Safe Sport, USA Swimming’s comprehensive abuse prevention program, maintains a best-in-class process for abuse prevention and an abundance of resources for USA Swimming membership. 

In 2022, Safe Sport offered and executed numerous training opportunities, introduced an enhanced reporting mechanism, earned successful audit scores from the U.S. Center for SafeSport, added two members to its staff and saw a record number of clubs voluntarily participate in the Safe Sport Club Recognition Program (SSRP). 

More than 45,000 athletes, aged 12 years and older, participated in Safe Sport training, which included online courses – Athlete Protection Training (APT) and SSRP – and in-person learning managed by the Safe Sport staff. A virtual game night with Olympians Lilly King and Annie Lazor focused on the importance of Safe Sport. 

This year, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, a separate organization from USA Swimming, conducted two audits of USA Swimming's Safe Sport efforts. These audits regularly occur across all National Governing Bodies (NGB) to ensure policies and procedures are consistent with standards to prevent and respond to sexual, physical and emotional abuse of athletes. 

The two audits conducted were Event and Administrative, and reviewed standards related to Education and Training, Communication and Reporting, and a Quality Control System. USA Swimming received “Fully Implemented” scores in all areas with one “Partially Implemented” score in the Quality Control System standard (Administrative). The full audit report can be found here. USA Swimming will continue working with members at the local level to effectively implement the Quality Control System in the coming year. 

Two additional people were added to the Safe Sport staff to respond to reports and maintain the integrity of case review. New in 2022, USA Swimming partnered with RealResponse to provide anonymous reporting through text message. Previous reporting mechanisms, such as the online reporting form, email and phone, are still available as well. 

To date, nearly 70 percent of eligible clubs have voluntarily engaged in the SSRP. These numbers demonstrate the continued investment by Local Swimming Committees (LSCs), clubs, non-athlete and athlete members to provide and encourage a safe environment, free from abuse for everyone.  

The USA Swimming Safe Sport staff looks forward to providing education and resources for all members in 2023 and beyond. Learn more about Safe Sport by visiting our website here.