Your Legal Requirement
MANDATORY REPORTING RULE
On February 14, 2018, Senate bill S. 534 – Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 – was signed into law and became effective immediately.
Pursuant to federal law, all adults authorized to interact with minor or amateur athletes who learn of facts that give reason to suspect that a child has suffered an incident of child abuse, including sexual abuse, must make a report of the suspected abuse to law enforcement and/or your state’s designated agency within 24 hours.
It is every USA Swimming members responsibilities to promptly report any incident regarding sexual misconduct by a member to USA Swimming. Reporting must occur when an individual has firsthand knowledge of misconduct or where specific and credible information has been received from a victim or knowledgeable third part. Various state laws may also require reporting to law enforcement or to a designated child protection agency.
No member shall retaliate against any individual who has made a good faith report. False reporting of sexual misconduct made in bad faith is prohibited, and neither civil nor criminal statutes of limitation apply to reports of cases of sexual abuse.
Reporting can be difficult, if you need any advice or help in making your report, please contact USA Swimming Safe Sport Staff. Text anonymous tips to 888-270-SWIM(7946)
The SafeSport Code defines the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s authority and jurisdiction, prohibited categories of abuse and misconduct, and the Center’s process for responding to and resolving abuse and misconduct claims affecting the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
The Code applies to all Participants (defined within) in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement and federal law dictates the Center’s authority and jurisdiction within the Movement. The Code was first introduced March 3, 2017 and is revised periodically. The 2024 SafeSport Code is effective July 1, 2024.
