USAW Safe Sport Program

What is Safe Sport?

SafeSport is the Olympic community’s initiative to recognize, reduce and respond to misconduct in sport. The US Center for SafeSport (Center) was created pursuant to Federal Legislation and the USOC. The Center has created the SafeSport Code for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. www.safesport.org. USA Wrestling has adopted a Safe Sport Policy and a Safe Sport Program Handbook to guide our members in this important movement. https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Membership/SafeSport-Program.

It is also important to understand what is not included in Safe Sport. Safe Sport is not about equipment safety, concussion protocol, or matters covered under the USA Wrestling Rule Book and Guide to Wrestling.

Why does USAW have a Safe Sport Policy?

As guided by the Olympic Spirit, the mission of USA Wrestling is to provide quality opportunities for its members to achieve their full human and athletic potential. Our goal is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of wrestling. USA Wrestling has long had systems to protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse, and other types of abuse and misconduct that can be harmful to youth athletes and other participants. The safety of its athletes, coaches, and volunteers is of paramount importance to USA Wrestling. This includes both on-mat and off-mat safety.

USA Wrestling is committed to creating the safest possible environment for participation in wrestling. We pledge to protect, support and empower our athletes through this Safe Sport Program. USA Wrestling grants the privilege of membership to individuals and Member Programs committed to its mission. Therefore, the privilege of membership may be withdrawn or denied by USA Wrestling at any time where USA Wrestling determines that a member or prospective member's conduct is inconsistent with the organization's mission or the best interest of the sport that participates in it.

Who Must be trained in Safe Sport?

It is the policy of USA Wrestling that the following Participants shall complete appropriate training about child physical and sexual abuse and other types of misconduct as outlined in the USCSS Safe Sport Training:

“Participant” (formally Covered Individual) shall collectively mean 1. Any individual who is seeking to be currently is, or was at the time of the alleged Code violation:

a. An adult member* or license holder of an NGB, LAO, or USOC;

b. An employee of an NGB, LAO, or USOC, and/or;

c. Within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of an NGB, LAO, or USOC.

d. Authorized, approved, or appointed by an NGB, LAO, or USOC to have regular contact with Minor Athletes.

USA Wrestling has determined that “Participant” within USA Wrestling Safe Sport Policy also includes:

· All persons serving as a member of USA Wrestling’s Board of Directors, on a national level council, committee or section, or in any other similar positions appointed by USA Wrestling.

· Any other Adult authorized or appointed by USA Wrestling, or a Member Program, to a) a position of authority over Athletes, or, b) to have regular contact with Minor Athletes, including but not limited to, vendors, media, and volunteer staff.

· The parent or legal guardian of a Minor Athlete who completes their minor athlete’s registration.

You can access training at USCSS Safe Sport Training, https://www.safesport.org/what-we-do.

This training is free to USA Wrestling members.

This training must be completed before any adult has interaction with an athlete.

*All athletes 17 or older by September 1 of the season must take the Safe Sport training before completing their membership.

Where do I report a potential violation?

1. The U.S. Center for SafeSport has exclusive jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute allegations of Sexual Misconduct. You may report a complaint of sexual misconduct here.

All Adult Participants must report the incident to law enforcement within 24 hours of learning about the allegations.

2. Report of Non-sexual Misconduct (emotional, physical, harassment, bullying, hazing) allegations can be made to your State Safe Sport Coordinator or to USA Wrestling here.

3. Report allegations concerning violations of the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies to your State Safe Sport Coordinator or to USA Wrestling here.