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USA swimming has released this
statement and plan in response to the recent 20/20 report on the
abuse of swimmers by coaches. I fully support the development and
implementation of this program to protect swimmers from being
exploited or victimized by anyone. If you have any concerns about
our program please contact one of the board members. Frank
Grijalva, Head Coach Sioux City Mariners.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.
– USA Swimming announced today the immediate implementation
of a 7-Point Action Plan to address the issue of child protection
in the sport. The plan outlines seven action steps to make certain
the best possible safeguards are in place for the
organization’s 300,000 members.
The action plan was shared today with the USA Swimming membership
in an open letter from President Jim Wood and Executive Director
Chuck Wielgus.
“As leaders of our sport in this nation, we have a
responsibility to help create a safe and positive environment for
children and young adults who are our members,” writes USA
Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus. “We fully
recognize that parents expect USA Swimming to do everything
possible to protect their children from individuals who would do
them harm, and we take very seriously the trust they have placed in
our organization. USA Swimming is determined to continue to
demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of its members.” (A
full copy of the letter can be found here.)
As set forth in the action plan, USA Swimming will do the
following:
1. Develop and disseminate comprehensive
guidelines addressing acceptable coach behavior.
2. Enhance the system for reporting sexual abuse
to USA Swimming and law enforcement.
3. Review USA Swimming’s Code of Conduct,
as well as those of other top youth organizations.
4. Review USA Swimming’s current
background screening program and determine if enhancements can be
made.
5. Produce stronger communications to member
clubs, which are responsible for hiring and employing coaches,
regarding pre-employment screening, and the responsibility
associated with hiring club employees.
6. Evaluate the process for sharing coaching
history records with member clubs and other youth
organizations.
7. Educate athletes, parents, coaches and club
leaders on this important issue.
The organization will consult closely with both its stakeholders
and outside experts in executing this plan.
“We are taking decisive action today, but this is only the
beginning,” said USA Swimming President Jim Wood.
“The USA Swimming Board of Directors, national staff and our
dedicated volunteers will continue to work together and seek the
necessary expertise – both from within the swimming community
and from outside sources – to evaluate and improve our
protocols and safeguards.”
USA Swimming will share its key learnings with other youth
organizations both inside and outside of the Olympic movement.
“While we must properly focus our efforts on the micro world
of swimming, we must simultaneously recognize the much broader
societal implications,” said Wielgus. “Our efforts
should seek to both learn from others and then in turn share what
we learn so that not only will the membership of USA Swimming
benefit, but other youth organizations may also find ways to
enhance their own safeguards and educational efforts.”
The 7-point plan will enhance USA Swimming’s existing child
protection safeguards, which are:
1) Background
Screening: In 2006, USA Swimming implemented a Background
Screening requirement for all member coaches. The process screens
for both criminal convictions and for criminal charges involving
felonies, illegal drugs and sexual misconduct.
2) Code of Conduct: USA Swimming vigorously
enforces its Code of Conduct, which specifically prohibits any form
of abusive behavior.
3) Club & Coach
Education: When considering coach hires, USA Swimming
encourages clubs to conduct pre-employment screening, beyond the
criminal background screen. Coaches are required to have current
certification in CPR, First Aid, and Safety Training for Swim
Coaches. Additionally, all coaches must take and pass the
“Foundations of Coaching,” test, before registering for
the second year of coaching.
4) Reporting/Investigation/Board of Review:
Sexual abuse is a criminal
activity, and one that should be immediately reported to the local
police. As a secondary level of reporting, anyone can file a
complaint with the Executive Director of USA Swimming. These
complaints are immediately turned over to legal counsel who
may engage the services of a third-party private investigator.
Complaints with merit go forward to the National Board of Review
which has the authority to suspend or revoke membership when
appropriate.
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