How to Make a Report
U.S. Figure Skating Rulebook GR 1.03 U.S. Figure Skating will not tolerate or condone any form of harassment (including sexual harassment), misconduct (including sexual, physical and emotional misconduct), bullying or hazing of any of its members including coaches, officials, directors, employees, parents, athletes and volunteers - or any other persons - while they are participating in or preparing for a figure skating activity or event conducted under the auspices of U.S. Figure Skating. The U.S. Figure Skating Policy Statement on Harassment and Abuse may be found in its entirety online at usfigureskating.org. Harassment of such nature between or among U.S. Figure Skating members shall be reported to the chair of the Ethics or Grievance Committee as soon as is practicably possible, per ECR 2.00 and GCR 2.00.A. If any form of child abuse is observed or suspected, the observer should immediately contact either local law enforcement or a public child welfare agency and make a report.
B. Any person who violates this rule, who fails to appropriately report or who makes a false report or otherwise violates U.S. Figure Skating's Policy on Harassment and Abuse will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Article XXIV, Section 3, of U.S. Figure Skating bylaws.
Based upon the severity of the incident - Who should I report an incident to?
1. If you are aware of an incident of misconduct, contact your local child protective services office or law enforcement agency so the proper professionals can make an assessment. Many states have a toll-free hotline to report suspected child abuse or neglect; visit www.childwelfare.gov to find out where to call.
2. Report the incident to U.S. Figure Skating by sending a detailed description to safesport@usfigureskating.org and U.S. Figure Skating will take appropriate action.
3. Report the incident to your local club SafeSport Compliance Chair to file a complaint at the club level and begin the conflict resolution process and/or alert rink management, if appropriate.
Will my report be anonymous?
Most states permit anonymous reports. If you disclose your identity, many states ensure that the alleged perpetrator doesn't find out who you are. In some cases, however, your identity may be released (by court order or if you agree to it).
What information should I be able to provide?
It's critical that you include as many specific details about an incident as possible. These facts will help officials determine the best course of action to take.
What happens after I report an incident?
Once an incident has been reported, law enforcement agencies will conduct an investigation and, based on their findings, take appropriate action.
Federal Law
Federal legislation - the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act - sets minimum standards for defining child abuse and neglect for those States that accept federal funding. According to the Child Information Gateway, the minimum acts constituting child abuse and neglect are defined as:
- "Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation," or
- "An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm."
State Law
Although federal legislation sets the minimum standards for defining child abuse and neglect, their definitions vary by state.
To read more about mandatory reporting and state reporting laws, visit:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/manda.cfm
For state toll-free child abuse reporting numbers, visit:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/rl_dsp.cfm?rs_id=5&rate_chno=W-00082
To search the definitions of child abuse by state, visit:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/state/
