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January/February 2020

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RINK ISSUES SafeSport 46 / JANUARY.FEBRUARY.2020 USICERINKS.COM by U.S. FIGURE SKATING SAFESPORT STAFF N othing makes us happier than seeing kids enjoy a sport—any sport—on ice. Along with prioritizing the message of fun and learning a new athletic skill, our No. 1 goal is to ensure the safety of all our participants, primarily our youth. Three years ago, the U.S. Congress worked together with U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committes to create the U.S. Center for SafeSport, resulting in the Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017. Misconduct-related education and awareness are the most critical components to creating a safe and respectful environment for all U.S. Figure Skating members. For reporting information, please see the most recent version of U.S. Figure Skating's SafeSport Policy Handbook. While identified members and volunteers of U.S. Figure Skating are required to complete the online SafeSport training, we encourage everybody to take the course to gain insight on preventing and responding to misconduct. In addition, we encourage our members to familiarize themselves with some of the prevention strategies outlined below. Promoting Social Norms Talking to athletes about when it's appropriate to respond to or report misconduct will help them to feel empowered about using their voice to help themselves and others. Such actions can mobilize athletes and all members as allies while building a supportive team mentality amongst the groups. Knowing there are people looking out for their well-being will help our athletes to develop both in and out of the sport. Teaching Prevention Skills Appropriate social-emotional learning at the club level can help teach athletes to manage their emotions. This can be done by helping athletes set and achieve positive goals and by assisting them with promoting healthy relationships amongst athletes. Real life lessons about social awareness and self-management will follow an athlete throughout the various stages of their life. KEEPING IT SAFE How to prevent misconduct at your facility through SafeSport , Safety is our No. 1 focus at USFS. PHOTOS: RINK ARCHIVES

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