Aquatic Foundation of Alaska

 

Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy

Aquatic Foundation of Alaska, AFA 

Effective: September 1, 2021

Aquatic Foundation of Alaska (AFA)

Empowering Alaskans through Water Safety, Education, and Competitive Spirit
Website: www.swimyetiswim.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (779) AFA–YETI

Safe Sport and Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP)

Effective Date: October 10, 2025
Approved By: AFA Board of Directors
Last Reviewed: October 10, 2025

1. Purpose

The Aquatic Foundation of Alaska (AFA) is committed to providing a safe, positive, and respectful environment for all athletes, coaches, officials, and families.
This policy outlines AFA’s full compliance with USA Swimming’s Safe Sport Program and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP), designed to prevent misconduct and protect all participants.

Safety, integrity, and respect are core to who we are as Yetis — in the pool, online, and beyond.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all AFA members and participants, including:

  • Athletes (minors and adults)

  • Coaches and staff

  • Officials and volunteers

  • Parents and guardians

  • Board members and administrators

It governs behavior and interactions at all AFA practices, meets, team events, and digital communications, as well as during travel and lodging connected to AFA activities.

3. Policy Statement

AFA enforces zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, or misconduct of any kind.
All members share the responsibility to create and maintain a culture of safety, accountability, and respect.

All AFA participants must adhere to:

  • USA Swimming’s Safe Sport Program

  • Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP)

  • AFA Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy

4. Key Safe Sport Standards

AFA follows the required USA Swimming MAAPP standards, which include:

A. One-on-One Interactions

  • One-on-one contact between an adult and a minor athlete must always be observable and interruptible.

  • If a private meeting is required, it must occur in a space with open doors or windows.

  • Parents are encouraged to attend or observe meetings whenever possible.

B. Electronic Communication

  • All communication with minor athletes must be open and transparent.

  • A parent or guardian must be copied on all texts, emails, or messages involving a minor athlete.

  • Coaches and staff must use professional language and tone at all times.

  • Direct messages between adult participants and minor athletes are prohibited unless emergency circumstances apply.

C. Travel & Lodging

  • Athletes must be supervised at all times by certified AFA coaches or approved chaperones.

  • Athletes may not share lodging with coaches or unrelated adults.

  • For Yeti Legends athletes (18+), independent travel is permitted, but professional conduct and AFA standards apply at all times.

  • Use of alcohol or controlled substances during AFA travel is prohibited, except for responsible adult use during AFA-sanctioned Yeti Legends social events.

D. Locker Rooms & Changing Areas

  • Deck changing is prohibited.

  • Locker room interactions between adults and minors must remain observable and interruptible.

  • The use of recording devices in locker rooms, changing areas, or restrooms is strictly prohibited.

E. Physical Contact

  • Any physical contact between adults and athletes must be nonsexual, appropriate, and necessary for instruction or safety.

  • Athletes may request that contact stop at any time, and such requests must be respected immediately.

F. Massage and Rubdowns

  • Only licensed professionals may perform massages on athletes.

  • Coaches and staff may not provide massages, rubdowns, or similar services.

  • All such treatments must occur in observable and interruptible areas, with parental consent for minors.

5. Reporting

Every AFA member has the right and duty to report suspected misconduct or policy violations.
Reports can be made confidentially and without fear of retaliation.

Reporting Channels

If an emergency or potential criminal act occurs, call 911 immediately before filing a report.

6. Accountability

Violations of Safe Sport or MAAPP standards will result in disciplinary action consistent with AFA’s Disciplinary Policy.
Depending on the nature of the incident, this may include:

  • Written warnings or retraining

  • Temporary suspension

  • Permanent removal from AFA programs

  • Mandatory reporting to USA Swimming and/or the U.S. Center for SafeSport

AFA reserves the right to remove any member whose behavior jeopardizes the safety or integrity of others.

7. Education & Compliance

  • All AFA coaches, officials, and adult members are required to complete Safe Sport training annually.

  • Adult athletes (including Yeti Legends members) must also complete Safe Sport or equivalent training as required by USA Swimming or USMS.

  • Parents and athletes are encouraged to review Safe Sport resources at www.usaswimming.org/safesport.

  • AFA conducts an annual review of Safe Sport compliance each May–June in coordination with the Board of Directors.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the AFA Safe Sport Coordinator, Head Coach, and Board of Directors to ensure ongoing alignment with USA Swimming and U.S. Center for SafeSport requirements.

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www.swimyetiswim.com • [email protected] • (779) AFA–YETI

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