Athlete Safety

Athlete Safety Policy

USA Skateboarding

There are many reasons to participate in skateboarding at any level. The sport promotes a healthy lifestyle, builds confidence, and fosters community.

However, like any activity involving athletes and participants, there is potential for misconduct, including physical, emotional, and sexual harm.

USA Skateboarding maintains a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of misconduct. Any behavior that compromises the safety, dignity, or well-being of participants is strictly prohibited.

We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all athletes, members, and participants.

Scope & Purpose

This policy establishes standards of conduct, reporting procedures, and response protocols for misconduct within USA Skateboarding programs, events, and affiliated activities.

Definitions

Minor

An individual under the age of 18.

Participant

Any individual involved in USA Skateboarding activities, including:

  • Athletes

  • Coaches

  • Staff

  • Contractors

  • Volunteers

  • Officials

  • Event participants

Prohibited Conduct

USA Skateboarding prohibits all forms of misconduct, including but not limited to:

  • Sexual Misconduct
    Any non-consensual or inappropriate sexual behavior, harassment, or exploitation.

  • Physical Misconduct
    Any act of violence, abuse, or harmful physical conduct outside of what is reasonably accepted within the sport.

  • Emotional Misconduct
    Behavior that causes psychological harm, including:

    • Bullying

    • Harassment

    • Hazing

    • Stalking

  • Criminal Conduct
    Any conduct that violates applicable laws.

  • Retaliation
    Any adverse action taken against an individual for reporting a concern or participating in a review process.

Reporting

USA Skateboarding encourages all participants to report concerns related to misconduct or unsafe behavior.

Reports may be submitted through:

Reports may be made anonymously; however, providing contact information may assist in a more effective review.

If a report involves a USA Skateboarding staff member, it may be directed to the Chair of the Board.

External Reporting

Individuals are encouraged to report concerns to appropriate external authorities where applicable, including:

  • Local law enforcement

  • Child protection services

  • Other relevant agencies

Each individual is responsible for complying with any applicable reporting requirements under local, state, or federal law.

Reporting Guidelines

When submitting a report, individuals are encouraged to include:

  • Names of involved parties (if known)

  • Description of the alleged misconduct

  • Dates or timeframe (exact or approximate)

  • Any supporting information or witnesses

Confidentiality

USA Skateboarding will handle all reports with discretion. Information will be shared only as necessary to review and address the matter appropriately. Complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

Anonymous Reporting

Anonymous reports are accepted. However, limited information may impact the ability to fully investigate or respond.

Whistleblower Protection

USA Skateboarding strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports a concern in good faith or participates in a review process.

Any retaliatory behavior may result in disciplinary action.

Bad Faith Allegations

Knowingly false, malicious, or intentionally misleading reports are prohibited and may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from participation.

Response & Resolution

USA Skateboarding follows a structured process to review and address reports, including:

  1. Intake & Initial Review

  2. Preliminary Assessment

  3. Investigation (if warranted)

  4. Resolution & Action

Each case is evaluated based on the information available and the nature of the allegations.

Temporary Measures

USA Skateboarding may implement temporary measures at any time to protect participants or mitigate risk. These may include:

  • Restrictions on participation

  • Limitations on contact

  • Suspension from activities

Hearings & Outcomes

Where applicable, USA Skateboarding may conduct internal hearings and determine appropriate outcomes, which may include:

  • Warnings

  • Suspension

  • Permanent removal from participation

Ineligible Participants

Individuals subject to suspension or removal may be listed on a publicly available ineligible participant list.

Professional Conduct

All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner at all USA Skateboarding events and activities.

Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Aggressive or abusive language

  • Inappropriate physical contact

  • Disruptive behavior

  • Harassment or intimidation

Background Checks

USA Skateboarding may require background checks for certain roles. Failure to comply may result in ineligibility to participate.

Education & Training

USA Skateboarding may utilize third-party education and training resources to support athlete safety and awareness.

Shared Responsibility

Creating a safe environment is the responsibility of all participants. Everyone involved in USA Skateboarding is expected to contribute to a culture of respect, accountability, and safety.

Contact

To report a concern:

  • Email: daniel@usaskateboarding.com

  • Phone: 800-309-1950