Guide for Coaches: Electronic Communication and Social Media

The recent focus of U.S. Figure Skating’s SafeSport education and outreach efforts has been key policies and how they impact all of our members. The policies and information below have been what U.S. Figure Skating has received the most questions on and they can be found in the U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport Handbook. When updates are made to these policies, U.S. Figure Skating will notify all members by email and post a note within the “Recent Site Updates” at usfigureskating.org.

Two-Deep Leadership

Mandatory policy requiring at least one other person (preferably an adult) to be present at all times when interaction between the Covered Individual and Minor Athlete is not within a public viewing area where interactions can be easily observed and interrupted by another adult.

One-On-One Interactions

Federal law requires reasonable procedures to limit one-on-one interactions at U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned events and activities between a Minor Athlete and an Adult who is not the Minor's parent/legal guardian (except under emergencey situations). This applies to interactions that are not observable and interruptible by another adult.

*Policies such as these help to protect the reputation of a coach. For example, there are times where an interaction or conversation can be taken out of context. having an extra person there ensures the intended message is the one received and can help to validate a coach's story should any questions be raised.

Touching an Athlete During Instruction

Physical contact is inherent in skating instruction and training. Such physical touches that are for the purpose of ensuring an athlete's safety are permitted so long as: 1.) The physical contact takes place in public with clear lines of sight 2.) They physical contact is for the benefit of the athlete, not to meet an emotional or other need of the adult coach (i.e. a male coach practicing lifes with a female athlete)

*Best practice is to always ask permission at the beginning of a coach/ athlete relationship and continue in clear view of others. By allowing an athlete to openly communicate their personal boundaries, a foundation for a healthy and respectful coach-athlete relationship can be built.

Limiting one-on-one interactions and practicing two-deep leadership applies to meetings, individual training sessions, transporting athletes, or any other situation where it’s possible for the Coach and Minor Athlete to be left alone.

Local Travel

It is the responsibility of the parent/ permanent legal guardian of the Minor Athlete to ensure the person transporting the Minor Athlete maintains all safety requirements, legal requirements and compliance with all laws and the U.S. Center for SafeSport's required policies.

Team Overnight Travel

If a Covered Individual will be transporting Athletes, that covered individual shall abide by Two-Deep- Leadership requirements, have a valid driver's license, proper insurance, a well-maintained vehicle and shall comply with all state laws and the policies set forth in U.S. Figure Skating's SafeSport Policy Handbook.

Individual Overnight Travel

Under circumstances where a Minor Athlete's parent/guardian is responsible for making all travel arrangements, U.S. Figure Skating encourages limiting one-on-one interaction between a Covered Individual and a Minor Athlete by 1.) meeting two-deep leadership requirements, 2.) inviting parents/guardians to travel with the Minor Athlete.

*Coaches will not transport minor athletes alone as it's a violation of the SafeSport policy. Should a situation arise where a coach is asked to do something that may violate this policy, best practice is to determine what othe roptions there are for ensuring that athlete makes it to their destination: i.e. family member transports them, car pool with other athletes, the Coach transports the Minor Athlete but practices two-deep-leadership, etc.

Electronic Communication and Social Media

All electronic communications between a Covered Individual and a Minor Athlete must be professional in nature and for the purpose of communicating information about skating activities. When communicating electronically to a Minor Athlete, a Covered Individual shall meet Two-Deep-Leadership requirements by including another adult on the communication (i.e. parent, guardian, another Adult Covered Individual, an Adult Athlete, team leader). It is recommended that the communication have the Minor Athlete's parent/permanent legal guardian copied for transparency.

Covered individuals are prohibited from having Minor Athletes join a personal social media page. Covered Individuals and Minor Athletes are not permitted to "private message" the other privately. Member Clubs may utilize social media to communicate to its members and promote their program by creating their own club page.

The content of all electronic communication with a Minor Athlete must be saved by the Covered Individual for a period of three years and be readily available to share upon request with the Minor Athlete's family or representative of the Member Club or U.S. Figure Skating.

Electronic Communication: Includes email, text messages, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and all other social media and messaging platforms.

Any questions regarding this information should be directed to SafeSport@usfigureskating.org.