USA Swimming is excited to announce a partnership with Futures Without Violence (FUTURES) to introduce two new free programs for teams across the United States: Coaching Boys Into Men and Athletes as Leaders. Both programs provide curriculum for teams to encourage healthy relationships and promote leadership among athletes in the fight against sexual violence.

“We believe that sexual, physical and emotional abuse have no place in our sport, and it is everyone’s responsibility to be a part of preventing these situations from occurring,” said Liz Hahn, USA Swimming’s Safe Sport Senior Manager.

As the only evidence-based program endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Coaching Boys Into Men’s curriculum is meant for male coaches to discuss with their male-identifying athletes ages 12 and older. It allows coaches to positively influence how their young male athletes think and behave in and out of the pool.

The Athletes as Leaders curriculum was created by Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center and is meant for female coaches or team mentors to run with their female-identifying athletes ages 12 and older. In this program, athletes are encouraged to be leaders in changing peer norms to a culture of safety and respect.

“The goal of this program is through regular conversations, members would discover Safe Sport is accessible and helpful in building strong, healthy and safe communities within their club,” Hahn said.

With the help of these programs, coaches and/or mentors can produce a healthy and positive culture for athletes to have open and honest conversations.

More information:

• Access these curriculum cards
• Learn more about Coaching Boys Into Men
• Learn more about Athletes as Leaders
• FAQ sheet

For more questions on the program, please contact Safe Sport Senior Manager Liz Hahn at ehahn@usaswimming.org