Keeping Athletes Safe in Swimming
USA Swimming's top priority continues to be keeping our athletes safe. No form of abuse, including child sexual abuse, has a place in our sport. USA Swimming is committed to reducing the risk of abuse in swimming and increasing awareness of red-flag behavior through its Safe Sport program. All adults working with athletes are responsible for creating an abuse-free environment.
We have the MAAPP
USA Swimming’s top priority continues to be keeping our athletes safe. No form of abuse, including child sexual abuse, has a place in our sport. As a part of our continued commitment to safeguarding our athletes, USA Swimming has enacted enhancements to our Safe Sport policy requirements.
The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) addresses one-on-one interactions, social media and electronic communications, travel: local and team, locker rooms and changing areas and massages, rubdowns and athletic training modalities. Every USA Swimming club is required to implement the MAAPP in full.
MAAP Sample Forms
- MAAPP Language For Meets.(docx)
- Permission For Certified Healthcare Provider(docx)
- Permiso Para Proveer Masaje A Un Atleta Menor De Edad(docx)
- MAAPP Acknowledgement Of Policy(docx)
- Reconocimiento Por Escrito De MAAPP(docx)
- Permission For An Adult To Provide Local Transportation To Minor Athlete(docx)
- Permiso Para Proveer Transportacion A Un Atleta Menor De Edad(docx)
- Permission For An Adult To Share The Same Lodging With Minor Athlete(docx)
- Permiso Para Compartir Alojamiento Con Atleta Menor De Edad(docx)
- Permission For An Adult To Travel To Competition With Minor Athlete(docx)
- Permiso Para Viajar Con Un Atleta Menor De Edad(docx)
Athlete Proctection
Parent Guides
SUPPORT & RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS
SwimAssist is USA Swimming’s assistance fund for survivors of abuse. Established in 2014, the goal of SwimAssist is to support survivors with the financial burden of seeking counseling, therapy, or other healing treatment. Just as important as the development of educational resources in abuse prevention programs, we recognize our responsibility to provide support and resources to survivors of abuse wherever possible. No one should ever experience abuse while participating in sport, including swimming.
Any member who has experienced abuse in connection with their participation in USA Swimming may qualify for the organization’s SwimAssist program.
How Does SwimAssist Work?
A survivor will be asked to identify the perpetrator of the abuse and the year(s) the harm occurred. No other information is required to receive SwimAssist, and receipt of support is not dependent on the survivor’s participation in the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s or USA Swimming’s disciplinary process. USA Swimming is required to report instances of sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities; however, it is up to the survivor whether to pursue further action.
To request SwimAssist, a survivor or their designee can reach out to USA Swimming in several ways:
- Email swimassist@usaswimming.org
- Call USA Swimming at 719-866-4578 and ask for USA Swimming Safe Sport staff
- Or if an individual is working with the U.S. Center for SafeSport, let the Center know of their interest in SwimAssist and the Center will connect you with USA Swimming
No matter how an individual reaches out, USA Swimming staff is available to help them get started.
What kinds of treatment does SwimAssist cover?
SwimAssist is set up to accommodate the many ways a survivor may need to heal. There are three levels of SwimAssist:
(1) Initial Counseling
(2) Ongoing Counseling
(3) Alternative Assistance
USA Swimming will work with the survivor, their selected treatment provider, and the SwimAssist Panel to remove barriers to healing and help complete the necessary paperwork that each level of assistance might require.
Selecting a therapist or counseling provider is a very personal process and a decision that a survivor should have complete power to make. The survivor and their family will select a provider who they feel is best. USA Swimming can assist in identifying local resources for a survivor but will not have any input or final say in what treatment provider a survivor chooses.
Fees for services will be paid by USA Swimming directly to the provider.
We appreciate the individuals who have come forward to share their experiences and hope that those who have received SwimAssist have found it helpful to their healing process. If you feel that SwimAssist would benefit you, now or in the future, please reach out. Or for additional information, please go to http://www.usaswimming.org/protect.