USA Fencing’s Commitment to Safety
The safety of our fencers is a top priority. USA Fencing is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for athletes’ physical, emotional and social development, and to ensuring that it promotes an environment free of misconduct.
Because sport can be a high-risk environment for misconduct, including child physical and sexual abuse, USA Fencing has policies and systems in place to protect our fencers such as the SafeSport Code, the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies and the USA Fencing Codes of Conduct. While child sexual misconduct is one type of misconduct, it is important to remember that these policies cover many inappropriate behaviors that apply regardless of the ages of the individuals involved in the alleged activity.
Six primary types of misconduct addressed in the SafeSport Code:
- Sexual Misconduct, including Child Sexual Abuse
- Emotional Misconduct
- Physical Misconduct
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Hazing
All forms of misconduct are intolerable and in direct conflict with USA Fencing ideals.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport has exclusive authority to investigate and resolve alleged SafeSport Code violations involving sexual misconduct. USA Fencing will retain the authority to investigate and resolve alleged SafeSport Code violations that are non-sexual in nature, including physical misconduct, emotional misconduct, bullying, hazing and harassment; although, at USA Fencing's request, the Center may exercise the discretionary authority to take on these cases.
US Center for Safe Sport
U.S. Center for SafeSport Background
Established in 2017, the U.S. Center for SafeSport is the independent and exclusive authority directed by Congress to prevent and respond to all forms of abuse and misconduct within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
The Center is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The Center receives, investigates, and responds to reports of abuse and misconduct from individuals affiliated with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and its National Governing Bodies (NGBs).
The Center ensures that the USOPC and NGBs properly apply policies and procedures to govern abuse prevention and maintains a database of individuals sanctioned from participation in their sport. Throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, the Center trains athletes, parents, coaches, volunteers, and organizations at all levels on best practices and principles for preventing abuse in sport settings. In doing so, the Center advances its mission of making athlete well-being the center of our nation’s sports culture through abuse prevention, education, and accountability.
Response and Resolution
or by calling 833-5US-SAFE.
The Center’s Response and Resolution process has three steps: 1) Reporting and Intake 2) Investigation and 3) Resolution. The infographic details the process and the Center has also developed informational videos that detail the steps that are taken by the Center. The Center also has a dedicated staff person available to respond to questions about the process: resource.advisor@safesport.org