Sonja Keating, general counsel for USEF, discussed Safe Sport, a new USEF policy program that went into effect Dec. 1, at the USEA Convention this afternoon. The Safe Sport policy exists to promote safety and welfare for all horses and riders in USEF programs. Many licensed officials attended the meeting introducing the policy, as well as some of the High Performance riders.
A former official asked if requiring background checks of officials is looking for problems in the wrong place. Sonja said looking at other Olympic sports — particularly U.S. swimming and gymnastics — shows that people placed in power are commonly the abusers. But a former official in attendance at the meeting took offense to that.
“Every official in this room would say they have been abused, harassed and bullied by the athletes,” the former official said. “Why am I being subjected to the background check? Why isn’t everybody? If we really want to get serious about this, just requiring background checks of the officials is looking in the wrong place.”
What are your thoughts on the new Safe Sport policy, EN? Do you think it’s necessary to have these safeguards against abuse — which the USEF defines as emotional misconduct, physical misconduct, sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and hazing — or is the USEF looking for abuse in the wrong place by requiring background checks of officials?
What is Safe Sport?
The intent of the Safe Sport Policy is to provide information, resources, and a protocol so that all members of the equestrian community have awareness, tools, and a support structure to ensure a safe and positive environment for equestrians to develop their skills. The USEF depends on the eyes and ears of its athletes, coaches and USEF Designees to support its Safe Sport Policy. It is requested that all who participate in equestrian sport become familiar with the content of the handbook and be mindful of its guidelines during training sessions and competitions.
How does Safe Sport make equestrian sports safer?
- Athlete Protection
- Reporting
- Training and Education
- Criminal Background Check
- Enforcement
Who is bound by the five Safe Sport policies?
- USEF Board of Directors
- USEF Staff
- USEF Licensed Officials
- Anyone who USEF formally authorizes, approves or appoints to a position of authority over or have contact with athletes
Policy #1 Athlete Protection
What is misconduct?
- Emotional Misconduct
- Physical Misconduct
- Sexual Misconduct
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Hazing
Policy #2: Reporting Policy
Complete an Incident Report Form and submit to Sonja S. Keating at [email protected] or 859-225-2045
Policy #3: Training and Education Policy
Training is required every two years on how to recognize and respond to the six types of misconduct
Policy #4: Criminal Background Check Policy
Potential disqualifiers
Sex offenses:
- All sex offenses, regardless of time since the offense
Felony offenses:
- All felony violence offenses, regardless of the amount of time since the offense
- All felony offenses other than violence or sex within the past 10 years
Misdemeanors:
- Within the past seven years, two or more misdemeanor drug and/or alcohol offenses with the past seven years
- Any other misdemeanor within the past seven years that would be considered a danger to children, including any crimes involving cruelty to animals.
Disclosure
- USEF Designees have affirmative duty to disclose criminal history and a continuing duty of disclosure
- Consent and waiver form for criminal background check
- www.safesport.usef.org
- Refresh checks every two years
What is the continuing duty to disclose?
- If you are arrested
- If you enter a guilty plea
- If you are convicted of any offense identified at any time
Policy #5: Enforcement
How are the policies enforced?
- Investigation by USEF, internal and external
- Report to criminal authorities if applicable
- Charge issued by CEO or Executive Director, if applicable
- Hearing before USEF Hearing Committee
- Finding issued with sanctions imposed or charge dismissed
View Safe Sport Policy Handbook
Download Safe Sport Policy Handbook
