Next Level Rowing SAFESPORT POLICY

Next Level Rowing (NLR) SUPPORTS USROWING’S SAFESPORT STANDARDS

ATHLETE PROTECTION POLICY

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

Overview
In the event that any member or volunteer observes inappropriate behaviors (i.e., policy violations), suspected physical or sexual abuse, or misconduct, it is the personal responsibility of each member and volunteer to immediately report his or her observations to a GMRC board member.

Members and volunteers should not attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of the misconduct. Complaints and allegations will be addressed by the NLR board. NLR 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.

Prohibited Conduct
Coaches, contractors, volunteers, and athletes shall refrain from all forms of misconduct, which include:

  • Bullying

  • Harassment

  • Hazing

  • Emotional misconduct

  • Physical misconduct

  • Sexual misconduct

Exception:  Physical or emotional misconduct does not include professionally-accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team building, discipline or improving athletic performance.

WILLFULLY TOLERATING MISCONDUCT
It is a violation of this Athlete Protection Policy if any member, coach, contractor, or volunteer knows of misconduct, but takes no action to intervene on behalf of the athlete(s), member, coach or volunteer.

REPORTING
Coaches, volunteers and athletes of NLR shall follow the reporting procedures set forth in the reporting procedures. NLR does not investigate suspicions or allegations of 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 of the Athlete Protection Policy shall be reported pursuant to our Reporting Procedures and will be addressed under our Disciplinary Rules and Procedure.

REPORTING PROCEDURE
To Whom to Report
Members, contractors and volunteers may report to:

  1. NLR Head Coach

  2. Any NLR coach

  3. A NLR board member

  4. Where applicable, appropriate law enforcement authorities

How to Report
NLR 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 NLR 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.

  • Confidentiality -To the extent permitted by law, and as appropriate, NLR 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 physical and sexual abuse to the authorities.

  • Anonymous Reporting -NLR 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, electronically, or in writing to a NLR board member

“Whistleblower” Protection
Regardless of outcome, NLR will support the complainant(s) and his or her right to express concerns in good faith. NLR 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. Such actions against a complainant will be considered a violation of our guidelines and grounds for disciplinary action.

Bad-Faith Allegations
A report of abuse, misconduct or policy violations that is malicious, frivolous or made in bad faith is prohibited. Such reports will be considered a violation of our guidelines and grounds for disciplinary action. Depending on the nature of the allegation, a person making a malicious, frivolous or bad-faith report may also be subject to civil or criminal proceedings.

HOW REPORTS ARE HANDLED
Notification- Following NLRs notice of a credible allegation that results in the removal of a coach, member, contractor, or other volunteer, NLR may consider the circumstances in which it will notify other athletes with whom the accused individual may have had contact. At NLR discretion, as appropriate, and after consultation with counsel, NLR may notify its coaches, contractors, volunteers, and/or athletes of any allegation of abuse or other criminal behavior that (1) law enforcement authorities are actively investigating; or (2) that NLR is investigating internally. Advising others of an allegation may lead to additional reports of abuse and other misconduct.

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

  • Disciplinary Rules- NLR recognizes that there are varying levels of misconduct. For example, physical and sexual misconduct are serious violations that may result in immediate dismissal. Less serious misconduct, and depending on the circumstances, might be dealt with more appropriately through dialogue and a verbal warning. In all cases, NLR’s disciplinary procedures and actions will be proportionate, reasonable and applied fairly and equally.

  • Disciplinary Procedure- On receipt of an allegation, NLR will determine in its discretion the appropriate steps to address the conduct based on several factors, including the nature, scope, and extent of the allegations. NLR’s disciplinary response will depend on the nature and seriousness of the incident and in extreme cases, misconduct will result in immediate summary dismissal.

  • Disciplinary Action- Sanctions for violations of our guidelines will be proportionate and reasonable under the circumstances. In addition to day-to-day guidance, NLR may take the following disciplinary actions, without limitation:

    • Provide the individual with guidance, redirection and instruction

    • Temporary suspension from competition

    • File a formal incident report

    • Issue a verbal warning

    • Issue a written and/or final written warning

    • Engage in restorative practices, i.e., creation of a respectful and safe dialogue when a misunderstanding or harm has occurred

    • Suspend or terminate involvement or membership.

SAFE SPORT REPORTING FORM

Please use the following reporting form and submit to the current officers of Next Level Rowin by: 

  1. Email: rowcoastal@gmail.com

  2. Mail to 15 Smiths Way, South Dartmouth, MA 02748



    IMPORTANT NOTICE:   NLR 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.

The following reporting form is the official USRowing Safesport form and may be downloaded and submitted:
Safe Sport Reporting Form