Recognized annually on August 8 by the International Olympic Committee, Safer in Sports Day provides an opportunity for USA Swimming to bring further awareness to protecting athletes from abuse. Use the information below as you continue to work with USA Swimming to create an abuse-free environment for all participants.

What is USA Swimming’s Safe Sport program?

USA Swimming’s Safe Sport program is a comprehensive abuse prevention program, consisting of a multi-layered approach to keeping kids safe. It includes required policies and best practice guidelines, mandatory screening, training and education as well as monitoring, supervision and mandatory reporting. These measures are informed by experts in the field of child safety and are among the strongest safeguards found in any youth-serving organization. Learn more about USA Swimming Safe Sport here.

What is the difference between USA Swimming Safe Sport and the U.S. Center for SafeSport?

USA Swimming Safe Sport is USA Swimming’s own abuse prevention program. Established in 2010, it was the first comprehensive program of its kind in the Olympic movement. The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit organization, separate from USA Swimming Safe Sport, that takes exclusive jurisdiction over reports of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and sexually explicit/inappropriate communication through social media.

How do I know where to report a concern? 

Reporting can be difficult. Below are guidelines for reporting issues.

• The U.S. Center for SafeSport
  • Report in instances of:
    • Sexual misconduct,
    • Sexual harassment and
    • Sexually explicit/inappropriate communication through social media.
    • You can also report issues dealing with:
      • Physical or Emotional Misconduct and
      • Violation of the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy
    • You can report online here or by calling 833-5US-SAFE (587-7233).
• USA Swimming Safe Sport
  • Report in instances of:
    • Criminal charges,
    • Physical or emotional misconduct,
    • USA Swimming code of conduct violations and
    • Violations of USA Swimming Safe Sport policies, including USA Swimming’s Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy.
  • You can report online here, anonymously texting 888-270-SWIM (7946), emailing safesport@usaswimming.org or reaching out directly to USA Swimming Safe Sport staff here.
• Your Club
  • Report in instances of:
    • Peer-to-peer bullying,
    • Adult-to-athlete bullying,
    • Parent issues/parent complaints,
    • Violations of team rules and team code of conduct and
    • Violations of the team policies including the team’s Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy.
  • For an example letter of correspondence to your club, please click here.

If you need advice or help in making a report, please contact the USA Swimming Safe Sport staff.

Who is required to report?

Pursuant to federal law, all adults authorized to interact with minor or amateur athletes who learn of facts that give reason to suspect a child has suffered an incident of abuse, including sexual abuse, must make a report of the suspected abuse to law enforcement and/or your state’s designated agency within 24 hours.

Maintaining a safe and positive environment for members takes all of us. Learn more about how to ingrain Safe Sport into your team culture by:

• Taking advantage of resources in the Club Toolkit
• Participating in USA Swimming Safe Sport FREE virtual training
• Attending FREE monthly DEI virtual trainings
• Ensuring your club has an updated Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy