USA Swimming observes World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse (November 19) to raise awareness and create a culture of prevention against child abuse. Child abuse can take place in many forms, including sexual, emotional, and physical abuse. We can all work together to prevent youth from experiencing this kind of abuse. For more information, you can also visit USA Swimming’s guide to responding to child abuse.  

Join USA Swimming’s Safe Sport efforts by engaging in the response and prevention of abuse. 

Who is required to report? 

Under federal law, all adults authorized to interact with minor or amateur athletes who learn of facts that give reason to suspect a child has suffered an incident of 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. 

How do I know where to report a concern?  

Reporting can be difficult. Below are guidelines for reporting issues. 

The U.S. Center for SafeSport 

Report instances of: 

• Sexual misconduct, 

• Sexual harassment and 

• Sexually explicit/inappropriate communication through social media. 

• You can also report issues dealing with: 

• Physical or Emotional Misconduct and 

• Violation of the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy 

• You can report online here or by calling 833-5US-SAFE (587-7233). 

USA Swimming Safe Sport 

Report instances of: 

• Criminal charges, 

• Physical or emotional misconduct, 

• USA Swimming code of conduct violations and 

• Violations of USA Swimming Safe Sport policies, including USA Swimming’s Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy. 

• You can report online here, anonymously texting 888-270-SWIM (7946), emailing safesport@usaswimming.org or reaching out directly to USA Swimming Safe Sport staff here. 

Your Club 

Report instances of: 

• Peer-to-peer bullying, 

• Adult-to-athlete bullying, 

• Parent issues/parent complaints, 

• Violations of team rules and team code of conduct and 

• Violations of the team policies including the team’s Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy. 

• For an example letter of correspondence to your club, please click here. 

If you need advice or help in making a report, please contact the USA Swimming Safe Sport staff. 

Participate in the Safe Sport Club Recognition Program  

Becoming approved as a Safe Sport Recognized Club allows clubs to commit to going above and beyond USA Swimming requirements. Your USA Swimming account enables clubs to easily access this program and check their current achievement point status.   

Take Advantage of Free Training  

USA Swimming Safe Sport staff offer FREE virtual trainings for all athletes, parents, and coaches each month. Additionally, members can access numerous courses through their USA Swimming account dashboard. 

USA Swimming Safe Sport staff also offer individual club training. To schedule time, please email the staff at safesport@usaswimming.org. 

Maintaining a safe and positive environment for members takes all of us. Learn more about how to ingrain Safe Sport into your team culture by: 

• Taking advantage of resources in the Club Toolkit 

• Participating in USA Swimming Safe Sport FREE virtual training 

• Attending FREE monthly DEI virtual trainings 

• Ensuring your club has an updated Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy