The SafeSport initiative is dedicated to promoting a safe training environment in sport.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Our policies and procedures require coaches and members and volunteers of Delaware River Rowing Club,(hereinafter referred to as DRRC), to report abuse, misconduct and violations of its Safe Sport Handbook. To do so, coaches and members of Delaware River Rowing Club 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, this Safe Sport Policy is available on Delaware River Rowing Club’s website https://sites.google.com/delawareriverrowingclub.org/public , as well as a paper version located at the DRRC boathouse, located at 3 York Street, Burlington, NJ 08016.

Moreover, coaches complete an awareness training concerning misconduct in sport before performing services for Delaware River Rowing Club. Misconduct in sport includes:

• Bullying

• Harassment

• Hazing

• Emotional misconduct

• Physical misconduct, and

• Sexual misconduct, including child sexual abuse

Coaches must successfully complete the training and the quiz after the test.

Coaches who are required to take awareness training will take athlete awareness training every three (3) years, or no more than 30 day(s) before they first have contact with athletes.

APPLICANT SCREENING

Coaches must consent to, and pass, a formal applicant screening process before performing services for DRRC.

Elements of our screening process include, as applicable, successful completion of an application, interview, reference check and criminal background check.

EDUCATION ABOUT CLUB’S PROTECTION POLICIES

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

• Requiring 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

• 
  

WRITTEN APPLICATIONS

Each applicant for a position will complete an application form consisting of personal, identifying information and a general release with applicant’s signature.

The written application will:

• Ask about previous work and volunteer experiences

• Ask questions intended to elicit information concerning high-risk behaviors

• Provide a written release for contacting personal references and performing a criminal background check, including an indemnification clause

• Ask open-ended questions that encourage broad answers

• Use disclosure statements to ask applicants about previous criminal arrests or convictions for sexual offenses, violence against youth and other violent criminal offenses or felonies

PERSONAL INTERVIEW

Appropriate staff will interview applicants whose experience and credentials are considered a fit for available positions. During this interview, DRRC will ask questions to encourage discussion, clarify responses and expand on the applicant’s answers to questions from the written application.

REFERENCES

References of applicants will be contacted (either by phone or in writing) and asked specific questions regarding the applicant’s demeanor and appropriateness for involvement with minor athletes and participants.

RELEASE

Each applicant will also provide a signed release, consistent with federal, state and local laws regulating employment practices, that allows references to speak freely about the applicant’s qualifications without fear of reprisal and authorizing DRRC to obtain information concerning an applicant’s past employment, volunteer experience and information provided by the applicant during the screening process (i.e., written application and personal interview).

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK POLICY

All applicants will be asked to undergo a criminal background check that complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act before providing services for DRRC. Through this criminal background check,DRRC will utilize reasonable efforts to ascertain past criminal history of an applicant.

PROCESS

The Criminal Background Check Consent and Waiver Release form must be submitted and the applicant cleared before he or she may perform services for DRRC.

On receipt of the Criminal Background Check Consent and Waiver Release form, DRRC will request that US Rowing’s recommended provider/vendor, National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI), perform the criminal background check.

POTENTIALLY DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

Criminal History

DRRC will use a criminal background check to gather information about an applicant’s prior criminal history. The information revealed by the criminal background check may disqualify an applicant from serving as a coach.

Information that could disqualify an applicant includes, but is not limited to, arrests, pleas of no contest and criminal convictions—especially if the underlying criminal behavior involved sex or violence.

Pending Court Cases

No decision will be made on an individual’s eligibility for work as a coach if they have a pending court case for any of the potentially disqualifying offenses until the pending case concludes.

Full Disclosure

Each applicant has the affirmative duty to disclose his or her criminal history. Failing to disclose or intentionally misrepresenting an arrest plea or conviction history in an application or any other information provided by an applicant during the screening process is grounds for membership revocation or restriction from club activities, regardless of when the offense is discovered.

• If an applicant (1) is arrested, (2) pleas or (3) is convicted of a crime other than a traffic offense during the screening process, the applicant is required to disclose such information immediately.

• In the event a person is serving as a coach and (1) is arrested, (2) pleas or (3) is convicted after the completion of the screening process, he or she has an affirmative duty to disclose such information immediately to a member of the Executive Board.

• Any applicant who has been banned by another sport organization, as temporarily or permanently ineligible, must self-disclose this information. A failure to disclose is a basis for disqualification for potential applicants.

FINDINGS

Notice of findings will be provided to a member of the Executive Board.

DRRC’s criminal background check report will return a “red light” or “green light” score. A green light score means that the background check vendor located no records that would disqualify the applicant. A green light score, however, is not a certification of safety or permission to bypass/ignore other screening efforts. Other disqualifying factors may exist, and can be revealed through an interview, reference checks and a completed application.

A red light finding means the criminal background check revealed criminal records which suggest the applicant “does not meet the criteria” and is not suitable for a coaching assignment.

FREQUENCY OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

Criminal background checks will be refreshed every three(3) years or as otherwise required by law, for coaches who are 18 years of age or older and perform services for DRRC.

AFFIRMATIVE DUTY TO DISCLOSE

If, during the course of coaching or participation in DRRC’s program, a coach is accused, arrested, indicted or convicted of a criminal offense against a child, it is the duty and responsibility of the coach to notify an Executive Board member.

OTHER POTENTIALLY DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

Even if an applicant passes a criminal background check, other factors may disqualify an applicant. An individual may be disqualified and prohibited from providing services for DRRC if the individual has:

• Been held liable for civil penalties or damages involving sexual or physical abuse of a minor

• Been subject to any court order involving any sexual or physical abuse of a minor, including but not limited to domestic order or protection

• A history with another organization (employment, volunteer, etc.) of complaints of sexual or physical abuse of minors

• Resigned, been terminated or been asked to resign from a position - paid or unpaid - due to complaint(s) of sexual or physical abuse of minors

• A history of other behavior that indicates they may be a danger to participants in DRRC; or

• Not met the job requirements

REVIEW OF DISQUALIFIERS

The DRRC will review its disqualifiers every three (3) years or as otherwise required or modified by law.

RECORDS

Records are secured by The DRRC’s Secretary for a period (3) three years or until the applicant is no longer affiliated with DRRC, whichever date is later.

ATHLETE PROTECTION POLICY

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

Overview

In the event that any Delaware River Rowing Club Coach, Member, or Volunteer observes inappropriate behaviors (i.e., policy violations), suspected physical or sexual abuse, or misconduct, it is the personal responsibility of each Delaware River Rowing Club Coach, Member, or Volunteer to immediately report his or her observations to the local police as well as the President of the Delaware River Rowing Club (DRRC) and the remaining members of the DRRC Executive Board.

Delaware River Rowing Club is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for athletes’ physical, emotional and social development and to ensuring that it promotes an environment free of misconduct.

Staff members and volunteers should not attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of child physical or sexual abuse allegations as a condition for reporting to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Instead, it is the responsibility of each Delaware River Rowing Club Coach, Member, or Volunteer to immediately report suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexual abuse to the local police as well as the President of the Delaware River Rowing Club and the remaining members of the DRRC Executive Board. Complaints and allegations will be addressed under the Delaware River Rowing Club’s Disciplinary Rules and Procedure.

The Delaware River Rowing Club 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.

Application

This Policy applies to the Delaware River Rowing Club Coaches, Members, and Volunteers.

Delaware River Rowing Club Coaches, Members, or Volunteers 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.

Note concerning peer-to-peer child sexual abuse: Sexual contact between minors 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.

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

Exception

None

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:

1. verbal acts

2. physical acts

3. acts that deny attention 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.

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 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 threaten 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. For example, hitting, punching, and kicking are well-regulated forms of contact in combat sports, but have no place in swimming.

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;

(b) intentionally hitting an athlete with objects or sporting equipment;

(c) providing alcohol to an athlete under the legal drinking age (under U.S. law);

(d) providing illegal drugs or non-prescribed medications to any athlete;

(e) encouraging or permitting an athlete to return to play pre-maturely 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 athletes.

2. Non-contact offenses. Behaviors that include:

(a) isolating an athlete in a confined space (e.g., locking an athlete in a small space);

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

(c) withholding, recommending against or denying adequate hydration, nutrition, medical attention or sleep.

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, or (c) perpetrated in an aggressive, harassing, exploitative or threatening manner;

2. Any sexual interaction between an athlete 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; or

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, or

4. 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.

Exceptions

None

Examples

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

1. Touching offenses. Behaviors that include:

1. fondling an athlete’s breasts or buttocks

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

3. genital contact

4. sexual relations or intimacies between persons in a position of trust, authority and/or evaluative and supervisory control over athletes or other sport participants.

1. Non-touching offenses. Behaviors that include:

1. a coach discussing his or her sex life with an athlete

2. a coach asking an athlete about his or her sex life

3. coach requesting or sending a nude or partial-dress photo to athlete

4. exposing athletes to pornographic material

5. sending athletes sexually explicit or suggestive electronic or written messages or photos (e.g. “sexting”)

6. deliberately exposing an athlete to sexual acts

7. deliberately exposing an athlete to nudity (except in situations where locker rooms and changing areas are shared)

8. sexual harassment; specifically, the sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature, and

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

   2. is sufficiently severe or intense to be harassing to a reasonable person in the context.

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), as a condition of membership

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.

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

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; (b) throwing at, or hitting an athlete 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 bulling”).

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 or (d) reflect discriminatory bias in an attempt to establish dominance, superiority or power over an individual athlete or group based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression or mental or physical disability; or

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

Exceptions

None

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; (b) throwing at or hitting an athlete with objects including sporting equipment.

2. Non-physical offenses. Behaviors that include (a) making negative or disparaging comments about an athlete’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; or

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.

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

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 individuals on a team

COMMENT: Activities that fit the definition of hazing are considered to be hazing regardless of an athlete's willingness to cooperate or participate.

WILLFULLY TOLERATING MISCONDUCT

It is a violation of this Safe Sport Policy if a Delaware River Rowing Club Coach, Member, or Volunteer knows of misconduct, but takes no action to intervene on behalf of the athlete(s), participant(s), staff member, and/or volunteer.

REPORTING

Although these policies are designed to reduce child sexual abuse and other misconduct, it can still occur. Delaware River Rowing Club Coaches, Members, or Volunteers of the Delaware River Rowing Club shall follow the reporting procedures set forth in the DRRC’s Reporting Policy. The Delaware River Rowing Club 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 of reporting suspicions or allegations to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

VIOLATIONS

Violations of the Athlete Protection Policy shall be reported pursuant to our Reporting Policy and will be addressed under our Disciplinary Rules and Procedure.

SUPERVISION OF ATHLETES AND PARTICIPANTS

During training and competition, The DRRC strives to create two-deep leadership and minimize one-to-one interactions to create a safe training environment and to protect athletes and participants.

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, staff members and/or volunteers 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, such as the corner of a gym or pool deck

• 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, staff member and/or volunteer must inform another coach, staff member and/or volunteer and ensure the door remains unlocked

Individual Training Sessions

An individual training session(s) shall not be held with a junior athlete.

PROHIBITED ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONS

Except as set forth above, minor athletes and participants will not be left unattended or unsupervised during the DRRC activities and the DRRC coaches are prohibited from being alone with an individual athlete or participant in any room or building. The DRRC coaches may be alone with junior athletes while the junior athlete is waiting to be picked up; however, the coach and athlete shall wait in easily observed areas.

PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH ATHLETES

Appropriate physical contact between athletes and coaches, staff members, contractors or volunteers 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

The DRRC 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 that they will not be injured by a fall or piece of equipment

• positioning an athlete’s body so that 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 that 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 competition). 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 playing surface and “dusting them off” to encourage them to continue competition

PROHIBITED PHYSICAL CONTACT

Prohibited forms of physical contact, which shall be reported immediately under our Reporting Policy include, without limitation:

• asking or having an athlete sit in the lap of a coach, administrator, staff member or volunteer

• 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

Violations of this policy must be reported to the local police as well as the President of the Delaware River Rowing Club (DRRC) and the remaining members of the DRRC Executive Board. Some forms of physical contact may constitute child physical or sexual abuse that must be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

All communication between coaches and junior athletes shall be professional and for the purpose of communicating information about club activities.

Coaches and junior athletes may follow, connect, or otherwise interact with junior athletes on social media; however, any such interaction must be terminated at the request of the parent/guardian.

Photos and videos may be taken during training sessions for the purpose of providing feedback and for promotional purposes on the club’s website or social media accounts. A junior athlete’s parent/guardian may request to discontinue such photography/videography at any time.

LOCKER ROOMS AND CHANGING AREAS

The DRRC does not use locker rooms at this time. All athletes are expected to come prepared and dressed for practice and are expected to change and shower at home at the completion of the practice.

TRAVEL

The DRRC does not arrange for athlete travel. Athletes are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Parents/Guardians are responsible for making travel arrangements for junior athletes.

REPORTING POLICY

Every DRRC coach and executive board member, member and volunteer must report:

(1) violations of DRRC’s Safe Sport Policy,

(2) suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexual abuse.

As a matter of policy, The DRRC 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 the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

Reporting Child Physical or Sexual Abuse

Child Physical or Sexual Abuse

Coaches, executive board members, members and volunteers at DRRC are required to report suspicions or allegations of child sexual abuse to:

(1) The club president and the Executive Board,

(2) appropriate law enforcement authorities.

Grooming

Because sexual abusers “groom” children for abuse – the process used by offenders to select a child, to win the child’s trust (and the trust of the child’s parent or guardian), to manipulate the child into sexual activity and to keep the child from disclosing abuse – it is possible that a coach or executive board member, club member or voluteer may witness behavior intended to groom a child for sexual abuse. All questions or concerns related to inappropriate, suspicious or suspected grooming behavior should be directed to the local police and the President of the Delaware River Rowing Club (DRRC) and/or any members of the DRRC Executive Board.

Peer-to-Peer Sexual Abuse

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 you have any concerns that an interaction between children may constitute sexual abuse, report it to the appropriate law enforcement authorities and the President of the Delaware River Rowing Club (DRRC) and/or any members of the DRRC Executive Board

Reporting Misconduct and Policy Violations

If any coach or executive board member receives an allegation or observes misconduct or other inappropriate behavior, such as grooming, that is not reportable to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, it is the responsibility of the coach or executive board member to report their observations to the President of the Delaware River Rowing Club (DRRC) and/or any members of the DRRC Executive Board.

The DRRC also encourages member parents, athletes and other sport participants to communicate allegations and suspicions of child physical and sexual abuse to the local police as well as the President of the Delaware River Rowing Club (DRRC) and/or any members of the DRRC Executive Board. Where applicable, parents may also report to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

REPORTING PROCEDURE

To Whom to Report

Coaches, executive board members, members and volunteers may report to the club president or any Executive Board member.

How to Report

The DRRC will take a report in the way that is most comfortable for the person initiating a report including an anonymous, in-person, verbal or written report. Regardless of how you choose to report, it is helpful to the DRRC for individuals to provide, at a minimum, (1) the name of the complainant(s); (2) the type of misconduct alleged and the name(s) of the individual(s) alleged to have committed the misconduct.

Reporting Form

Individuals reporting child physical or sexual abuse or other misconduct may complete an Incident Report Form. Information on this form will include:

1. the name(s) of the complainant(s)

2. the type of misconduct alleged

3. the name(s) of the individual(s) alleged to have committed the misconduct

4. the approximate dates the misconduct was committed

5. the names of other individuals who might have information regarding the alleged misconduct

6. a summary statement of the reasons to believe that misconduct has occurred

The DRRC will withhold the complainant’s name on request, to the extent permitted by law.

A copy of DRRC’s Reporting Form can be found at: The Jack McBride Boathouse 3 York St, Burlington, NJ 08016 and on the last 3 pages of this policy.

CONFIDENTIALITY, ANONYMOUS REPORTING AND BAD-FAITH ALLEGATIONS

Confidentiality

To the extent permitted by law, and as appropriate, The DRRC 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.

Anonymous Reporting

The DRRC recognizes it can be difficult for an athlete, teammate, friend or family member to report an allegation of misconduct and strives to remove as many barriers to reporting as possible. Anonymous reports may be made without the formality of completing an Incident Report Form:

• by completing the Reporting Form without including their name

• by expressing concerns verbally to a DRRC executive board member

• through email, texts or notes left for a DRRC executive board member.

However, anonymous reporting may make it difficult for the DRRC to investigate or properly address allegations.

All suspicions of child physical or sexual abuse will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

“Whistleblower” Protection

Regardless of outcome, the DRRC will support the complainant(s) and his or her right to express concerns in good faith. The DRRC 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.

Bad-Faith Allegations

A report of abuse, misconduct or policy violations that is malicious, frivolous or made in bad faith is prohibited. Depending on the nature of the allegation, a person making a malicious, frivolous or bad-faith report may also be subject to termination of membership, civil or criminal proceedings.

HOW REPORTS ARE HANDLED

Suspicions or Allegations of Child Physical or Sexual Abuse

Reporting to Law Enforcement and/or Child Protective Services

An independent investigation can harm youth and/or interfere with the legal investigative process. The DRRC, it’s Coaches, 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. As necessary, however, the DRRC 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.

For mandatory reporting laws, visit www.childwelfare.gov.

Immediate Suspension or Termination

When an allegation of child physical or sexual abuse is made against a club member, Coach or volunteer DRRC 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, the DRRC may terminate the membership of the offender.

Misconduct and Policy Violations

Misconduct that is not reportable under law, such as bullying or emotional abuse, will not be tolerated. If a member feels subjected to such misconduct, he or she should report it to a member of the Executive Board of the DRRC. The membership of the offender may be terminated at the discretion of the Executive Board.

NOTIFICATION

If an individual’s membership or participation in the club is terminated, the Executive Board may notify the remaining membership of the cause at the Executive Board’s discretion.

DISCIPLINARY RULES AND PROCEDURE—for LOCAL CLUBS

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

APPLICATION

This Policy is used to address the following allegations against staff members, athletes, participants and/or volunteers:

• Violations of the DRRC’s policies; and/or

• Child abuse (emotional, physical or sexual) that does not involve an ongoing legal investigation or criminal prosecution.

The DRRC will not investigate an allegation of child physical or sexual abuse if it undermines or interferes with a pending legal investigation or criminal prosecution.

DISCIPLINARY RULES

The DRRC recognizes that there are varying levels of misconduct. For example, physical and sexual misconduct are serious violations that may result in immediate dismissal. 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, the DRRC’s disciplinary procedures and actions will be proportionate, reasonable and applied fairly and equally.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

On receipt of an allegation, The DRRC will determine in its discretion 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.

The DRRC’s disciplinary response will depend on the nature and seriousness of the incident and in extreme cases, misconduct will result in immediate summary dismissal, provided that the accused individual shall be advised of their right to a hearing. If the accused individual is a minor, the DRRC will contact his or her parents or guardians.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Sanctions for violations and misconduct will include the termination of membership, either temporary or permanent.

ONGOING 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 Athlete Protection Policy), The DRRC may immediately suspend accused individual to ensure participant safety.

COMPLAINANT PROTECTION

Regardless of outcome, the DRRC will support the complainant(s) and his or her right to express concerns in good faith. The DRRCwill not encourage or tolerate attempts to retaliate, punish or in any way harm any individual(s) who report(s) a concern in good faith. Such actions will be grounds for disciplinary action.

BAD-FAITH ALLEGATIONS

Any individual who alleges misconduct under the Participant Safety Handbook that, upon review, is determined to be malicious, frivolous or made in bad faith will be a violation of our Participant Safety Handbook. Bad-faith allegations may also be subject to criminal or civil proceedings.

MONITORING YOUR STRATEGY

By monitoring the interactions among DRRC members and coaches we can work to prevent, recognize and respond to inappropriate and harmful behaviors as set forth in our Safe Sport Policy, while reinforcing appropriate behaviors.

MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

DRRC monitors for compliance with its policies and procedures, including without limitation its Awareness Training and Physical Contact Policies. The DRRC Vice President is responsible for auditing and reviewing the policy by December 1 of the current year. Any potential changes will be discussed and reviewed by the Executive Board.

MONITORING METHODS

DRRC utilizes multiple monitoring methods to observe how individuals are interacting, including without limitation (1) informal supervision, including regular and random observation (e.g., roving and checking interactions throughout practices) and (2) maintaining frequent contact.

RESPONDING TO INTERACTIONS

While DRRC has a formal reporting policy, each member should be prepared to respond immediately to inappropriate or harmful behavior, potential risk situations and potential boundary violations.

Members and volunteers will redirect inappropriate behaviors to promote positive behaviors, confront inappropriate or harmful behaviors, and report behaviors if necessary.

REPORTING

Members and volunteers are required to report policy violations, misconduct and physical and sexual abuse consistent with DRRC’s Reporting Policy. DRRC 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.

REPORTING FORM

DELAWARE RIVER ROWING CLUB strongly encourages the reporting of misconduct.

DRRC appreciates your willingness to report inappropriate behavior. Please use the back of this page if you need additional space.

This section is about the individual you are reporting. Please provide as much information as possible.

1. Name of Individual you are reporting (First & Last):

2. Age or Approximate Age

3. Gender

Male Female

4. Address (City, State required)

5. Position(s) this individual holds or held:

6. Club where individual works and/or volunteers or worked/volunteered previously:

This section asks questions about the incident or incidents you are reporting. Please provide as much specific information as you are able.

7. Type of Offense (i.e. what happened?)

8. Where did the incident or incidents take place? (City, State and any other available location information)

9. Please Describe what happened: (Including... Who, How, What, When, Where)

This section is for information about the victim or victims. If you are the victim and wish to remain anonymous, you may do so. In that case, please enter only your age, city, state, and Club affiliation.

10. Name:

11. Age (or approximate age)

12. Club affiliation (if any):

13. Contact phone number (Note, if this person is under 18, please provide contact information for his/her parent or guardian):

14. Contact Email address (if this individual is under 18, please provide contact information for parent or guardian):

15. Gender Male Female

Your Information: You may remain anonymous if you wish. However, providing your information is vastly helpful to a swift and effective investigation. A person reporting alleged misconduct should not fear any retribution and/or consequence when filing a report he or she believes to be true.

16. Name:

17. Phone Number:

18. Email Address

19. Club Affiliation (if any):

20. Relationship to victim (if any):

Other Information

21. If you have any other information that you feel would be helpful to an investigation of the alleged offense you have reported, please enter it here:

The Delaware River Rowing Club 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 of reporting suspicions or allegations to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.