South Texas Swimming Safe Sport Recognition Program

At South Texas Swimming, we’re not just focused on success in the pool—we’re dedicated to ensuring a safe, supportive environment for every athlete. Partnering with USA Swimming, we bring the Safe Sport Program to life, prioritizing education, accountability, and athlete protection. With over 9,000 athletes across our region, our mission is to build a culture where everyone can thrive.

Why Safe Sport Matters

The Safe Sport Program represents one of the most advanced abuse prevention initiatives in youth sports. It’s more than policies—it’s a proactive approach to athlete safety, combining:

  • Policies and Best Practices: Clear boundaries for athlete-adult interactions.
  • Thorough Screening: Criminal background checks and employment verifications.
  • Training and Education: Empowering athletes, parents, and coaches.
  • Monitoring and Supervision: Transparent oversight of all activities.
  • Mandatory Reporting: A streamlined process for addressing concerns.

Did you know? 93% of South Texas Swimming members believe athlete safety should be the top priority—and we’re delivering on that promise.

By the Numbers: South Texas Safe Sport Progress

  • 55% of clubs are Safe Sport Recognized.
  • Most meet hosts for South Texas-sanctioned meets are Safe Sport Recognized, ensuring every competition prioritizes safety.
  • Goal: 100% Safe Sport Recognition across all clubs by 2025.

Becoming a Safe Sport Recognized Club

Achieving Safe Sport Recognition is a critical step for any club. It demonstrates your commitment to athlete safety and leadership in creating a secure environment. It’s not just a certification—it’s a badge of trust.

What Does It Mean to Be Safe Sport Recognized?

Safe Sport Recognized Clubs implement USA Swimming’s Safe Sport Club Recognition Program (SSRP) by meeting key benchmarks in training, policy implementation, and reporting processes. This status ensures that all members—athletes, coaches, and parents—are part of a proactive safety culture.

Steps to Become a Safe Sport Recognized Club

1,   Complete the Application: Submit your Safe Sport Recognition application through your club’s SWIMS portal.

2.   Meet Training Requirements:

  • Athletes (Ages 5-17): At least 10% complete the SafeSport for Youth Athletes course.
  • Parents: At least 10% complete the Parents' Guide to Misconduct in Sports.

3.   Adopt and Enforce MAAPP: The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) addresses critical areas like one-on-one interactions, travel, locker room use, and communication. Every club must implement this policy fully.

4.   Promote Awareness: Share your Safe Sport journey with your members through group training, webinars, and updates on your club’s platforms.

5.   Document Policies and Best Practices: Use the Safe Sport Club Toolkit to ensure compliance with USA Swimming guidelines.

Why It Matters

Becoming a Safe Sport Recognized Club isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about exceeding expectations. 

South Texas Progress

  • Over 3,000 athletes and parents have completed training, contributing to club recognitions.
  • 98% of parents report increased confidence in their child’s safety since implementing Safe Sport.

Support and Resources

Need assistance? Contact the South Texas Safe Sport Chair or USA Swimming’s Safe Sport staff. Tools, templates, and training schedules are readily available:

Achieving Safe Sport Recognition: How You Can Help

Clubs striving for or renewing their Safe Sport Recognition Program (SSRP) status can follow these steps:

  • Athlete Training: Athletes ages 13-17 complete the SafeSport for Youth Athletes course and athletes ages 5-12 take the SafeSport for Kids course.
  • Parent Training: Parents take the Parents' Guide to Misconduct in Sports.
  • SWIMS Account Setup for Parents: How to create a SWIMS login for a parent.
  • SWIMS Account Setup for Athletes: How to link a child to a parent account and create a login for a child in SWIMS.
  • Club Goal: At least 10% of athletes (ages 5-17) and their parents complete training to meet SSRP requirements.

Both online courses and live webinars count toward club recognition. Check the virtual training schedule here.

Visit the Safe Sport Training Page here. 

How do I, as a Parent, link my child's account to my parent account and then create a login for my child?

For athletes: (Turn off pop up blockers on your web browser)

Athletes must be sure to complete all required training through their own login. There are two courses--athletes complete the course based on their age. "SafeSport for Kids" is for athletes ages 5-12 and "SafeSport for Youth Athletes" is for athletes ages 13-17.

Go to https://university.usaswimming.org/landing?lmsCourseId=51 (ages 13-17) or https://university.usaswimming.org/landing?lmsCourseId=42 (ages 5-12).

  1. Click on View Info.
  2. Click on Start.
  3. Click on Login; You will be prompted to login or create a login if you are not currently a member.
  4. Click on Start.
  5. Once the course is complete click on the “Submit Button” and complete the survey at the end of the course.
  6. To download the certificate, click on view transcript and click on the course “Download Certificate” button. (Sometimes it takes the system a little bit to update. Click Ctrl+Shift+R to refresh the screen or you may need to log out and then back in again later).

For parents: (Turn off pop up blockers on your web browser)
Parents must be sure to complete the training through their own login. Parents complete the course called "Parents Guide to Misconduct in Sport."
Go to https://university.usaswimming.org/landing?lmsCourseId=49. 

  1. Click on View Info.
  2. Click on Start.
  3. Click on Login; You will be prompted to login or create a login if you are not currently a member.
  4. Click on Start.
  5. Once the course is complete click on the “Submit Button” and complete the survey at the end of the course.
  6. To download the certificate, click on view transcript and click on the course “Download Certificate” button. (Sometimes it takes the system a little bit to update. Click Ctrl+Shift+R to refresh the screen or you may need to log out and then back in again later).

If you have any issues with logins or accessing the courses, please create a helpdesk ticket.

Reporting Concerns: Your Voice Matters

Creating a safe environment starts with accountability. Reporting concerns about misconduct or violations is critical to protecting our athletes. Clear communication and swift action are critical when addressing concerns. Below is a guide to help you determine where to report specific issues.

Where to Report

U.S. Center for SafeSport

The U.S. Center for SafeSport handles the following issues exclusively:

  • Sexual Misconduct
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Sexually Explicit/Inappropriate Communication (including social media)

How to Report:

USA Swimming

Report the following to USA Swimming:

  • Physical or Emotional Misconduct
  • Violations of MAAPP (Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy)
  • Criminal Charges related to a member
  • Bullying or Harassment
  • Violations of USA Swimming Code of Conduct

How to Report:

Your Club

For club-specific concerns, such as:

  • Peer-to-Peer Bullying
  • Adult-to-Athlete Bullying
  • Parent Complaints or Issues
  • Violations of Team Rules or Policies (including MAAPP)

Next Steps:

  • Start by contacting your club’s leadership team, such as the head coach or club Safe Sport Coordinator.
  • Document your concern using this Letter of Concern Template.

If the concern isn’t addressed adequately, escalate the issue to the South Texas Safe Sport Chair.

Understanding MAAPP: The Foundation of Safety

The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) sets clear boundaries to protect athletes, covering:

  • One-on-One Interactions
  • Travel and Lodging
  • Social Media and Electronic Communications
  • Locker Rooms and Changing Areas

Fact: Since implementing MAAPP, reports of inappropriate interactions have decreased by 30% across South Texas.

MAAPP is required for all USA Swimming members and clubs. Learn more.

Athlete Protection Training (APT)

Federal law (the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017) requires USA Swimming to offer and provide consistent training to all adult members who are in regular contact with minor athletes. With parental consent, this training is also provided to minor members to help prevent and address abuse.

Who Is Required to Complete APT?

USA Swimming requires all adult members to complete Athlete Protection Training (APT) annually. This includes:

  • Members of USA Swimming (both athlete and non-athlete members).
  • Employees or board members of USA Swimming, Zones, Local Swimming Committees (LSCs), or member clubs.
  • Individuals within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of USA Swimming, Zones, LSCs, or member clubs.
  • Individuals authorized, approved, or appointed by USA Swimming, Zones, LSCs, or member clubs to have regular contact with or authority over minor athletes.

How to Complete APT

APT is accessible through the Education tab in your USA Swimming / SWIMS account. Members must renew their training annually to maintain compliance with USA Swimming membership requirements.

For more information, visit the USA Swimming APT page or contact the South Texas Safe Sport Chair for assistance.

By adhering to this federal requirement, we ensure that all members are equipped to protect athletes and foster a positive and abuse-free swimming environment.

Additional Resources for Clubs and Members

Club Toolkit

The Club Toolkit is a comprehensive resource designed to help clubs implement and maintain Safe Sport policies. It includes templates, best practices, and guidance to simplify compliance and create a culture of safety.

What’s Inside:

  • MAAPP Implementation Templates
  • Safe Sport Policies and Procedures
  • Training Resources for Athletes, Parents, and Coaches
  • Reporting Guidelines

Access the Toolkit: Safe Sport Club Toolkit

Suspended or Ineligible Individuals

Maintaining a safe environment requires vigilance. USA Swimming provides an updated list of individuals who are suspended or ineligible to participate in USA Swimming activities.

Why It’s Important:

  • Ensure compliance by verifying all staff and volunteers against this list.
  • Protect your club by avoiding interactions with individuals who have violated Safe Sport policies.

Check the List: Suspended/Ineligible Individuals

Resources for Meet Hosts & Meet Directors

Hosting meets requires attention to safety and compliance. USA Swimming offers tools to streamline your planning and ensure every event meets Safe Sport standards.

Meet 360 Resource Guide
This guide provides detailed instructions for hosting Safe Sport-compliant meets, covering everything from pre-event preparation to on-deck supervision.

Access the Guide: Meet 360 Resource Guide

Safe Sport Compliance at Meets:

  • Ensure all participants and volunteers meet Safe Sport training requirements.
  • Implement MAAPP guidelines throughout the event.

By utilizing these resources, clubs and meet hosts can confidently deliver a safe and enjoyable experience for athletes, parents, and coaches. For assistance, contact the South Texas Safe Sport Chair or USA Swimming Safe Sport Staff.

Building a Safer Swimming Community

At South Texas Swimming, safety is the foundation for success. By becoming Safe Sport Recognized, supporting training initiatives, and fostering accountability, we’re not just protecting our athletes—we’re empowering them to achieve their best in the pool and beyond.

For more information or assistance, contact:

Join us in making South Texas Swimming a model for safety and excellence. Together, we’re building a future where every athlete thrives.

 

 Last updated 9/19/2025