Handbook and Safesport Policy

WOODSON ROWING HANDBOOK

The Woodson Crew Boosters Association Handbook provides a program overview, membership, fundraising and service requirements, and season overview. Download the handbook or view it here.

USROWING ANNUAL SAFESPORT REVIEW (2024)

Safeguarding is the range of measures USRowing employs to promote and protect the welfare of all participants, including their physical and psychological well-being. USRowing’s vision for Safeguarding is for all individuals associated with USRowing to participate in a safe and respectful environment and consider it a fundamental right of their affiliation with our governing body. In 2024, USRowing will continue the build-out of support, tools, and processes to realize our Safeguarding vision.

Our commitment to both the requirements and spirit of our Safe Sport Policy is a cornerstone of Safeguarding.  

In accordance with U.S. Center for SafeSport (the “Center”) requirements, USRowing’s Safe Sport Policy Manual includes the Center’s Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (“MAAPP”), intended to promote education/training and prevention policies to keep youth athletes safe. USRowing’s MAAPP can be found beginning on page nine (9) of the policy.

As a reminder, please note USRowing’s 2024 Safe Sport training requirements, which are unchanged from 2023:  

  • Adult Participants who do not have Regular Contact with Minor Athletes are not required to take SafeSport training. They will self-attest as such through the USRowing Member Portal. 
  • Adult Participants who do have Regular Contact with Minor Athletes will be required to take the SafeSport Trained Core course and brief annual refresher courses, available on the USRowing Member Portal. 

The definition of Regular Contact is: 

Ongoing interaction where an Adult Participant is in a role of direct and active engagement with any amateur athlete who is a minor. USRowing defines ongoing interaction as five (5) or more instances of In-Program Contact during a 12-month period. For purposes of this definition, a competition (regatta) is considered a single instance of In-Program Contact regardless of its duration. 

Beyond the required training, USRowing strongly encourages the following Center training modules for the appropriate audiences: 

Your individual profile in the USRowing Member Portal continues to include a quick self-attestation questionnaire to help you determine whether you have SafeSport training requirements. For more details, please review the Safe Sport landing page and FAQs. 

To access your profile and any SafeSport training, log into the USRowing Member Portal at https://membership.usrowing.org. 

To file a Safe Sport report, please follow the Center’s Report A Concern procedures and familiarize yourself with USRowing’s reporting procedures to ensure proper reporting protocol.  

Further guidance can be found in SafeSport Training + Education Access.   

Thank you for taking the time to complete your SafeSport training and being a part of the commitment to athlete safety. Please let us know if you have questions. 
 

The USRowing SafeSport Team
[email protected] 

WOODSON ROWING SAFESPORT POLICY

This policy is aligned with and in compliance with the guidance from USRowing in its SafeSport Manual as well as the Fairfax County Public School Student Rights and Responsibilities policy.

PURPOSE

There are many reasons to participate in sport at any level, including rowing. As a life-long activity, people often play sports to have fun, spend time with friends, and stay fit. Sport encourages a healthy lifestyle and builds self-confidence; athletes often do better off the field. They learn goal-setting, teamwork, and time management skills. Unfortunately, sport can also be a high-risk environment for misconduct. At Woodson Crew Boosters Association, Inc. (Woodson Rowing), we are committed to creating a safe and positive training environment for all participants. This document discusses our requirements for implementing the SafeSport policy.

SCOPE: Covered Individuals, Activities, and Conduct

SafeSport policy applies to all Woodson Rowing athletes, parents, coaches and board members, as well as any other volunteers who will have extended access to our student athletes. This policy requirement applies even if they are not delineated in coaching contracts or other Woodson High School (WHS) or Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) policies. They apply to all Woodson Rowing activities, including practices, competitions, training, travel, and communications (including social media).

In conjunction with the U.S. Olympic Committee’s “SafeSport” policies, USRowing has identified six primary types of misconduct:

  • Bullying
  • Harassment (including sexual harassment)
  • Hazing
  • Emotional Misconduct
  • Physical Misconduct
  • Sexual Misconduct (including child sexual abuse and/or grooming behaviors)

All these forms of misconduct are unacceptable and in direct conflict with the ideals of Woodson Rowing.

In the event that one observes inappropriate behaviors (i.e. policy violations), suspected physical or sexual abuse, or misconduct, it is the personal responsibility of each individual to immediately report their observations to a supervisor or board member. Where possible and appropriate, everyone should be prepared to respond immediately to inappropriate or harmful behavior, potential risk situations and potential boundary violations by redirecting inappropriate behaviors to promote positive behaviors, confront inappropriate or harmful behaviors, and report behaviors when necessary.

This policy applies to Woodson Rowing contractors, individual members, board members, volunteers, parent chaperones, and anyone in contact with athletes. Policy violations, misconduct and physical and sexual abuse must be reported consistent with the Reporting Policy as described herein. Woodson Rowing reports all allegations to appropriate law enforcement authorities and the U.S. Center for SafeSport; we do 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 for reporting.

As a member organization, Woodson Rowing is in alignment with USRowing as the national governing body of rowing under the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (“USOPC”). We are committed to improving the development and safety of athletes and participants involved in rowing. 

The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-126) took effect in February 2018 (“SafeSport Act”). The SafeSport Act designated the United States Center for SafeSport (the “Center”) as the official safe sport organization for all Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American, and Para Pan American sports in the United States. In an effort to prevent the emotional, physical and sexual abuse of amateur athletes, the SafeSport Act requires national governing bodies and Paralympic sports organizations to implement both prevention training and prevention policies.

As a member organization of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (“USOPC”), USRowing, its employees, contractors, volunteers, officials, board members, committee members and other designees, members and organizational members (collectively, “Participants”) are required to comply with the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code of the U.S. and Paralympic Movement (the “Code”), including its reporting requirements, available here. 

The Code serves as a benchmark by which the Center or USRowing evaluates whether a Code violation has occurred. For violations that fall within the Center’s jurisdiction, the Center will determine resolutions and sanctions in connection with the violation. USRowing will process Code violations that occur outside the Center’s jurisdiction pursuant to the procedures outlined in the sections below.

The Code outlines prohibited conduct relating to the following categories for all Participants:

  • Criminal Charges or Dispositions
  • Child Abuse
  • Bullying
  • Harassment
  • Hazing
  • Sexual Misconduct
  • Emotional Misconduct
  • Physical Misconduct
  • Aiding and Abetting
  • Misconduct Related to Reporting
  • Misconduct Related to the Center’s Process
  • Other Inappropriate Conduct
  • Violation of the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (“MAAPP”)

Participants in regular contact with Minor Athletes (hereinafter defined) must abide by USRowing’s MAAPP contained below.

Pursuant to the SafeSport Act as implemented by the Code, and USRowing’s Bylaws, the Center has exclusive jurisdiction over all issues involving Sexual Misconduct and Child Abuse (hereinafter defined). Such issues are to be reported directly to the Center and appropriate local authorities. Such reports to the Center should be made through the reporting form found here: https://uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern/

While non-sexual misconduct issues may be reported directly to the Center, USRowing encourages initial reporting of such matters to the leadership of Woodson Rowing using the internal reporting processes. If, following review by Woodson Rowing, the issue remains unresolved or is not susceptible to resolution at the Member Organization level, it may be reported to USRowing using the USRowing reporting form found here. 

IMPLEMENTATION: MINOR ATHLETE ABUSE PREVENTION POLICIES (MAAPP)

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is committed to building a sports community where participants can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct. USRowing supports this mission and is committed to ensuring our competition and training environments are free from abuse. Woodson Rowing has adopted this set of policies for keeping young athletes safe.

AUTHORITY: PREVENTION TRAINING AND POLICIES

The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 authorizes the Center to develop training and policies to prevent abuse—including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse—within the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Movement. 36 U.S.C. § 220542(a)(1). Federal law requires that, at a minimum, national governing bodies and Paralympic sports organizations must offer and give consistent training related to the prevention of child abuse: (1) to all adult members who are in regular contact with amateur athletes who are minors and (2) subject to parental consent, to members who are minors. 36 U.S.C. § 220542(a)(2)(E). Federal law requires that these policies contain reasonable procedures to limit unobservable and uninterruptible one-on-one interactions between an amateur athlete, who is a minor, and an adult, who is not the minor’s legal guardian, at facilities under the jurisdiction of organizations within the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Movement. 36 U.S.C. § 220542(a)(2)(C).   

What is the MAAPP?

To that end, the Center has developed the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP). The MAAPP is a collection of proactive prevention and training policies for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Movement. It has three primary components:

  1. An Education & Training Policy that requires training for certain Adult Participants within the Olympic & Paralympic Movement;
  2. Required Prevention Policies, focused on limiting one-on-one interactions between Adult Participants and Minor Athletes, that Organizations within the Olympic & Paralympic Movement must implement to prevent abuse;
  3. Recommended Prevention Policies. 

The Center developed the MAAPP to assist National Governing Bodies (NGBs), Paralympic Sport Organizations (PSOs), Local Affiliated Organizations, Member Organizations (LAOs), the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and other individuals to whom these policies apply in meeting their obligations under federal law (note: implementing these policies does not guarantee that an organization or individual fully complies with federal law or all applicable legal obligations). These Organizations should share these policies with all Participants and with parents/guardians of minor athletes. Those implementing these policies should consider the physical and cognitive needs of all athletes.

The MAAPP focuses on just two important aspects of a much larger comprehensive abuse prevention strategy. These policies address training requirements and limiting one-on-one interactions between adults and minor athletes. These policies are intended to be enforceable and reasonable, acknowledging, for example, that when a 17-year-old athlete turns 18, they become an adult athlete, and a complete prohibition of one-on-one interactions may not be necessary or practical. Additionally, there may be other instances when one-on-one interactions could occur, and in those cases, these policies provide strategies so parents/guardians can provide informed consent if they choose to allow a permitted interaction. The Center recommends that parents first complete training on abuse prevention to be informed about potential boundary violations and concerns before consenting to the interaction.

While the MAAPP will help organizations implement these policies to greatly improve minor athlete safety, in no way can they guarantee athlete safety in all circumstances, especially when the policies are not fully implemented, followed, or monitored. These policies are not comprehensive of all prevention strategies, nor are they intended to be. These policies should be implemented alongside the SafeSport Code (refer to sections III-VII of this policy). Additionally, other resources are available that may assist organizations in improving athlete safety[1].

How Does the Center Ensure Compliance with the MAAPP?

Federal law requires the Center to conduct regular and random audits of the NGBs to ensure compliance with these policies. 36 U.S.C. § 220542(a)(2)(E). More specific organizational compliance requirements can be found in Part II. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the USOPC and each NGB, MEMBER ORGANIZATION, and Adult Participant to comply with the MAAPP. The aforementioned Organizations can act in their respective programs for violations of the MAAPP by Adult Participants. Adult Participants also have an independent responsibility to comply with these MAAPP provisions. Violations of these provisions can result in sanctions under the SafeSport Code.

Is the MAAPP Different from the SafeSport Code?

Yes. The SafeSport Code works alongside the MAAPP to prevent abuse. The MAAPP includes proactive prevention policies for organizations and individuals, while the SafeSport Code contains misconduct policies for individuals.  However, violations of the MAAPP can violate the SafeSport Code, and violators can be sanctioned. 

SCOPE:

The MAAPP Applies to “In-Program Contact” Within the Olympic & Paralympic Movement

The MAAPP is required for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), National Governing Bodies (NGB), Local Affiliated Organizations (LAO), and Paralympic Sport Organizations (PSO) within the Olympic & Paralympic Movement (each an “Organization”). 

Some policies impose requirements on USRowing and Woodson Rowing at sanctioned events and facilities partially or fully under USRowing’s jurisdiction. For example, USRowing and Woodson Rowing must monitor locker rooms at their facilities and sanctioned events. Other policies impose certain requirements on Adult Participants under USRowing’s jurisdiction when the Adult Participant is having “In-Program Contact.” For example, Adult Participants cannot have one-on-one electronic communications with Minor Athletes that they coach. 

Does the MAAPP Have Any Exceptions?

         Yes. The MAAPP was written with certain appropriate exceptions in mind. Exceptions are addressed in each policy and include:

  1. A Close-in-Age Exception: 

This exception applies to certain policies and allows for In-Program Contact between an Adult Participant and a Minor Athlete if:

  1. The Adult Participant has no authority over the Minor Athlete; and
  2. The Adult Participant is not more than four years older than the Minor Athlete.

Note: This exception is different from the close-in-age exception in the SafeSport Code pertaining to misconduct.

  1. Exceptions for Adult Participant Personal Care Assistants Working with a Minor Athlete
  2. Exceptions for Dual Relationships

This exception applies to certain policies when the Adult Participant has a dual role or relationship with a Minor Athlete. The exception requires written consent of the Minor Athlete’s parent/guardian at least annually.

Many of the exceptions require parent/guardian consent. The Center recommends parents take training on child abuse prevention before providing consent under these policies. The Center offers a free Parent Course at www.athletesafety.org. 

Am I required to take SafeSport Training?

         All Adult Participants, including those within the Olympic & Paralympic Movement who have (i) regular contact with Minor Athletes, (ii) authority over Minor Athletes, or (iii) are employees or board members of Woodson Rowing as well as (iv) adult athletes are required to take training. The specific training requirements can be found below Woodson Rowing shall implement policies and procedures sufficient to comply with federal requirements.

REPORTING VIOLATIONS

Violations of these MAAPP policies can be reported to USRowing by submitting a USRowing Incident Report Form, which can be found at 

https://usrowing.org/sports/2018/4/13/18827_132107104230772015.aspx, or by contacting the members of the Safe Sport Protection Team at: [email protected], (609) 751-0713.

MAAPP PROVISIONS: — PART ONE: EDUCATION AND TRAINING POLICY

Who: The following Adult Participants must complete the SafeSport Trained Core either through the Center’s online training or the Center’s approved, in-person training:

  1. Adult Participants who have regular contact with any amateur athlete(s) who is a minor;
  2. Adult Participants who have authority over any amateur athlete(s) who is a minor;
  3. Adult Participants who are an employee or board member of USRowing or a Member Organization.
  4. Adult Participants who are adult athletes and individual members of USRowing and/or a USRowing Member Organization.
  5. Adult Participants who are medical providers for USRowing are required to take training under Section (a) can take the Health Professionals Course in lieu of the SafeSport Trained Core.

Specific to USRowing and Woodson Rowing, the above Adult Participants include the following:

USRowing:

  1. Adult members who have regular contact with amateur athletes who are minors
  2. Adult athletes
  3. Any adult authorized by USRowing to have regular contact with or authority over an amateur athlete including:
    1. Licensed Officials and Referees
    2. Coaches
    3. Physical Therapists, Masseurs & Healthcare Providers
    4. USRowing Adult staff, interns and Board of Directors.

Member Organizations:

  1. Adult members of Woodson Rowing who have regular contact with amateur athletes who are minors
  2. Adult athletes
  3. An adult authorized by Woodson Rowing to have regular contact with or authority over an amateur athlete who is a minor
  4. Adult staff, interns, and board members of Woodson Rowing

When: Adult Participants must complete this training:

  1. Before regular contact with an amateur athlete who is a minor begins; and
  2. Within the first 45 days of either initial membership or upon beginning a new role subjecting the adult to this policy.

Refresher Training: The above listed Adult Participants must complete a refresher course on an annual basis, beginning the calendar year after completing the SafeSport Trained Core. Every four years, Adult Participants will complete the SafeSport Trained Core training. 

Who Else: Minor Athletes: On an annual basis, Woodson Rowing will offer and, subject to parental consent, give training to Minor Athletes on the prevention and reporting of child abuse. 

Parents: On an annual basis, Woodson Rowing will  offer training to parents on the prevention and reporting of child abuse. 

Volunteers: Adult Participants serving in a volunteer capacity and are not athletes, who will not have regular contact with or authority over Minor Athletes, should take the Center’s brief Volunteer Course (or SafeSport Trained Core) before engaging or interacting with any Minor Athlete(s). Parents of Minor Athletes are provided free online access to the Center’s parent course and are encouraged to take the training. 

MAAPP PROVISIONS: — PART TWO: PREVENTION POLICIES

Beginning 1/1/2022, athlete abuse prevention policies go into effect:

  • One-on-one interactions (USRowing is required to establish reasonable procedures to limit on-on-one interactions, as set forth in federal law.)
    • With limited exceptions including adult personal care assistants, close-in-age interactions or when a dual relationship exists, all one-on-one in-program contact between adult partipicants and minor atletes must be observable and interruptible.
  • Meetings and training sessions
    • Meetings and training sessions (including one on one training) with adult participants and minor athletes must be observable and interruptible.
    • At US Rowing events, any minor athletes meeting with a health care professional or provider must be observable and interruptible with limited exceptions. 
  • Massages and rubdowns/athletic training modalities
    • All in-program training modalities, messages and rubdowns must be observable and interruptible, have another adult physically present, performed while the minor athlete is fully clothed, and performed with consent (given annually and subject to withdrawal at any time).
  • Areas where athletes change clothes
    • In locker rooms, boathouse areas where athletes change clothes or restrooms, any one-on-one in-program contact with a minor athlete should be observable and interruptible with limited exceptions.
  • Social media and electronic communications
    • All one-on-one electronic communications must be open and transparent with limited exceptions. All content must be professional in nature.
  • Transportation
    • Adult participants cannot transport a minor athlete one-on-one during in-program travel with limited exceptions.
  • Lodging
    • All in-program contact at a hotel or other lodging site between adult participants and minor athletes must be observable and interruptible. No adult participants may share a room or sleep in the same room as a minor athlete with limited exceptions such as a dual relationship exists or close-in-age exception. Room checks will be conducted. 

SAFESPORT AND FAIRFAX COUNTY SCHOOL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Woodson Rowing adheres to all relevant Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) requirements in conducting its activities. Several FCPS protocols address appropriate conduct by students, parents and coaches, including the behaviors targeted by SafeSport. These FCPS protocols are binding on Woodson Rowing members and coaches and are referenced below. 

In addition to these requirements and as specified below, Woodson Rowing SafeSport policy requires certain individuals to undergo background checks and/or complete additional SafeSport education and training.

  1. Compliance with FCPS Protocols
    1. Parents and Athletes: All parents and athletes shall comply with FCPS requirements as delineated in FCPS Student Rights & Responsibilities (SRR) Grades K-12 (https://www.fcps.edu/srr/).
    2. Coaches: All coaches shall comply with FCPS coaching requirements as delineated in the FCPS coaching contracts and WHS expectations and policies.
  1. Applicant Screening
    1. Woodson Crew Booster Association  Board of Directors (the Board) and the WHS Director of Student Activities (DSA) conduct interviews of Program Director or Head Coach candidates. WHS DSA ensures that reference checks and background checks on all coaching applicants and volunteers, who have continuing contact with athletes, are completed in accordance with FCPS policies. All potential Woodson Rowing employees will go through the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) screening process before working with athletes. The process includes fingerprinting, criminal background check, reference checks, TB test and sexual harassment training. Upon successful completion of the steps, FCPS issues the applicant an FCPS identification badge, which is sent to the WHS DSA. If any potential disqualifying factors are uncovered, FCPS notifies the DSA, who notifies the Crew Booster President and Head Coach. Under FCPS policy, and by extension Woodson Rowing policy, the applicant will not have contact with students/participants if there are potential disqualifying factors unless a challenge resolves the findings to FCPS standards.
  1. SafeSport Education and Training
    1. Parents and Athletes: In addition to complying with applicable FCPS requirements, Woodson Rowing parents and athletes must, before the start of each rowing season, complete the relevant SafeSport training. Training is available for parents, adult athletes and minor athletes. Athletes and families of Woodson Rowing are responsible for affirming their commitment to abiding by the SafeSport Policy.
    2. Coaches: In addition to complying with applicable FCPS requirements, all coaches will acknowledge their review and understanding of the FCPS SRR and affirm that they have completed the SafeSport Core training prior to the start of each season. 
    3. Voting Board Members & Active Volunteers: All Voting Board Members and Active Volunteers will be required to complete the SafeSport Core Training in support of the Woodson Rowing SafeSport policy each year during registration. Note: an Active Volunteer is anyone, who will have a high degree of ongoing and continuing contact with youth. A list of active volunteers will be maintained by the Board Secretary. Woodson Rowing policy requires that no adult (employees, Coaches, Board members, parents, volunteers and active volunteers) meet with or spend time with athletes alone. In situations requiring a personal conference or other personal interaction, this must be conducted with the knowledge and in view of other adults and/or athletes.
  1. Athlete Protection Policy: Reporting
    1. The primary concern of Woodson Rowing is the health and well being of the student athlete. It is against Woodson Rowing policy to retaliate against anyone who files a SafeSport-related report or cooperates in the investigation of a SafeSport-related incident.
    2. Coaches, staff members, athletes and volunteers must report alleged or suspected abuse, misconduct and SafeSport policy violations to the WHS DSA, President of the Woodson Rowing Board and the Program Director/Head Coach and, when required, to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
    3. In the event that either the President or Program Director/Head Coach is involved in the alleged incident, then the report shall be made to the two Vice Presidents.
    4. A report must be in writing (email is acceptable, although it may be discouraged depending on the details necessary), containing the name, contact information and address of the person filing the report. The report must state the nature of the problem or action alleged to be problematic, the individuals involved, the date and time the incident occurred, the names of any witnesses and the action sought.  Note: Staff members and volunteers should not attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of child physical or sexual abuse allegations as a condition for reporting to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Instead, it is the responsibility of each board member, coach, parent, volunteer or student to immediately report suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexual abuse.
    5. Any incident of suspected abuse, misconduct, or violations of SafeSport policy shall be handled in accordance with the enforcement procedure outlined in the following section.
  1. Athlete Protection Policy: Investigation and Enforcement
    1. Woodson Rowing commits to adhere to FCPS policies and procedures as well as US Safesport policies for reporting any misconduct when any written allegation is received. The Woodson Rowing President and two other Board members will conduct a parallel process of reporting to US SafeSport as outlined above and consulting with the DSA and, as appropriate, other FCPS authorities to determine any FCPS procedures for investigating and resolving the complaint.

GLOSSARY

The definitions below apply to all sections of this Policy. Where definitions are not included herein, but are contained in the SafeSport Code, the SafeSport Code definitions are adopted as if they are fully set forth herein:

  • Adult or adult – Any individual 18 years of age or older.
  • Adult Participant – Any adult (18 years or older) who is:
    • A member or license holder of USRowing or its Member Organizations
    • An employee or board member of USRowing or its Member Organizations
    • Within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of USRowing or its Member Organizations
    • Authorized, approved, or appointed by USRowing or its Member Organizationsto have regular contact with or authority over Minor Athletes. This may include volunteers, medical staff, trainers, chaperones, monitors, contract personnel, bus/van drivers, officials, adult athletes, staff, board members, and any other individual who meets the Adult Participant definition.
    • An adult athlete
  • Amateur Athlete: An athlete who meets the eligibility standards established by the National Governing Body or paralympic sports organization for the sport in which the athlete competes.
  • Athlete – Any rower who participates in any USRowing licensed competition or USRowing sanctioned event.
  • Authority – When one person’s position over another person is such that, based on the totality of the circumstances, they have the power or right to direct, control, give orders to, or make decisions for that person.
  • Center – The U.S. Center for Safe Sport.
  • Close-In-Age-Exception – An exception applicable to certain policies when an Adult Participant does not have authority over a Minor Athlete and is not more than four years older than the Minor Athlete (e.g., a 19-year-old and a 16-year-old). Note: this exception only applies within the prevention policies and not regarding conduct defined in the SafeSport Code.
  • Child, Children, Minor, and Youth – An individual who is, or is believed by the Respondent to be, under the age of 18. The terms child, children, minor and youth are used interchangeably throughout this policy.
  • Coach – Any adult who has or shares the responsibility for instructing, teaching, training, or advising an athlete in the context of rowing.
  • Code – The policies and procedures adopted by the Center for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement’s National Governing bodies, which can be found at https://www.uscenterforsafesport.org.
  • Criminal Charge or Disposition – Means that a Participant (a) is or has 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) is subject to a pending criminal charge(s) or warrant(s) for arrest. Criminal Charges may be evaluated by USRowing upon the original charges, amended charges, or those to which a plea was entered.
  • Dual Relationship – An exception applicable to certain policies when an Adult Participant has a dual role or relationship with a Minor Athlete and the Minor Athlete’s parent/guardian has provided written consent at least annually authorizing the exception.
  • Event – USRowing sanctioned or organized travel, lodging, practice, competition, health or medical treatment, and the meaning set forth in the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 (34 U.S.C. § 20341).
  • Facility – Any facility (including docks, gyms, or other locations used by a team or rowing organization), when at such time the Facility is either owned or being leased, rented or used by USRowing or Member Organization.
  • Interaction with Athletes – Contact in association with any USRowing licensed or sanctioned activity or Event.
  • In-Program-Contact – Any contact (including communications, interactions, or activities) between an Adult Participant and any Minor Athlete(s) related to participation in sport. Examples of In-Program Contact include, but are not limited to:
    • Competition
    • Practices
    • Camps/clinics
    • Training/instructional sessions
    • Pre/post game meals or outings
    • Team travel
    • Review of game film
    • Team- or sport-related relationship building activities
    • Celebrations
    • Award ceremonies
    • Banquets
    • Team or sport-related fundraising or community service
    • Sport education
    • Competition site visits
  • Local Affilliated Organization (LAO) – A regional, state, or local club or organization that is directly affiliated with an NGB or that is affiliated with an NGB by its direct affiliation with a regional or state affiliate of said NGB. LAO does not include a regional, state, or local club or organization that is only a member of a National Member Organization of an NGB (see Member Organization definition below).
  • Member Organization – A rowing organization with active USRowing organizational membership. This also includes any organization that hosts a property or event that USRowing sanctions, including competitions, training programs, clinics and courses.
  • Minor Athlete – is an amateur athlete under 18 years of age who participates in, or participated within the previous 12 months in, an event, program, activity, or competition that is part of, or partially or fully under the jurisdiction of USRowing or its Member Organizations.
  • National Governing Body (NGB) – A U.S. Olympic National Governing Body, Pan American Sport Organization, or Paralympic Sport Organization recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee pursuant to the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, 36 U.S.C. §§ 220501, et seq. This definition shall also apply to the USOPC, or other sports entity approved by the USOPC, when they have assumed responsibility for the management or governance of a sport included on the program of the Olympic, Paralympic, or Pan-American Games.
  • Paralympic Sport Organization (PSO) – An amateur sports organization recognized and certified as an NGB by the USOPC.
  • Partial or Full Jurisdiction – Includes any sanctioned Event (including all travel and lodging in connection with the event) by the NGB, PSO, USOPC, or LAO, or any facility that the NGB, PSO, USOPC, or LAO owns, leases, or rents for practice, training or competition.
  • Participant – Any individual who: (a) currently is, or was at the time of a possible SafeSport violation, within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of USRowing, (b) is an Athlete or USRowing Designee, (c) a participant or attendee of a USRowing licensed competition or sanctioned event, including team staff, medical or paramedical personnel, administrator, official, or other athlete support personnel, employee, or volunteer, or (d) USRowing employees, contractors, volunteers, officials, board and committee members and other designees, members and organizational members.
  • Power Imbalance – A Power Imbalance may exist where, based on the totality of the circumstances one person has supervisory, evaluative, or other authority over another. Whether there is a Power Imbalance depends on several factors, including but not limited to: the nature and extent of the supervisory, evaluative or other authority over the person; the actual relationship between the parties; the parties’ respective roles; the nature and duration of the relationship; the age of the parties involved; where there is an aggressor; whether there is a significant disparity in age, size, strength, or mental capacity. Once a Coach-Athlete relationship is established, a Power Imbalance is presumed to exist throughout the Coach-Athlete relationship (regardless of age) and is presumed to continue for Minor Athletes after the Coach-Athlete relationship terminates until the Athlete reaches 20 years of age. A Power Imbalance may exist, but it is not presumed, where an Intimate Relationship existed before the sport relationship (e.g., a relationship between two spouses or life partners that preceded the sport relationship).
  • Regular Contact – Ongoing interactions during a 12-month period wherein an Adult Participant is in a role of direct and active engagement with any Minor Athlete(s). NOTE: NGBs, PSOs, and the USOPC must submit/include categories of members/individuals that fall under the definition including specific volunteer designations.
  • Respondent – A Participant who is alleged to have violated the Code or this Policy.
  • Sexual Misconduct – Offenses (further described in Section IV of this Policy including, but 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
  • Third-Party Reporter – Individual other than the Claimant bringing reports (“third-party report”) under this Policy.
  • U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) – A federally chartered nonprofit corporation that serves as the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States.
  • USRowing Designee – USRowing Staff, USRowing Licensed Officials, USRowing Board members, USRowing National Team Coaches and Technical Advisors, USRowing Trainers, Athletes selected by USRowing to select the United States, or any other individual that USRowing formally authorizes, approves, or appoints to (a) serve in a position of authority over, or (b) have regular contact with any Athlete.

The above USRowing definitions are generally consistent with FCPS definitions as provided in the FCPS Student Rights & Responsibilities (SRR) Grades K-12 https://www.fcps.edu/srr/.

USRowing’s definitions are not intended to conflict with relevant FCPS definitions or policy and, to the extent there is any question about a possible conflict, FCPS definitions and policy will take precedence.