The Johnston Blaze Swim Club in Johnston, Iowa, recently joined the ranks of USA Swimming’s top teams that have committed to athlete safety, as they were recognized as a USA Swimming Safe Sport Recognized Club in 2021. Head coach Emily Tuazon talks about the team’s approach to USA Swimming Safe Sport policies and how your club can achieve these goals, too.

1. What are three ways your team has implemented Safe Sport practices for your coaches, athletes and parents? 
My coaches and I implement USA Swimming Safe Sport procedures by assuring we keep professional relationships with our athletes, while also having an open door policy with them. Our athletes know that they can trust us and come to us with whatever they need, big or small. Our coaches always keep an eye out for concerning things that might need to be told to parents to keep our athletes safe. Our athletes are constantly reminded that they need to demonstrate respectful behavior towards their teammates and athletes from other teams. 

2. How successful do you feel these policies have been in protecting your athletes and building your team culture? 
USA Swimming Safe Sport policies have been beneficial in protecting our athletes. We pride ourselves on having a very family-oriented team culture. Safe Sport helps us keep healthy boundaries while still being able to connect with our swimmers and their families. 

3. What advice would you give other teams in implementing Safe Sport policies within their team operations? 
Our advice to other teams implementing USA Swimming Safe Sport policies is to always keep the kids in mind. Their physical AND mental health is incredibly important and these policies are in place to keep them safe. 

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For more on the USA Swimming Safe Sport Club Recognition Program, visit www.usaswimming.org/ssrp.