Keeping Sailing a ‘SafeSport’

Unlike in some other sports, we haven’t heard of any reports of sexual harassment or assault at sanctioned sailboat races. But better safe than sorry. On March 7, Matthew Hill, the race administration director of US Sailing, sent the following email to the race officials the national organization certifies:

"This is to bring you up to speed on SafeSport training, which you may have already heard about. All race officials are required to be trained by the end of the year.

"This free, 90-minute online course will help all of us protect sailors from emotional, physical and sexual abuse, as well as other types of misconduct. It helps raise awareness about misconduct in sport and provides training and resources for individual and organizational members, athletes, officials, coaches, parents and volunteers.

"The attached letter and ‘How-To’ guide explain how the new requirements apply to you and how to access the training. Briefly:

• Candidates applying for initial certification and officials renewing their certification must complete SafeSport training before certification is granted.
• Officials serving at US Sailing championships must complete the training before being appointed.
• Officials not due to renew their certification this year must complete the training by December 31, 2018.
• US Sailing and the Race Administration office strongly urge you to complete the training as soon as possible, even if you are not due until the end of the year. The training is good for 24 months, and can be renewed by taking an abbreviated refresher course.

"Please read the attached letter and guide carefully. If you have questions, please start with your RAJ or ARO. They will be able to help you. Of course, we are always available to answer your questions as well."

The letter and guide to which Hill refers can be found here: www.ussailing.org/safety/safesport.