Providing Opportunities
Providing opportunities of empowerment and support for athletes
can help to prevent misconduct in our sport. Strengthening
the social supports within and outside of the sport can create
encouraging environments and camaraderie between athletes.
Creating Protective Environments
U.S. Figure Skating has policies in place that are intended to help
protect our members. Empowering our members to enforce these
policies and report violations can create champions of respect and
abuse prevention across the country. Strengthening the voice of all
our members helps to reinforce each member's right to advocate
for themselves.
Supporting Victims and Survivors
Education is important when working with a victim or survivor of
abuse, particularly when thinking of the long-lasting impact trauma
can have on people of all ages. Always respect a person's boundaries
and practice patience with all—you never know what another person
may have gone through.
Parents looking for additional education on misconduct in sport can
find resources here: resources.safesport.org/toolkits/library.html.
These toolkits were created by the U.S. Center for SafeSport to
ensure parents have the information they need to facilitate age-
appropriate conversations with their children about the various
forms of misconduct. The guides provide insight on signs to look
for and how to respond to potential misconduct.
To ensure athletes are getting the education they need about
misconduct, the U.S. Center for SafeSport has also created
age-appropriate minor athlete training which can be found at
athletesafety.org. These courses require parental consent and it's
encouraged for parents to participate in the course. We encourage
coaches to have a conversation with their minor athlete's parent or
guardian about these courses.
Still have questions? SafeSport inquires as they relate to figure
skating can be emailed to safesport@usfigureskating.org. J
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