Wednesday, December 16, 2020
American Energy Swim Club achieves Safe Sport Club Recognition
Safeguarding athletes from abuse is a top priority for USA Swimming. In furtherance of these efforts, the USA Swimming Safe Sport program provides resources to its members to assist them in meeting required standards and also with opportunities to go above and beyond the requirements. In 2018, USA Swimming launched its Safe Sport Club Recognition program as a means for clubs to demonstrate a commitment to creating a healthy and positive environment free from abuse for all its members through the development and implementation of club governance measures, Safe Sport policies and reporting mechanisms, Safe Sport best practices and training to athletes and parents.
American Energy Swim Club in Oklahoma City, OK, is among the first wave of clubs to earn this recognition. Kendall Miller, the club’s Safe Sport coordinator, and head coach Chris Van Slooten share thoughts on how their team and others can implement Safe Sport policies into their swim club’s daily operations and culture.
What are three ways your team has implemented Safe Sport policies/procedures for your coaches, parents and athletes?
One of the primary ways American Energy Swim Club has implemented the Safe Sport program is to set in place policies and procedures for our club in reference to coach/athlete/parent interaction, social media, travel safety and other areas of concern. We’ve also held “refresher“ meetings with our coaches as add-ons to the regular meetings our head coach has with the staff. In these meetings, we‘ve reviewed Safe Sport best practices, reviewed the MAAPP, and talked specifically about a coach’s social media presence and it’s reflection on the club. We’ve also had meetings with the athletes to discuss different Safe Sport areas such as social media, locker room safety and proper conduct between coaches, athletes and parents. Last year, we brought in a school resource officer from our local police department to make a presentation to our athletes specifically about social media called #thinkbeforeyoupost. For our parents, instead of just sending out information through emails, we’ve hosted Zoom Town Hall meetings which gives them an opportunity to hear more about what is happening with the club and ask questions about any subject.
How successful do you feel these methods are in protecting your swimmers and building your team’s culture?
We feel that following the Safe Sport guidelines has been essential to creating the safe and secure environment our club has. This in turn has led to a positive and encouraging team culture among our athletes which makes them more successful not only as a swimmer, but as a person.
What advice would you give other teams in implementing Safe Sport programs into their team operations?
If a club is trying to get Safe Sport recognized, keep up with the requirements on a regular basis so it becomes part of the team and not just something you are trying to achieve for recognition. Our team is lucky to be led by a dedicated group of parents, board members and coaches. Our head coach, Chris Van Slooten, is top notch and our current club president, Nicole Levendofsky, works tirelessly for the team. Another suggestion I would have for other teams would be to make sure to have the right people in key roles to implement Safe Sport programs. It makes all the difference in the world.
For more information on USA Swimming's Safe Sport Club Recognition program, visit: www.usaswimming.org/safe-sport/safe-sport-recognition-program
American Energy Swim Club in Oklahoma City, OK, is among the first wave of clubs to earn this recognition. Kendall Miller, the club’s Safe Sport coordinator, and head coach Chris Van Slooten share thoughts on how their team and others can implement Safe Sport policies into their swim club’s daily operations and culture.
What are three ways your team has implemented Safe Sport policies/procedures for your coaches, parents and athletes?
One of the primary ways American Energy Swim Club has implemented the Safe Sport program is to set in place policies and procedures for our club in reference to coach/athlete/parent interaction, social media, travel safety and other areas of concern. We’ve also held “refresher“ meetings with our coaches as add-ons to the regular meetings our head coach has with the staff. In these meetings, we‘ve reviewed Safe Sport best practices, reviewed the MAAPP, and talked specifically about a coach’s social media presence and it’s reflection on the club. We’ve also had meetings with the athletes to discuss different Safe Sport areas such as social media, locker room safety and proper conduct between coaches, athletes and parents. Last year, we brought in a school resource officer from our local police department to make a presentation to our athletes specifically about social media called #thinkbeforeyoupost. For our parents, instead of just sending out information through emails, we’ve hosted Zoom Town Hall meetings which gives them an opportunity to hear more about what is happening with the club and ask questions about any subject.
How successful do you feel these methods are in protecting your swimmers and building your team’s culture?
We feel that following the Safe Sport guidelines has been essential to creating the safe and secure environment our club has. This in turn has led to a positive and encouraging team culture among our athletes which makes them more successful not only as a swimmer, but as a person.
What advice would you give other teams in implementing Safe Sport programs into their team operations?
If a club is trying to get Safe Sport recognized, keep up with the requirements on a regular basis so it becomes part of the team and not just something you are trying to achieve for recognition. Our team is lucky to be led by a dedicated group of parents, board members and coaches. Our head coach, Chris Van Slooten, is top notch and our current club president, Nicole Levendofsky, works tirelessly for the team. Another suggestion I would have for other teams would be to make sure to have the right people in key roles to implement Safe Sport programs. It makes all the difference in the world.
For more information on USA Swimming's Safe Sport Club Recognition program, visit: www.usaswimming.org/safe-sport/safe-sport-recognition-program