Safe & Supportive Environment

Beginning in the 2024-2025 season, the Ames Figure Skating Club will require SafeSport training and background checks for members engaging with minor athletes.

SafeSport is a comprehensive program designed to protect athletes from abuse and misconduct in sports. It was established by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, an independent organization that works to safeguard athletes from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The program provides education, resources, and a reporting system to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants. Background checks are a critical part of the SafeSport process.
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​Key Points:

• SafeSport Training: Required for any adult (18 years or older) involved in coaching, instructing, or having authority/contact with athletes. This includes Club coaches and LTS coaches over the age of 18. It also includes AFSC volunteers such as the Board of Directors, ice monitors, locker monitors, and backstage runners during the Spring Show and AFSC-sponsored competitions as well as skaters over the age of 18. 
  • SafeSport Training is free to USFS members
  • The training is accessible through your USFS Members Only account
  • Trainings are available online asynchronously, and typically take about 90 minutes
  • SafeSport training needs to be renewed yearly for compliance
• Background Check: Required if the adult  (18 years or older) has regular contact with or authority over athletes. This includes Club coaches and LTS coaches over the age of 18. It also includes AFSC volunteers such as the Board of Directors, ice monitors, locker monitors, and backstage runners during the Spring Show and AFSC-sponsored competitions as well as skaters over the age of 18. 
  • Background checks are $30.  
  • Background checks are accessible through your USFS Members Only account
  • Payment for background checks are the responsibility of the individual
  • Background check needs to be renewed yearly for compliance
    
• Under 18 LTS Instructors: Neither SafeSport training nor background checks are required.

Background checks and SafeSport training should be completed before the beginning of the season (July 1) moving forward.

Click on the image above to connect with the Ames Figure Skating Club SafeSport chair for questions or concerns!

What is SafeSport?

SafeSport is focused on preventing abuse and misconduct in sports by promoting safe, supportive, and respectful environments for athletes of all ages. The program includes mandatory training for coaches, staff, and volunteers to recognize, prevent, and respond to various forms of abuse. It also offers clear guidelines for acceptable behavior and procedures for reporting and addressing misconduct.
Education and Training

• Mandatory SafeSport training for all adult coaches and volunteers involved in the Ames Figure Skating Club.
• Education on recognizing signs of abuse, bullying, harassment, and other misconduct.
• Tools and resources for parents and athletes to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Prevention Policies

• Implementation of policies to minimize situations where abuse could occur.
• Establishing codes of conduct for athletes, coaches, and staff to maintain a positive and respectful environment.

Reporting Mechanisms

• A clear and confidential process for reporting any instances of abuse or misconduct.
• Support for victims and thorough investigation procedures to ensure all reports are handled appropriately.

 Benefits for AFSC Members

Enhanced Safety

• SafeSport ensures that the Ames Figure Skating Club is a safe place for all members, particularly young athletes, by actively working to prevent abuse and misconduct.

Increased Awareness

• Members, including athletes, parents, and coaches, are better informed about the risks of abuse and how to protect themselves and others.
• Awareness campaigns help to foster a community that is vigilant and proactive in maintaining a safe environment.

Supportive Environment

• SafeSport promotes a positive, respectful, and supportive environment, which is essential for athletes to thrive both on and off the ice.
• The program encourages open communication and mutual respect among all club members.

Trust and Accountability

• By implementing SafeSport policies, the Ames Figure Skating Club demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of its members, fostering trust within the community.
• The program holds everyone in the club accountable to the highest standards of behavior, ensuring that misconduct is not tolerated.

SafeSport is an essential program for the Ames Figure Skating Club, providing education, resources, and safeguards to protect all members. By adopting SafeSport, the club ensures a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where athletes can focus on their passion for figure skating, confident in the knowledge that their well-being is a top priority.

Troubleshooting: Sign-In Challenges

This could be a few different problems:

You don’t know your USFS number.
You can retrieve it from USFS on their login page or you can sign into EntryEeze. It is usually faster to go through EntryEeze. In EntryEeze, go to “Manage my Family” →Family Members→Click on Family Member Name→Check for USFS number in “Personal Information”

You don’t have an active USFS membership.
Usually, this means you don’t have an active AFSC membership, which is required for a USFS membership. To fix this, sign into EntryEeze to double check that you have an active membership. 

Go to “Manage my Family” →Family Members→Click on Family Member Name→Check for “Membership Expires” If your membership has not expired, you should have a USFS number. If your membership has not expired and you don’t see your USFS number, reach out to the Club secretary, who can connect you to the current membership chair.