Raising the Bar for Athlete Safety

What this covers: 

Any sexual behavior that is non-consensual, exploitative, or deemed inappropriate within the context of the sport. This includes interactions between adults and minors, as well as misconduct between adults.

Prohibited behavior: 

• Any sexual activity with a minor
• Unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact of any kind
• Sexual comments, jokes, or advances directed at an athlete, official, or member
• Sharing sexually explicit images, messages, or content
• Grooming behaviors, including but not limited to engaging in activities with an intent to build trust with a minor for the purpose of later exploitation
• Sexual relationships involving a position of authority  and/ or where a power imbalance may exists (such as between a coach and athlete)

Expectations:

• Maintain clear, professional boundaries at all times
• Avoid engaging in one-on-one communications between adults and minors, or entering into circumstances that place minors in private, semi-private or otherwise non-observable settings with an adult
• Use transparent, appropriate communication channels such as email, team messaging services, group text messaging, etc.

Response:

• All boundary concerns or conduct violations must be reported to the National Office via the Code of Conduct Violation form. immediately, or within a reasonable amount of time, given the circumstances and nature of the conduct
• USA Powerlifting considers the standards set forth by the U.S. Center for SafeSport a valuable guide in determining the appropriate method of setting and evaluating member conduct
• Conduct found to be in violation of these guidelines may result in a suspension, a permanent ban, and/ or a referral to an appropriate law enforcement authority, in the discretion of USA Powerlifting

Report Code of Conduct Violation

What this covers:

Any intentional, knowing or reckless act that causes or has the potential to cause physical harm to an athlete or participant.

Prohibited behavior:

• Hitting, slapping, kicking, or any form of physical conduct that exceeds the reasonable expectations of members engaged in and within the context of the sport or event
• Unreasonably forcing an athlete to continue to train, engage in or “push” through injury or illness
• Denying water, rest, or medical attention as a form of punishment
• Excessive or unsafe training practices used as discipline
• Reckless disregard for an athlete’s safety

Expectations:

• Prioritize athlete health and safety over performance
• Use appropriate coaching methods that do not involve the threat of retaliation. Force or which promote fear
• Follow all safety protocols in training and competition environments

Response:

• Immediate reporting to _**______USAPL needs to finalize this_______**_ is required, or within a reasonable amount of time given the circumstances and nature of the conduct
• Situations that involve harm or risk of a heightened degree may be referred to law enforcement at the discretion of USA Powerlifting
• Conduct found to be in violation of these guidelines may result in a suspension, a permanent ban, and/ or a referral to an appropriate law enforcement authority, in the discretion of USA Powerlifting

What this covers:

Any pattern of behavior or course of conduct by a member which negatively impacts an athlete’s mental well-being, self-worth, or emotional health, whether done directly or indirectly toward a member

Prohibited behavior:

• Verbal attacks, insults, or degrading language
• Public or private humiliation or shaming
• Intimidation, threats, or manipulation
• Isolating an athlete from teammates or support systems
• Persistent negative feedback that goes beyond constructive coaching

Expectations:

• Provide feedback that is constructive, respectful, and performance-focused
• Foster an environment where athletes feel supported and valued
• Recognize the impact of language and tone

Response:

• Reports are reviewed for patterns and severity
• Repeated or severe behavior may lead to disciplinary action
• Education and corrective action may be required in some cases

What this covers:

Any conduct that creates a hostile, intimidating, or unsafe environment, whether in person or online, directly or indirectly toward a member.

Prohibited behavior:

• Targeting of an individual through insults, exclusion, or intimidation
• Threats of harm, whether physical or verbal
• Harassment based on identity, performance, or personal characteristics
• Hazing activities, including but not limited to forced participation in an activity or act, whether harmful or not, that may be considered degrading, humiliating or is otherwise unreasonable under the circumstances
• Cyberbullying through social media, messaging, or any other type of platform

Expectations:

• Treat all participants with respect, on and off the platform
• Build teammates up, do not tear them down
• Create an environment where new lifters feel welcomed, not tested or targeted

Response:

• Reports are taken seriously regardless of underlying intent or the perspective of the receiver
• Hazing is prohibited in all forms, even if framed as tradition
• Conduct found to be in violation of these guidelines may result in a suspension, a permanent ban, and/ or a referral to an appropriate law enforcement authority, in the discretion of USA Powerlifting