a False Allegation
In addition to constituting misconduct, filing a knowingly false allegation that a Participant engaged in Prohibited Conduct may violate state criminal law and civil defamation laws. Any Participant making a knowingly false allegation in a matter over which the Center exercises jurisdiction shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Center.
a. An allegation is false if the events reported did not occur, and the person making the report knows the events did not occur.
b. A false allegation is different from an unsubstantiated allegation; an unsubstantiated allegation means there is insufficient supporting evidence to determine whether an allegation is true or false. Absent demonstrable misconduct, an unsubstantiated allegation alone is not grounds for a Code violation.
G. Misconduct Related to the Center’s Process
The behaviors identified below constitute Prohibited Conduct and may give rise to a sanction. In addition, a Participant also violates the Code if someone acts on behalf of the Participant and engages in any of the following Prohibited Conduct, including a Participant’s
Advisor, or the guardian, or family member of a Minor Participant. In such a case, the Participant and, if the party acting on behalf of the Participant is also a Participant, that person, may be sanctioned.
1. Abuse of Process
A Participant, or someone acting on behalf of a Participant, violates this Code by directly or indirectly abusing or interfering with the Center’s process by: (a) falsifying, distorting, or misrepresenting information, the resolution process, or an outcome; (b) destroying or concealing information; (c) attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the Center’s processes; (d) harassing or intimidating (verbally or physically) any person involved in the Center’s processes before, during, or following proceedings (including up to, through, and after any review by an arbitrator); (e) publicly disclosing a Claimant’s identifying information3; (f) failing to comply with a temporary measure or other sanction; (g) distributing or otherwise publicizing materials created or produced during an investigation or Arbitration as apart of these policies or procedures, except as required by law or as expressly permitted by the Center; or (h) influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit abuse of process.
2. Retaliation
Retaliation against anyone for engaging in the Center’s processes is prohibited.
A Participant, someone acting on behalf of a Participant, an NGB, LAO, the USOPC or any organization under the Center’s jurisdiction shall not take an adverse action against any person for making a good faith report of a possible Code violation to the Center or other relevant organization as identified herein or for participating in any process under this Code.
Retaliation includes threatening, intimidating, harassing, coercing or any other conduct that would discourage a reasonable person from engaging or participating in the Center’s processes when the action is reasonably related to the report or engagement with the Center. Retaliation may be present even where there is a finding that no violation occurred.
Retaliation does not include good-faith actions lawfully pursued in response to a report of a Code violation.
H. Other Inappropriate Conduct
1. Intimate Relationship
An Adult Participant violates this Code by engaging in an intimate or romantic relationship where a Power Imbalance exists.
An Intimate or Romantic relationship is a close personal relationship—other than a familial relationship—that exists independently and outside of the sport relationship. Whether a relationship is intimate is based on the totality of the circumstances, including: regular contact or interactions outside of or unrelated to the sport relationship (electronically or in person), the parties’ emotional connectedness, the exchange of gifts, ongoing physical or intimate contact or sexual activity, identity as a couple, the sharing of sensitive personal information, or intimate knowledge about each other’s lives outside the sport relationship.
2. Exposing a Minor to Sexual Content / Imagery
An Adult Participant violates this Code by intentionally exposing a Minor to content or imagery of a sexual nature, including but not limited to, pornography, sexual comment(s), sexual gestures, or sexual situation(s).
This provision does not exclude the possibility that similar behavior between Adults could constitute Sexual Harassment, as defined in the Code.
3. Intentional Exposure of Private Areas
An Adult Participant violates this Code by intentionally exposing breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals, or induces another to do so, to an Adult when there is a Power Imbalance, or to a Minor.
4. Inappropriate Physical Contact
An Adult Participant violates this Code by engaging in inappropriate physical contact with a Participant when there is a Power Imbalance. Such inappropriate contact includes, but is not limited to, intentionally:
a. touching, slapping, or otherwise contacting the buttocks or genitals of a Participant;
b. excessively touching or hugging a Participant;
c. kissing a Participant.
5. Willful Tolerance
A Participant violates this Code by willfully tolerating any form of Prohibited Misconduct, when there is a Power Imbalance between that Participant and the individual(s) who are being subjected to the Prohibited Conduct.
I. Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies /Proactive Policies
It is a violation of the Code for a Participant to violate any provision of the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies or other proactive policies adopted by the NGBs, LAOs, or the USOPC. Proactive policies set standards for professional boundaries, minimize the appearance of impropriety, and have the effect of preventing boundary violations and prohibiting grooming tactics.4 Tailored to a specific sport, context, legal structure or constituency, such policies may address overnight travel rules (e.g., preventing unrelated Adult Participants and Minors from sharing rooms under specified circumstances), massages and rubdowns, social media and electronic communications, photography, locker rooms, one-on one meetings and gifting.
REPORTING
Although these policies are designed to reduce child sexual abuse and other misconduct, it can still occur. Coaches, volunteers, parents, and participants of AB Crew programs will report any concerns to an AB Crew officer (President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer). Any persons planning to report an incident are encouraged to do so in writing as well as in a verbal communication. You may do so anonymously if you wish, without fear of retribution. AB Crew does not investigate suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexual abuse, or attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of such allegations, as a condition of reporting suspicions or allegations to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Bad-Faith Allegations
A report of abuse, misconduct or policy violations that is malicious, frivolous or made in bad faith is prohibited. Such reports will be considered a violation of our Participant Safety Handbook and grounds for disciplinary action. Depending on the nature of the allegation, a person making a malicious, frivolous or bad-faith report may also be subject to civil or criminal proceedings.
HOW REPORTS ARE HANDLED
Suspicions of Allegations of Child Physical or Sexual Abuse
Reporting to Law Enforcement and/or Child Protective Services
An independent investigation can harm youth and/or interfere with the legal
investigative process. AB Crew, its staff members and/or volunteers do not attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of child physical or sexual abuse as a condition for reporting to appropriate law enforcement authorities. As necessary, however, AB Crew officers may ask a few clarifying questions of the minor or person making the report to adequately report the suspicion or allegation to law enforcement authorities.
For mandatory reporting laws, visit www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dcf/child-abuse-neglect/.
Immediate Suspension or Termination
When an allegation of child physical or sexual abuse is made against a staff member, youth and/or volunteer, AB Crew may immediately remove that individual from contact with any children in the program until the allegation has been investigated by an official agency. As necessary, AB Crew may suspend or change the assignment of a staff member and/or volunteer.
Misconduct and Policy Violations
AB Crew addresses internally alleged policy violations and misconduct – bullying harassment, hazing, emotional, physical and sexual – that are not reportable under state or federal law. Staff members and/or volunteers must report policy violations and misconduct to an immediate supervisor or AB Crew officer.
NOTIFICATION
Following AB Crew’s notice of a credible allegation that results in the removal of an employee, coach or other volunteer, AB Crew may consider the circumstances in which it will notify other parents of athletes with whom the accused individual may have had contact. At AB Crew’s discretion, as appropriate, and after consultation with counsel, AB Crew may notify its staff members, contractors, volunteers, parents and/or athletes of any allegation of child physical or sexual abuse or other criminal behavior that law enforcement authorities are actively investigating. Advising others of an allegation may lead to additional reports of child physical or sexual abuse and other misconduct.
DISCIPLINARY RULES AND PROCEDURE
DISCIPLINARY RULES
AB Crew recognizes that there are varying levels of misconduct. For example, physical and sexual misconduct are serious violations that may result in immediate dismissal. In contrast, a youth participant who tells a single sexually risqué joke constitutes less serious misconduct and depending on the circumstances, might be dealt with more appropriately through dialogue and a verbal warning. In all cases, AB Crew’s disciplinary procedures and actions will be proportionate, reasonable and applied fairly and equally.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
On receipt of an allegation, AB Crew will determine in its discretion the
appropriate steps to address the conduct base on several factors, including (i) the
age of the complainant or victim, (ii) the age of the accused and (iii) the nature, scope, and extent of the allegations.
AB Crew’s disciplinary response will depend on the nature and seriousness of the incident and in extreme case, misconduct will result in immediate summary dismissal, provided that the accused individual shall be advised of their right to a hearing. If the accused individual is a minor, AB Crew will contact his or her parent(s) or guardian(s).
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Sanctions for violations of the Participant Safety Handbook will be proportionate and reasonable under the circumstances. In addition to day-to-day guidance, AB Crew may take the following disciplinary actions, without limitation:
In the case of a youth participant, inform the youth’s parent or guardian
Provide the individual with guidance, redirection and instruction
Temporary suspension from competition
File a formal incident report
Issue a verbal warning
Issue a written and/or final written warning
Provide informed supervision, where at least one staff member is informed of the allegation and is instructed to vigilantly supervise the accused participant or stakeholder in his or her interactions with the program and/or organization
Engage in restorative practices, i.e., creation of a respectful and safe dialogue when a misunderstanding or harm has occurred
Suspend or terminate employment or membership
ONGOING EMPLOYMENT AND/OR PARTICIPATION
On receipt of a credible and specific allegation of child abuse or other serious misconduct (e.g., physical and sexual abuse as defined in our Athlete Protection Policy), AB Crew may immediately suspend or terminate the accused individual to ensure participant safety.
COMPLAINANT PROTECTION
Regardless of outcome, AB Crew will support the complainant(s) and his or her right to concerns in good faith. AB Crew will not encourage or tolerate attempts to retaliate, punish or in any way harm any individual(s) who report(s) a concern in good faith. Such actions will be grounds for disciplinary action.
BAD-FAITH ALLEGATIONS
Any individual who alleges misconduct under the Participant Safety Handbook, that,
upon review, is determined to be malicious, frivolous or made in bad faith will be a violation of our Participant Safety Handbook. Bad-faith allegations may also be subject to criminal or civil proceedings
AB CREW MONITORING STRATEGY
By monitoring the interactions among staff, volunteers, athletes and others, AB Crew works to prevent, recognize and respond to inappropriate and harmful behaviors as set forth in our Participant Safety Handbook, while reinforcing appropriate behaviors.
ONLINE SAFESPORT TRAINING----MANDATORY for all AB Crew coaches, and strongly recommended for anyone having contact with young athletes.
General information on the background for USRowing Safesport policy can be viewed by clicking this link:
http://www.usrowing.org/safety/safesport
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER AND TO COMPLETE THE FREE ONLINE TRAINING, INCLUDING ONLINE QUIZZES. YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID!!
