A safe space for every athlete.
Catawba Yacht Club Rowing reinforces the USRowing SafeSport campaign to protect athletes from bullying, hazing, harassment, and emotional, physical and sexual misconduct.
Our coaches and volunteers are held to the highest standard. In compliance with USRowing's program, we use background checks, education and training, and reporting and enforcement to ensure a safe space for our masters athletes. CYC Rowing has adopted the following policy based on the guidelines of the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
Covered individuals
CYC Rowing requires the Rowing Captain and SafeSport Administrator to be properly screened and aware of SafeSport issues. These individuals have a duty to report instances of misconduct to the CYC Rowing SafeSport program.
Screening & background checks
As a condition of participation, the Rowing Captain and SafeSport Administrator must pass a third-party background check prior to participation and every two years thereafter.
SafeSport training
The Rowing Captain and SafeSport Administrator must complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport online training prior to participation and every two years thereafter. The program is free: go to SafeSport.org, sign in and register, select U.S. Rowing as your membership, and use the USRowing account code J5YZ-UJKV-YMFX-4ENI.
Reporting policy
The Rowing Captain, any coach and/or volunteer must report violations of this policy, including suspicions or allegations of abuse by a colleague or co-volunteer. Observations that are not reportable to law enforcement must be reported to the Rowing Captain or SafeSport Program Administrator. It is a violation of this policy to know of misconduct and take no action. Violations are addressed under our Disciplinary Rules and Procedure.
How to report
Members, contractors and volunteers may report to: the coach or supervising volunteer with whom they are working; the Rowing Captain; the SafeSport Program Administrator; or, where applicable, law enforcement.
Reports may be anonymous, in-person, verbal or written using the Incident Reporting Form (PDF). It is helpful to include, at minimum, the name of the complainant, the type of misconduct alleged and the name(s) of the individual(s) alleged to have committed it. To the extent permitted by law, CYC Rowing will keep the complainant's name confidential on request.
Whistleblower protection & bad-faith allegations
CYC Rowing will not encourage, allow or tolerate retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith. Reports that are malicious, frivolous or made in bad faith are prohibited and are grounds for disciplinary action.
How reports are handled
Upon receiving a report, the SafeSport Program Administrator conducts a thorough investigation, speaking to all parties including the reporting party, with an opportunity for both parties to meet and resolve the complaint. If it cannot be resolved, a hearing panel with authority to make recommendations is convened. Final appeals are made to USRowing.