Indian River State College Safe Sport Coordinator:

 

To make a report contact the U.S. Center for Safe Sport Call 833-5US-SAFE (587-7233) or use the online reporting form at https://safesport.i-sight.com/portal or find more information at http://www.uscenterforsafesport.org/.

To contact USA Swimming National office:

Deal with a Safe Sport Concern

1.    IRSC Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP). 

IRSC Aquatics Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP)

Effective September 1st, 2021, Indian River Aquatics adheres to the following Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) as required by our national governing body, United States Swimming.

· USA Swimming SAFE SPORT Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP)

· Acknowledgement of Policy for Everyone

2.      Policies and Forms 

ALL parents and guardians must review and agree to the IRSC Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) IN WRITING on an annual basis.

IRSC Bullying Prevention Plan (.pdf)

Parents’ Consent Form - Four different forms  (.pdf)

Photography Policy (.pdf)  

3.      USA Swimming Safe Sport Best Practices

USA Swimming Safe Sport Best Practices

River RATS follows USA Swimming's Safe Sport Best Practices and adheres to the U.S. Center for Safe Sport Code.

USA Swimming Safe Sport Best Practice Guidelines 

  • Parents should be encouraged to appropriately support their children’s swimming experience.
  •  All swimming practices should be open to observation by parents.
  •   Coaches should not initiate contact with or accept supervisory responsibility for athletes outside club programs and activities.
  • When only one athlete and one coach travel to a competition, at the competition the coach and athlete should attempt to establish a “buddy” club to associate with during the competition and when away from the venue.
  •  Relationships of a peer-to-peer nature with any athletes should be avoided. For example, coaches should avoid sharing their own personal problems with athletes.
  •  Coaches and other non-athlete adult members should avoid horseplay and roughhousing with athletes.
  •  When a coach touches an athlete as part of instruction, the coach should do so in direct view of others and inform the athlete of what he/she is doing prior to the initial contact. Touching athletes should be minimized outside the boundaries of what is considered normal instruction. Appropriate interaction would include high fives, fist bumps, side-to-side hugs and handshakes.
  • Coaches should avoid having athletes as their favorites. They should also avoid creating a situation that could be perceived as them having favorites.
  • Gift-giving, providing special favors or showing favoritism to individual athletes is strongly discouraged.

4.      Athlete Code of Conduct

Athlete Code of Conduct

The purpose of a code of conduct for athletes is to establish a consistent expectation for athletes’ behavior. 

·        I will respect and show courtesy to my teammates and coaches at all times.

·        I will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all practices and meets.

·        I will set a good example of behavior and work ethic for my younger teammates.

·        I will be respectful of my teammates’ feelings and personal space.  Swimmers who exhibit sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be faced with consequences.

·        I will attend all team meetings and training sessions, unless I am excused by my coach.

·        I will show respect for all facilities and other property (including locker rooms) used during practices, competitions, and team activities.

·        I will refrain from foul language, violence, behavior deemed dishonest, offensive, or illegal.

·        If I disagree with an official’s call, I will talk with my coach and not approach the official directly.

·        I will obey all of USA Swimming’s rules and codes of conduct. 

I understand that if I violate this code of conduct, I will be subject to disciplinary action determined by the Head Coach.

5.      Parent Code of Conduct

Parent Code of Conduct

The purpose of a code of conduct for parents is to establish consistent expectations for behavior by parents.  As a parent/guardian, I understand the important growth and developmental support that my child’s participation fosters.  I also understand that it is essential to provide the coaching staff with respect and the authority to coach the team.  I agree with the following statements: 

·        I will set the right example for our children by demonstrating sportsmanship and showing respect and common courtesy at all times to the team members, coaches, competitors, officials, parents, and all facilities.

·        I will get involved by volunteering, observing practices, cheering at meets, and talking with my child and their coach about their progress.

·        I will refrain from coaching my child from the stands during practices or meets.

·        I understand that criticizing, name-calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed toward coaches, officials, volunteers, and/or any participating swimmer will not be tolerated.

·        I will respect the integrity of the officials.

·        I will direct my concerns first to the lead coach; then, if not satisfied, to the Head Coach.

6.      USA Swimming Safe Sport Courses

USA Swimming Safe Sport Courses

Parent's Guide to Misconduct in Sport (fka Safe Sport for Swim Parents)

Safe Sport for Athletes

Athlete Protection Training (for swimmers about to turn 18)

7.      Safe Sport Resources

Safe Sport Resources

USA Swimming Safe Sport

Florida Swimming Safe Sport

U.S. Center for SafeSport