Reporting Information

WILLFULLY TOLERATING MISCONDUCT

It is a violation of this Athlete Protection Policy if a staff member and/or volunteer knows of misconduct, but takes no action to intervene on behalf of the athlete(s), participant(s), staff member and/or volunteer. Every staff member and/or volunteer is obligated under this policy to report known misconduct.

REPORTING

Although these policies are designed to reduce child sexual abuse and other misconduct, it can still occur. Staff members and volunteers of Charleston City Rowing Club shall follow the reporting procedures set forth in USRowing’s Reporting Policy.

Charleston City Rowing Club does not investigate suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexual abuse, or attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of such allegations, as a condition of reporting suspicions or allegations to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. 

VIOLATIONS

Violations of the Athlete Protection Policy shall be reported pursuant to our Reporting Policy and will be addressed under our Disciplinary Rules and Procedure. 

TO WHOM TO REPORT

Charleston City Rowing Club members, staff, and/or volunteers should report issues to their supervisor or any of the members of the Executive Committee.

A staff member and/or volunteer may, and in many cases must, report any allegation of child physical or sexual abuse to relevant law enforcement authorities.

HOW TO REPORT

Charleston City Rowing Club will take a report in the way that is most comfortable for the person initiating a report including an anonymous, in person, verbal or written report. Regardless of how you choose to report, it is helpful to the Charleston City Rowing Club for individuals to provide, at a minimum,

 (1) the name of the complainant(s); and,

(2) the type of misconduct alleged and the name(s) of the individual(s) alleged to have committed the misconduct.

REPORTING FORM

Individuals reporting child physical or sexual abuse or other misconduct may complete an Incident Report Form. Information on this form will include:

 (1) the name(s) of the complainant(s);

(2) the type of misconduct alleged;

(3) the name(s) of the individual(s) alleged to have committed the misconduct;

(4) the approximate dates the misconduct was committed;

(5) the names of other individuals who might have information regarding the alleged misconduct; and,

(6) a summary statement of the reasons to believe that misconduct has occurred.

Charleston City Rowing Club will withhold the complainant’s name on request, to the extent permitted by law. 

DISCIPLINARY RULES AND PROCEDURE

While Charleston City Rowing Club endeavors to provide support and guidance to participants on a day-to-day basis, it is also important for Charleston City Rowing Club to have a formal procedure for disciplinary action to address alleged violations of its policies and other inappropriate behaviors, which is consistent with Charleston City Rowing Club’s Bylaws and Constitution.

APPLICATION

This Policy is used to address the following allegations against staff members, athletes, participants and/or volunteers: 

·         Violations of Charleston City Rowing Club’s policies; and/or

·         Child abuse (emotional, physical or sexual) that does not involve an ongoing legal investigation or criminal prosecution.

Charleston City Rowing Club will not investigate an allegation of child physical or sexual abuse if it undermines or interferes with a pending legal investigation or criminal prosecution.

DISCIPLINARY RULES

Charleston City Rowing Club recognizes that there are varying levels of misconduct. For example, physical and sexual misconduct are serious violations that may result in immediate dismissal. In contrast, a youth participant who tells a single sexually risqué joke constitutes less serious misconduct and depending on the circumstances, might be dealt with more appropriately through dialogue and a verbal warning. In all cases, Charleston City Rowing Club’s disciplinary procedures and actions will be proportionate, reasonable and applied fairly and equally.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

On receipt of an allegation, Charleston City Rowing Club will determine in its discretion the appropriate steps to address the conduct based on several factors, including (i) the age of the complainant or victim, (ii) the age of the accused and (iii) the nature, scope, and extent of the allegations.

 Charleston City Rowing Club will address allegations against a staff member and/or volunteer under its Employment Policies and Procedures, Bylaws and Constitution.

Charleston City Rowing Club’s disciplinary response will depend on the nature and seriousness of the incident and in extreme cases, misconduct will result in immediate summary dismissal, provided that the accused individual shall be advised of their right to a hearing. If the accused individual is a minor, Charleston City Rowing Club will contact his or her parents or guardians.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Sanctions for violations of the Participant Safety Handbook will be proportionate and reasonable under the circumstances. In addition to day-to-day guidance, the Charleston City Rowing Club may take the following disciplinary actions, without limitation:

·         Inform the individual’s direct-line supervisor or, in the case of a youth participant, the youth’s parent or guardian

·         Provide the individual with guidance, redirection and instruction

·         Temporary suspension from competition

·         File a formal incident report

·         Issue a verbal warning

·         Issue a written and/or final written warning

·         Implement a limited access agreement (e.g., limiting an individual’s access to certain buildings or to youth)

·         Provide informed supervision, where at least one staff member is informed of the allegation and is instructed to vigilantly supervise the accused participant or stakeholder in his or her interactions with the program and/or organization

·         Engage in restorative practices, i.e., creation of a respectful and safe dialogue when a misunderstanding or harm has occurred

·         Suspend or terminate employment or membership

ONGOING EMPLOYMENT AND/OR PARTICIPATION

On receipt of a credible and specific allegation of child abuse or other serious misconduct (e.g., physical and sexual abuse as defined in our Athlete Protection Policy), Charleston City Rowing Club may immediately suspend or terminate the accused individual to ensure participant safety.

COMPLAINANT PROTECTION

Regardless of outcome, Charleston City Rowing Club will support the complainant(s) and his or her right to express concerns in good faith. Charleston City Rowing Club will not encourage or tolerate attempts to retaliate, punish or in any way harm any individual(s) who report(s) a concern in good faith. Such actions will be grounds for disciplinary action.

BAD-FAITH ALLEGATIONS

Any individual who alleges misconduct that, upon review, is determined to be malicious, frivolous or made in bad faith will be a violation of our Policy. Bad-faith allegations may also be subject to criminal or civil proceedings.