Safe Sport Policy

WAYLAND WESTON ROWING ASSOCIATION, INC.

Safe Sport Policy

Introduction:

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 “SafeSport”) 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 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: https://uscenterforsafesport.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2020-SafeSport-Code-04.01.20.pdf

As a member organization, Wayland Weston Rowing Association, Inc. (“WWRA”) is in alignment with USRowing as the national governing body of rowing under the USOPC. This policy is based on the template provided by USRowing in support of the governing body’s policies and best practices. In accordance to guidelines established by USRowing and with the help of SafeSport, WWRA has adopted the following SafeSport policies as they relate specifically WWRA activities and participants. In the event there exist any conflict between the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) promulgated by SafeSport and the provisions of this policy, the MAAPP will take priority over any such conflicting policy.

This SafeSport policy explains the mandatory policies and procedures relating to the employees, contractors, volunteers, officers, athletes and board members of WWRA. While the primary mission of WWRA is to create a competitive interscholastic rowing program of excellence, our priority is the safety of our athletes, coaches, employees, and volunteers. Consequently, we take safety and professionalism very seriously. Any questions regarding this information should be directed to WWRA Board of Directors.

WWRA is a Massachusetts not for profit corporation and is committed to creating and supporting an environment and a culture free from misconduct. The welfare of all individuals involved with WWRA is paramount. Behavior and actions that constitute misconduct will not be tolerated.

There are many reasons to play sport – at any level. A life-long activity, people often play sport to have fun and spend time with friends. Sport also encourages a healthy lifestyle, builds self-confidence; athletes also do better off the field. They learn goal-setting, teamwork and time management skills. Athletes are less likely to use cigarettes, drugs and alcohol; youth athletes have higher graduation rates and are more likely to attend college.

Unfortunately, sport can also be a high-risk environment for misconduct, including physical and sexual abuse. In this policy, we identify six primary types of misconduct:

· Bullying

· Harassment

· Hazing

· Emotional Misconduct

· Physical Misconduct

· Sexual Misconduct, including Child Sexual Abuse

This policy applies to WWRA employees, athletes, board members, officers, volunteers (defined for purposes of this policy as those volunteers in frequent contact with the athletes such as chaperones or volunteer coaches), and anyone in regular contact with minor athletes. Regular contact shall mean ongoing interactions during a 12-month period wherein a person is in a role of direct and active engagement through WWRA activities with any minor Athlete. Ongoing interactions shall mean five (5) or more instances of WWRA activities during a 12-month period. For purposes of this policy, a competition is considered a single instance of WWRA activities regardless of its duration. Policy violations, misconduct and physical and sexual abuse must be reported consistent with the Reporting Policy as described herein. WWRA does 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 to appropriate law enforcement authorities and SafeSport.

1. WWRA FACILITIES

WWRA does not have a locker room for changing of clothes. All athletes, coaches and volunteers are expected to change at their own home, school or other location and come to the facility dressed to row, ready to participate.

2. TRAINING AND EDUCATION

WWRA requires education and training concerning the key elements of WWRA’s safety program for those individuals to whom this policy is applicable. To do so, people should have a basic understanding of sexual abusers, as well as “grooming,” the most common strategy offenders use to seduce their victims, using a combination of attention, affection and gifts, offenders select a child, win the child’s trust (and the trust of the child’s parent or guardian), manipulate the child into sexual activity, and keep the child from disclosing abuse. Accordingly, employees, board members, officers and volunteers shall complete applicable awareness training concerning misconduct.

Individuals must successfully complete the training and quiz after the course. Upon satisfactory completion of the quiz, the employee, contractor, volunteer, officer or Board member will receive a certificate of completion, a copy of which must be provided to the WWRA Program Director. WWRA, along with USRowing, has partnered with SafeSport to provide training free of charge through:

1. Go to SafeSport.org and click on the “Sign In” button (upper right corner).

2. Register following the prompts and create your account.

3. Select U.S. Rowing as your “Membership” from the drop-down menu.

4. The following account code should be used for USRowing: __________________

Those Individuals who are required to take awareness training will take athlete awareness training every four (4) years, the first training to commence no more than 45 day(s) before they have contact with minor athletes and must complete a refresher course on an annual basis, beginning the calendar year after completing the SafeSport Trained Core.

On an annual basis, subject to parental consent, WWRA will give training to Minor Athletes on the prevention and reporting of child abuse, which training may be through courses offered by the Center located at www.athletesafety.org. And, on an annual basis, WWRA will offer training to parents on the prevention and reporting of child abuse through courses offered by the Center. Parents or legal guardians of Minor Athletes or adults caring for a Minor Athlete have free online access to the Center’s parent course and are encouraged to take the training.

3. SEXUAL ABUSE, HARASSMENT, BULLYING, HAZING, DISCRIMINATION, RETALIATION

WWRA has a zero tolerance policy for anyone to participate in unlawful harassment, sexual abuse/harassment, bullying, hazing, intimidation and/or unlawful discrimination or retaliation.

Employees, contractors, volunteers, athletes, officers and Board members shall refrain from all forms of misconduct, which include:

● Bullying

● Harassment

● Hazing

● Emotional misconduct

● Physical misconduct

● Sexual misconduct, including child sexual abuse

PROHIBITED CONDUCT

Child Sexual Abuse

(1) Any sexual activity with a child where consent is not or cannot be given. This includes sexual contact with a child that is accomplished by deception, manipulation, force or threat of force, regardless of the age of the participants, and all sexual interactions between an adult and a child, regardless of whether there is deception or the child understands the sexual nature of the activity.

Sexual contact between children also can be abusive. Whether or not a sexual interaction between children constitutes child sexual abuse turns on the existence of an aggressor, the age difference between the children, and/or whether there is an imbalance of power and/or intellectual capabilities. Child sexual abuse between children shall be governed by this policy.

(2) Any act or conduct described as child sexual abuse under federal or state law.

Examples

Sexually abusive acts may include sexual penetration, sexual touching or non‐contact sexual acts such as verbal acts, sexually suggestive electronic or written communications, exposure or voyeurism.

Emotional Misconduct

(1) A pattern of deliberate, non‐contact behavior that has the potential to cause emotional or psychological harm to an athlete. Non‐contact behaviors include:

a. Verbal acts

b. Physical acts

c. Acts that deny attention and/or support.

(2) Any act or conduct described as emotional abuse or misconduct under federal or state law (e.g. child abuse, child neglect).

Exception

Emotional misconduct does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team building, discipline or improving athletic performance. WWRA recognizes that the process for training and motivating athletes will vary with each coach and athlete, but it is nevertheless important for everyone involved in sport to support the use of motivational and training methods that avoid misconduct.

Examples

Examples of emotional misconduct prohibited by this policy include, without limitation:

(1) Verbal Acts. A pattern of verbal behaviors that (a) attack an athlete personally (e.g., calling them worthless, fat or disgusting) or (b) repeatedly and excessively yelling at a particular participant or participants in a manner that serves no productive training or motivational purpose.

(2) Physical Acts. A pattern of physically aggressive behaviors, such as (a) throwing sport equipment, water bottles or chairs at, or in the presence of, participants; or (b) punching walls, windows or other objects.

(3) Acts that Deny Attention and/or Support. A pattern of (a) ignoring an athlete for extended periods of time or (b) routinely or arbitrarily excluding participants from practice.

Note: Bullying, harassment, and hazing, defined below, often involve some form of emotional misconduct.

Physical Misconduct

(1) Contact or non‐contact conduct that results in or reasonably threatens to cause physical harm to an athlete or other sport participants, or

(2) Any act or conduct described as physical abuse or misconduct under federal or state law (e.g. child abuse, child neglect, assault).

Exceptions

Physical misconduct does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team building, appropriate discipline or improving athlete performance. WWRA recognizes that the process for training and motivating athletes will vary with each coach and athlete, but it is nevertheless important for everyone involved in sport to support the use of motivational and training methods that avoid misconduct.

Examples

Examples of physical misconduct prohibited by this Policy include, without limitation:

(1) Contact offenses. Behaviors that include:

(a) Punching, beating, biting, striking, choking or slapping an athlete or other sport participant

(b) Intentionally hitting an athlete or other sport participant with objects or sporting equipment

(d) Providing illegal drugs or non‐prescribed medications to any athlete or other sport participant

(e) Encouraging or permitting an athlete to return to play prematurely following a serious injury (e.g., a concussion) and without the clearance of a medical professional

(f) Prescribing dieting or other weight‐control methods (e.g., weigh‐ins, caliper tests) without regard for the nutritional well‐being and health of athlete

(2) Non‐contact offenses. Behaviors that include:

(a) Isolating an athlete or other sport participant in a confined space (e.g., locking an athlete in a small space)

(b) Forcing an athlete or other sport participant to assume a painful stance or position for no athletic purpose (e.g. requiring an athlete to kneel on a harmful surface)

Note: Bullying, harassment and hazing, defined below, often involve some form of physical misconduct.

Sexual Misconduct

(1) Any touching or non‐touching sexual interaction that is:

(a) Non-consensual or forced

(b) Coerced or manipulated

(2) Any sexual interaction between an athlete or other sport participant and an individual with evaluative, direct or indirect authority. Such relationships involve an imbalance of power and are likely to impair judgment or be exploitative

(3) Any act or conduct described as sexual abuse or misconduct under federal or state law (e.g. sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, rape).

Note: An imbalance of power is always assumed between a coach and an athlete.

Types of Sexual Misconduct

Types of sexual misconduct include:

(1) Sexual assault

(2) Sexual harassment

(3) Sexual abuse

(4) “Grooming”, using a combination of attention, affection and gifts, to win the child’s trust (and the trust of the child’s parent or guardian), manipulate the child into sexual activity, and keep the child from disclosing abuse

(5) Any other sexual intimacies that exploit an athlete. Minors cannot consent to sexual activity with an adult, and all sexual interaction between an adult and a minor is strictly prohibited.

Examples

Examples of sexual misconduct prohibited under this Policy include, without limitation:

(1) Touching offenses. Behaviors that include:

(a) Fondling an athlete or other sport participant’s breasts or buttocks

(b) Exchange of reward in sport (e.g., team placement, scores, feedback) for sexual favors

(d) Sexual relations or intimacies between athletes or other sport participant and persons in a position of trust, authority and/or evaluative and supervisory control over athletes

(2) Non‐touching offenses. Behaviors that include:

(a) A coach discussing his or her sex life with an athlete

(b) A coach asking an athlete or other sport participant about his or her sex life

(d) Exposing athletes or other sport participant to pornographic material

(e) Sending athletes or other sport participants sexually explicit or suggestive electronic or written messages or photos (e.g. “sexting”)

(f) Deliberately exposing an athlete or other sport participant to sexual acts

(g) Deliberately exposing an athlete or other sport participant to nudity

(h) Sexual harassment; specifically, the sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature, and

a. Is unwelcome, offensive or creates a hostile environment, and the offending individual knows or is told this

b. Is sufficiently severe or intense to be harassing to a reasonable person in the context.

Authority and Trust. Once the unique coach‐athlete relationship is established, the authority and trust on the part of the coach over the athlete shall be assumed, regardless of age for the duration of the coach and athlete association with WWRA. Accordingly, sexual interaction or intimacies between a coach and an athlete are prohibited, regardless of age, both during coaching and during that period following coaching.

Imbalance of Power. Factors relevant to determining whether there is an imbalance of power include, but are not limited to:

(a) The nature and extent of the coach’s supervisory, evaluative or other authority over the athlete being coached

(b) The actual relationship between the parties

(d) The nature and duration of the sexual relations or intimacies

(e) The age of the coach

(f) The age of the athlete or participant

(g) Whether the coach has engaged in a pattern of sexual interaction with other athletes or participants.

Exception

This section does not apply to a pre‐existing relationship between two spouses or life partners.

Bullying

(1) An intentional, persistent and repeated pattern of committing or willfully tolerating physical and non-physical behaviors that are intended, or have the reasonable potential, to cause fear, humiliation or physical harm in an attempt to socially exclude, diminish or isolate the targeted athlete(s) or other sport participant(s), as a condition of participation

(2) Any act or conduct described as bullying under federal or state law

Exceptions

Bullying does not include group or team behaviors that (a) are meant to establish normative team behaviors or (b) promote team cohesion. WWRA recognizes that the process for training and motivating athletes will vary with each coach and athlete, but it is nevertheless important for everyone involved in sport to support the use of motivational and training methods that avoid misconduct.

For example, bullying does not include verbal admonitions to encourage team members to train harder and to push through a difficult training regime.

Examples

Examples of bullying prohibited by this Policy include, without limitation:

(1) Physical behaviors. Behaviors that include (a) hitting, pushing, punching, beating, biting, striking, kicking, choking, or slapping an athlete or other sport participant, and/or (b) throwing at, or hitting an athlete or other sport participant with objects such as sporting equipment.

(2) Verbal and emotional behaviors. Behaviors that include (a) teasing, ridiculing, intimidating, (b) spreading rumors or making false statements, or (c) using electronic communications, social media, or other technology to harass, frighten, intimidate or humiliate (“cyber bullying”).

Harassment

(1) A repeated pattern of physical and/or non‐physical behaviors that (a) are intended to cause fear, humiliation or annoyance, (b) offend or degrade, (c) create a hostile environment, (d) reflect discriminatory bias in an attempt to establish dominance, superiority or power over an individual athlete or other sport participant or group based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression or mental or physical disability or

(e) are retaliatory in nature, defined as of taking adverse action against an individual who makes a good faith complaint or assertion regarding these policies

(2) Any act or conduct described as harassment under federal or state law.

Examples

Examples of harassment prohibited by this Policy include, without limitation:

(1) Physical offenses. Behaviors that include (a) hitting, pushing, punching, beating, biting, striking, kicking, choking or slapping an athlete or participant, and/or (b) throwing at or hitting an athlete or participant with objects including sporting equipment.

(2) Non‐physical offenses. Behaviors that include (a) making negative or disparaging comments about an athlete or other sport participant’s sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, religion, skin color, or ethnic traits, (b) displaying offensive materials, gestures, or symbols, (c) withholding or reducing playing time to an athlete based on his or her sexual orientation.

Hazing

(1) Coercing, requiring, forcing or willfully tolerating any humiliating, unwelcome or dangerous activity that serves as a condition for (a) joining a group or (b) being socially accepted by a group’s members

(2) Any act or conduct described as hazing under federal or state law

Exception

Hazing does not include group or team activities that (a) are meant to establish normative team behaviors or (b) promote team cohesion. WWRA recognizes that the process for training and motivating athletes will vary with each coach and athlete, but it is nevertheless important for everyone involved in sport to support the use of motivational and training methods that avoid misconduct.

Examples

Examples of hazing prohibited by this Policy include, without limitation:

(1) Requiring, forcing or otherwise requiring the consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs

(2) Tying, taping or otherwise physically restraining an athlete or other sport participant

(3) Sexual simulations or sexual acts of any nature

(4) Sleep deprivation, otherwise unnecessary schedule disruption or the withholding of water and/or food

(5) Social actions (e.g. grossly inappropriate or provocative clothing) or public displays (e.g. public nudity) that are illegal or meant to draw ridicule

(6) Beating, paddling or other forms of physical assault

(7) Excessive training requirements focused on specific individuals on a team.

Comment: Activities that fit the definition of hazing are considered to be hazing regardless of an athlete or other sport participant’s willingness to cooperate or participate.

Massages, Rubdowns, and Athletic Training Modalities

Massages, rubdowns and athletic training modalities are not permitted at WWRA.

4. REPORTING POLICY AND DISCIPLINARY RULES AND PROCEDURES

Although these Policies are designed to reduce child sexual abuse and other misconduct, abuse and misconduct can still occur. WWRA’s policies and procedures require anyone who may witness or become aware of any perceived or known violation to these policies to report abuse, misconduct and violations of its SafeSport policies by reporting as soon as possible, but in any event within 24 hours, to the WWRA Program Director or to the WWRA Board of Directors and/or, if appropriate, directly to the police and/or Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (“DCF”). WWRA does 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 to appropriate law enforcement authorities and SafeSport. All reports of child physical or sexual abuse will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities and to SafeSport.

In the event an employee, contractor, volunteer or Board member is approached by a parent, athlete, or any other individual regarding concerns or perceived or known violations of this policy, the employee, contractor, volunteer, officer or Board member shall record the information, offer the parents or athlete the appropriate contact information and report the concerns or perceived or known violations of this policy to the WWRA Program Director and the WWRA Board of Directors and/or, if appropriate, directly to the police and DCF as soon as possible, but in any event within 24 hours. Parents, athletes, or any other individual may let their concerns be known in either oral or written form, and may request to remain anonymous. However, anonymous reporting may make it difficult for WWRA to investigate or properly address allegations. WWRA will take a report in the way most comfortable for the person initiating the report including an anonymous, in-person, verbal or written report. Regardless of how a report is made, it is helpful for individuals to provide the name of the complainant(s),name of the alleged victim, type of misconduct allege, and name of individual(s) alleged to have committed the misconduct.

Peer‐to‐Peer Sexual Abuse

It is reported that approximately 1/3 of all child sexual abuse occurs at the hands of other children and the obligation to report extends to peer-to-peer child sexual abuse. Whether or not a sexual interaction between children constitutes child sexual abuse turns on the existence of an aggressor, the age difference between the children, and/or whether there is an imbalance of power or intellectual capabilities. If an employee, contractor, volunteer or Board member has any concerns that an interaction between children may constitute sexual abuse, report it to the appropriate law enforcement authorities and WWRA Program Director or a Board member immediately.

Confidentiality

To the extent permitted by law, and as appropriate, WWRA will keep confidential the complainant’s name on request, not make public the names of potential victims, the accused perpetrator or the people who made a report of child physical and sexual abuse to the authorities.

“Whistleblower” and Complainants Protection

Regardless of outcome, WWRA will support the complainant(s) and his or her right to express concerns in good faith. WWRA will not encourage, allow or tolerate attempts from any individual to retaliate, punish, allow or in any way harm any individual(s) who reports a concern in good faith. Such actions against a complainant will be considered a violation of our SafeSport policies and grounds for disciplinary action.

Bad-Faith Allegations

A report of abuse, misconduct or policy violations that is malicious, frivolous or made in bad faith is prohibited. Such reports will be considered a violation of our SafeSport policies and grounds for disciplinary action. Depending on the nature of the allegation, a person making a malicious, frivolous or bad-faith report may also be subject to civil or criminal proceedings. An allegation is false if the events reported did not occur, and the person making the report knows the events did not occur. A false allegation is different from an unsubstantiated allegation; an unsubstantiated allegation means there is insufficient supporting evidence to determine whether an allegation is true or false. Absent demonstrable misconduct, an unsubstantiated allegation alone is not grounds for a violation of this section.

How Reports Are Handled

Participation in WWRA activities is a privilege, not a right. Such participation may be limited, conditioned, suspended, terminated, or denied if a participant’s conduct is or was inconsistent with the Code, this Policy, and/or the best interests of the sport of rowing and those who participate in it.

Suspicions or Allegations of Child Physical or Sexual Abuse Reporting to SafeSport, Law Enforcement and/or DCF

An independent investigation can harm youth and/or interfere with the legal investigative process. WWRA, its employees, officers, Board members and/or volunteers do not attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of child physical or sexual abuse as a condition for reporting to appropriate law enforcement authorities or SafeSport. As necessary, however, WWRA may ask a few clarifying questions of the minor or person making the report to adequately report the suspicion or allegation to law enforcement authorities and SafeSport. For mandatory reporting laws, see Child Abuse | Mass.gov.

While WWRA endeavors to provide support and guidance to participants on a day-to-day basis, it is also important for the organization to have procedures for disciplinary action to address alleged violations of its policies and other inappropriate behaviors.

DISCIPLINARY RULES

WWRA recognizes that there are varying levels of misconduct. For example, physical and sexual misconduct are serious violations that may result in immediate dismissal or termination of participation. In contrast, a youth participant who tells a single sexually risqué joke constitutes less serious misconduct and depending on the circumstances, might be dealt with more appropriately through dialogue and a verbal warning. In all cases, WWRA disciplinary procedures and actions will be proportionate, reasonable and applied fairly and equally.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

On receipt of an allegation, WWRA will determine in its discretion and consistent with its policies, the appropriate steps to address the conduct based on several factors, including (i) the age of the complainant or victim, (ii) the age of the accused and (iii) the nature, scope, and extent of the allegations.

WWRA's disciplinary response will depend on the nature and seriousness of the incident. In extreme cases, misconduct will result in immediate summary dismissal or termination or suspension from WWRA activities, provided that the accused individual shall be advised of their right to a hearing, if applicable. If the accused individual is a minor, the WWRA will contact his or her parents or guardians.

Immediate Suspension or Termination

When an allegation of child physical or sexual abuse is made against an employee, athlete and/or volunteer, WWRA may immediately remove that individual from contact with any children in the program until the allegation has been investigated by an official agency. As necessary, WWRA may suspend or change the assignment or supervision of an employee and/or volunteer.

Misconduct and Policy Violations

WWRA addresses internally alleged policy violations and misconduct – bullying, harassment, hazing, emotional, physical and sexual- that are not reportable under the SafeSport Act or relevant state or federal law. Employees, contractors, volunteers, officers or Board members must report policy violations and misconduct to the WWRA Program Director or a WWRA Board member.

Notification

Following WWRA's notice of a credible allegation that results in the removal of an employee, athlete, contractor or other volunteer, WWRA may consider the circumstances in which it will notify other parents of athletes with whom the accused individual may have had contact. In its discretion, WWRA may, as appropriate, and after consultation with counsel, notify its employees, contractors, volunteers, parents, and/or athletes of any allegation of child physical or sexual abuse or other criminal behavior that (1) law enforcement authorities are actively investigating; or (2) that SafeSport is investigating; or (3) that WWRA is investigating internally. Advising others of an allegation may lead to additional reports of child physical or sexual abuse and other misconduct.

Disciplinary Action

Sanctions for violations of these policies will be proportionate and reasonable under the circumstances. In addition to day-to-day guidance, WWRA may take the following disciplinary actions, without limitation:

• Inform the individual’s direct-line supervisor or in the case of a minor, the minor’s parent or

guardian

• Provide the individual with guidance, redirection and instruction

• Temporary suspension from competition or team

• File a formal incident report

• Issue a verbal warning

• Issue a written and/or final written warning

• Implement a limited access agreement (e.g., limiting an individual’s access to certain buildings

and boathouses or to athletes)

• Provide informed supervision, where at least one employee or volunteer is informed of the allegation and

is instructed to supervised vigilantly the accused individual in his or her interactions with the

program and/or organization

• Engage in restorative practices (i.e., creation of a respectful and safe dialogue when a

misunderstanding or harm has occurred)

• Suspend or terminating employment or membership in WWRA and its activities

ONGOING EMPLOYMENT AND/OR PARTICIPATION

On receipt of a credible and specific allegation of child abuse or other serious misconduct (e.g., physical

and sexual abuse as defined in our SafeSport policy), WWRA may immediately suspend or

terminate the accused individual to ensure participant safety.

5. APPLICANT SCREENING

New employees and contractors (“applicant or applicants”) must consent to, and pass, a formal applicant screening process before performing services for WWRA.

Elements of our screening process include, as applicable, written application, personal interview, reference check and criminal background check.

Education About the Club's Protection Policies

To deter applicants who may be at risk of abusing athletes or participants from applying for positions, WWRA educates its applicants about its protection policies and offers applicants an early opt‐out by:

● Requiring SafeSport online awareness training before placement and/or before working with athletes and participants

● Informing applicants about our policies and procedures relevant to prevention

● Asking applicants to review and agree to our policies and procedures before proceeding with the process

● Requiring applicants to sign a document acknowledging review of our policies and procedures.

Personal Interview

The WWRA Program Director and, as applicable, WWRA Board members, will interview applicants whose experience and credentials are considered a fit for available positions. During this interview, WWRA will ask questions to encourage discussion, clarify responses and expand on the applicant’s answers to questions from any written application.

References

At its discretion, WWRA may request applicant to provide references who may be contacted (either by phone or in writing) and asked specific questions regarding the applicant’s professional experiences, demeanor and appropriateness for involvement with minor athletes and participants.

6. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK POLICY

All applicants over the age of 18 will be required to pass a criminal background check before providing services for WWRA. Massachusetts, Federal and local rules/regulations will be followed. See WWRA CORI policy.

7. SUPERVISION OF ATHLETES

During training and competition, WWRA strives to create two‐deep leadership and minimize one‐to‐one interactions to create a safe training environment and to protect athletes.

APPROPRIATE ONE‐ON‐ONE INTERACTIONS

Individual Meetings

An individual meeting may be necessary to address an athlete’s concerns, training program, or competition schedule. Under these circumstances, coaches, employees, contractors, volunteers, officers and Board members are to observe the following guidelines:

● Any individual meeting should occur when others are present and where interactions can be easily observed

● Where possible, an individual meeting should take place in a publicly visible and open area

● If an individual meeting is to take place in an office, the door should remain unlocked and open

● If a closed‐door meeting is necessary, the coach, employee, contractor, volunteer, and/or Board member must inform another coach, employee, contractor, volunteer, and/or Board member and ensure the door remains unlocked.

Individual Training Sessions

An individual training session(s) with an athlete or participant may also be desired or necessary. Under these circumstances, annual written permission of a minor athlete’s parents or guardians is required in advance of the individual training session(s), and WWRA encourages parents and guardians to attend the training session. Such training sessions shall take place in a publicly visible and open area or in the Boathouse with the door unlocked.

SUPERVISION OF ATHLETES

WWRA endeavors to ensure minor athletes will not be left unattended or unsupervised during WWRA activities. However, WWRA cannot guarantee athletes will be continually monitored and never be left without coaching or volunteer supervision. Athletes are participating at their own risk.

PROHIBITED ONE‐ON‐ONE INTERACTIONS

Except as set forth above, WWRA coaches, employees, contractors, volunteers, officers, and Board members are prohibited from being alone with an individual athlete in any closed room or closed building, unless required for safety reasons.

EXCEPTION: ONE‐ON‐ONE INTERACTIONS

Minor athletes and participants may be placed in one-to-one interaction in a coaching launch during an on-the-water practice session. During this period, the launch should remain in visible and audible contact with the crews on-the-water.

On occasion, an employee or volunteer may have to wait with an individual athlete while the athlete is waiting for transportation from a WWRA activity. In this case the employee or volunteer will remain with the athlete in a public area. If this area is in the boathouse, the door will remain unlocked.

PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH ATHLETES

Appropriate physical contact between athletes and coaches is a productive and inevitable part of sport. Athletes are more likely to acquire advanced physical skills and enjoy their sport participation through appropriate physical contact. However, guidelines for appropriate physical contact reduce the potential for misconduct in sport.

APPROPRIATE PHYSICAL CONTACT

WWRA adheres to the following principles and guidelines in regards to physical contact with our athletes:

Common Criteria for Appropriate Physical Contact

Physical contact with athletes – for safety, consolation and celebration – has multiple criteria in common which make them both safe and appropriate. These include:

● The physical contact takes place in public

● There is no potential for, or actual, physical or sexual intimacies during the physical contact

● The physical contact is for the benefit of the athlete, not to meet an emotional or other need of an adult.

Safety

The safety of our athletes is paramount and, in many instances, we make the athletic space safer through appropriate physical contact. Examples include:

● Spotting an athlete so they will not be injured by a fall or piece of equipment

● Positioning an athlete’s body so they more quickly acquire an athletic skill, get a better sense of where their body is in space, or improve their balance and coordination

● Making athletes aware they might be in harm’s way because of other athletes practicing around them or because of equipment in use

● Releasing muscle cramps.

Celebration

Sports are physical by definition and we recognize participants often express their joy of participation, competition, achievement, and victory through physical acts. We encourage these public expressions of celebration, which include:

● Greeting gestures such as high‐fives, fist bumps, and brief hugs

● Congratulatory gestures such as celebratory hugs, “jump‐arounds” and pats on the back for any form of athletic or personal accomplishment.

Consolation

It may be appropriate to console an emotionally distressed athlete (e.g., an athlete who has been injured or has just lost a race). Appropriate consolation includes publicly:

● Embracing a crying athlete

● Putting an arm around an athlete while verbally engaging them in an effort to calm them down (“side hugs”)

● Lifting a fallen athlete off the ground or from the water and “dusting them off” to encourage them to continue competition

PROHIBITED PHYSICAL CONTACT

Prohibited forms of physical contact include, without limitation:

● Asking or having an athlete sit in the lap of a coach, administrator, employee, contractor, volunteer, officer or Board member

● Lingering or repeated embraces of athletes that go beyond the criteria set forth for acceptable physical contact

● Slapping, hitting, punching, kicking, or any other physical contact meant to discipline, punish, or achieve compliance from an athlete

● “Cuddling” or maintaining prolonged physical contact during any aspect of training, travel, or overnight stay

● Playful, yet inappropriate contact that is not a part of regular training, (e.g., tickling or “horseplay” wrestling)

● Continued physical contact that makes an athlete obviously uncomfortable, whether expressed or not

● Any contact that is contrary to a previously expressed personal desire for decreased or no physical contact, where such decreased contact is feasible in a competitive training environment.

Violations of this policy must be reported immediately to the WWRA Program Director or WWRA Board member and violations will be addressed under these policies. Some forms of physical contact may constitute child physical or sexual abuse and must be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities and the Center.

8. SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES/ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

As part of WWRA's emphasis on athlete safety, all electronic communications between a coach and athlete must be professional in nature and for the purpose of communicating information about team activities. As with any communication, the content of any electronic communication should be readily available to share with the athlete’s family. At the written request of a parent or guardian, any email, electronic text, social media or similar communication will copy or include the athlete’s parent(s) or guardian(s).

FACEBOOK, TWITTER, BLOGS AND SIMILAR SITES

Employees may not have WWRA athletes join a personal social media page or follow coaches unless the media is shared for team oriented purposes. Athletes and parents can friend the official WWRA Facebook page or follow WWRA on Twitter and coaches can communicate to athlete members though the site. If a coach or administrator sets up a team-based site (or subsite for specific squads) to provide communications between coaches and athletes, a minimum of two coaches and/or administrators are to be members. All posts, messages, text, or media of any kind between coach and athlete must be professional in nature and for the purpose of communicating information about team activities or for team-oriented motivational purposes.

EMAIL AND SIMILAR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

Athletes and coaches may use email to communicate. All email content between coach and athlete must be professional in nature and for the purpose of communicating information about team activities.

TEXTING AND SIMILAR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

Texting is allowed between coaches and athletes. All texts between coach and athlete must be professional and for the purpose of communicating information about team activities.

IMAGERY

From time to time, digital photos, videos of practice or competition, and other publicly obtainable images of the athlete – individually or in groups – may be taken. These photos and/or videos may be submitted to local, state or national publications, used in WWRA videos, posted on the WWRA website or offered to WWRA membership in electronic form. It is the default policy of WWRA to allow such practices as long as the athlete or athletes are in public view and such imagery is both appropriate and in the best interest of the athlete and WWRA. Imagery must not be contrary to any rules as outlined above.

REQUEST TO DISCONTINUE ELECTRONIC IMAGERY

The parents or guardians of an athlete may request in writing that their child not be featured in any form of electronic imagery communication by coaches (photography or videography). This request must be made annually in writing to the WWRA Program Director and the WWRA Board.

MISCONDUCT

Social media and electronic communications can also be used to commit misconduct (e.g., emotional, sexual, bullying, harassment, and hazing). Such communications by employees, volunteers, contractors, administrators, officers, Board members, parents, or athletes will not be tolerated and are considered violations of our SafeSport policies.

VIOLATIONS

Violations of WWRA’s electronic communications and social media policy should be reported to the WWRA Program Director or any member of the WWRA Board. Complaints and allegations will be addressed under WWRA disciplinary rules and procedures and, to the extent applicable, the policies of Wayland and Weston High Schools.

9. TRAVEL

Travel is a standard aspect of our competitive season and WWRA has established policies to guide our travel to minimize one‐on‐one interactions and reduce the risk of misconduct. Adherence to these travel guidelines will increase athlete safety and improve the competitive experience while keeping travel a fun and enjoyable experience.

LOCAL AND TEAM TRAVEL

We distinguish between travel to training, practice and local competition (“local travel”), and team travel involving a coordinated overnight stay (“team travel”).

Local Travel

Local travel occurs when WWRA does not sponsor or arrange for travel. For local travel, athletes or their parents/guardians (for minor athletes) are responsible for making all travel arrangements. In these instances, it is the responsibility of the athlete or their parents/guardians (for minor athletes) to ensure the person transporting the athlete maintains all safety and legal requirements, including, but not limited to, a valid driver’s license, proper insurance, well‐maintained vehicle, and compliance with all state laws.

In an effort to minimize one‐on‐one interactions, WWRA employees, contractors, volunteers, officers and/or Board members, who are not also acting as a parent, should not drive alone with an unrelated athlete and should only drive with at least two other athletes or another adult at all times. This does not include or apply to emergency transportation situations. Efforts must be made to ensure that employees, contractors, volunteers, officers, and/or Board members are not alone with an athlete, e.g., picking the athletes up in groups.

Employees, contractors and volunteers who are also an athlete’s guardian may provide shared transportation for any athlete(s). We encourage guardians to pick up their athlete first and drop off their athlete last in any shared or carpool travel arrangement.

Team Travel

Team travel is travel to regattas or overnight travel that occurs when WWRA sponsors, coordinates, or arranges for travel so that the teams can compete locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally.

Because of the greater distances, employees, contractors, volunteers, officers and Board members will often travel with the athletes. However, no employee, contractor, volunteer, officer or Board member will engage in team travel without the proper safety requirements in place, including valid drivers’ licenses, proper insurance, well‐maintained vehicles, and compliance with all state laws.

For team travel, hotels and air travel will be booked in advance by WWRA or parents/guardians of the participating athletes. Athletes will share rooms, with 2-5 same gender athletes assigned per room depending on accommodations.

We encourage family members who wish to stay in the team hotel to do so. If family members do not stay in the team hotel, we encourage all athletes to call parents and guardians regularly and allow for any unscheduled calls by either the athlete or parent/guardian.

WWRA makes reasonable efforts to provide adequate supervision through employees, volunteers and other adult chaperones but cannot guarantee a child or minor will be supervised 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Athletes are participating in Team travel at their own risk.

Travel Notification

When possible, WWRA will provide reasonable advance notice before team travel. Notice will include the dates, location and duration of competition. Travel notice will also include designated team hotel(s) for overnight stays as well as a contact person or persons. These individuals will be the point of contact to confirm your intention to travel and to help with travel details. WWRA will post specific travel itineraries when they become available. These will include a more detailed, itinerary as well as contact information for team travel chaperones.

Mixed-Gender and Mixed-Age Travel

WWRA is made up of male and female athletes across various ages. Athletes will only share a room with other athletes of the same gender and age group. We will make every effort to provide at least one chaperone of each gender. However, we rely on parents to serve as chaperones and may be limited in providing chaperones.

Regardless of gender, an employee or volunteer shall not share a hotel room or other sleeping arrangement with an athlete (unless the employee or volunteer is the parent, guardian, sibling or spouse of that particular athlete).

Employee Responsibilities

During team travel, coaching employees will help athletes, fellow employees and volunteers to adhere to policy guidelines.

WWRA may arrange for team travel by use of buses and/or rental cars or vans. If an employee transports an athlete or other organization member in their private car for team travel, a copy of the employee’s valid driver’s license is required.

When not practicing, training, competing, or preparing for competition, coaching employees will monitor the activities of athletes, fellow employees and volunteers during team travel. Coaching employees will:

(1) prepare athletes for team travel and make athletes aware of all expectations.

(2) familiarize themselves with all travel itineraries and schedules before the initiation of team travel

(3) conform to, and monitor for others’ adherence, the athlete protection policy and all policies during team travel

(4) help athletes be on time for all team commitments (as possible)

(5) assist with team travel logistical needs (as possible)

(6) support chaperones and/or participate in the monitoring of athletes for adherence to curfew restrictions

(7) not use drugs or alcohol in the presence of minors or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while performing their coaching duties

(8) immediately report any concerns about physical or sexual abuse, misconduct, or policy violations

(9) notify parents when taking any disciplinary action against a minor athlete.

Chaperone and Volunteer Responsibilities

Chaperones and volunteers accompany team travel are responsible to ensure that the athletes, employees, chaperones and volunteers adhere to the WWRA policy guidelines. While these include the travel policy, it also includes all other relevant policies contained in this policy and relevant Wayland and Weston High School policies.

If a chaperone or volunteer will be operating a private or rental car for team travel, a copy of the chaperone or volunteer’s valid driver’s license is required.

Chaperones and volunteers will monitor the activities of all athletes during team travel. Specifically, chaperones and volunteers will:

(1) familiarize themselves with all travel itineraries and schedules before team travel

(2) monitor for adherences to the WWRA policies during team travel

(3) encourage minor athletes to participate in regular communications with their parents/guardians

(4) help athletes be on time for all team commitments (as possible)

(5) assist coaching employees and other volunteers with team travel logistical needs (as possible)

(6) monitor athletes for adherence to curfew restrictions

(7) ensure athletes comply with hotel room restrictions

(8) not use drugs or alcohol in the presence of minors or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while performing their chaperone/volunteer duties

(9) immediately report any concerns about sexual and physical abuse, misconduct or policy violations to the WWRA Program Director or a WWRA Board member.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in following these policies. Should you have any questions or concerns, please address them immediately with the WWRA Program Director or the WWRA Board.