Handbook 2022

and

SafeSport Policies and Procedures

For a pdf download of our handbook click HERE

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION.. 3

ORGANIZATIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT. 3

SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT USAGE RULES. 4

A. General Rules. 4

B. Rules for Coaching Staff 4

C. Rules on the Water 5

D. Facility Usage Rules. 6

E. Equipment Handling Rules. 6

INDEPENDENT USE OF G2 EQUIPMENT. 7

G2 ROWING CERTIFICATION EVALUATION FORM... 8

G2 SAFESPORT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. 10

PROHIBITED CONDUCT. 12

G2 REPORTING POLICY. 16

G2 INCIDENT REPORTING FORM... 20

INTRODUCTION

Glorious Gate Rowing Association, Inc. (G2 Rowing) began in 2008 with the objective of using our rivers for recreation, fitness and competition by bringing the sport of rowing to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

G2 is governed by a board of directors and is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. G2’s mission is to provide an opportunity for ALL individuals with an interest in rowing for sport and/or physical fitness to participate to the best of their ability. G2 relies on program participation fees, community grants, and donations to fund its equipment and operations.

ORGANIZATIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT

G2 is committed to maintaining the highest standard of conduct throughout the organization. This includes responsible behavior and consideration for the safety and well-being of others. We treat each other, equipment and facilities with respect and exercise good sportsmanship both on and off the water.

All participants, rowers, coaches, volunteers, and board members will:

Be respectful and considerate of others, fostering a safe, non-threatening environment.
Put the safety of others and personal safety first. There will be no engaging in the use of illicit drugs or alcohol before or during rowing. No one shall behave in a reckless manner, take unnecessary risks, or act in a way which places anyone at risk of injury nor property at risk of damage.
Adhere to the standards, policies, rules & regulations of G2, including the SafeSport Policy (see SafeSport Policies and Procedures located in this manual).
Promote the positive spirit and culture of rowing, and the reputation of G2. No one shall engage in or encourage conduct that is detrimental to the organization or any of its participants, or otherwise engage in behavior that would bring the organization or the sport into disrepute.

Any participant may be removed from activities or the board for cause, upon decision by a majority vote of the board. Prior to any vote on termination, the respective individual will be given a comprehensive description of the alleged offense(s) and be provided the opportunity to address the board to respond to/defend themselves against any charges. “Cause” shall include:

Failure to pay fees within 60 days of incurring charge to participant’s account
Willful violation of published G2 standards policies, rules & regulations
Willful disregard of G2 property/equipment
Engaging in or encouraging behavior detrimental to G2
Repeated unsportsmanlike behavior
Unfounded malicious or libelous remarks regarding the organization or its officers
Criminal conduct of any kind on G2 premises or while engaging in G2 activity
Abuse of trust in matters relating to G2 funds

SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT USAGE RULES

The following rules apply to all participants in any class or other activity offered and/or run by G2. Use of G2 equipment and/or facilities is conditioned upon participants abiding by the rules set forth here. G2 reserves the right to amend these rules without notice and refuse participation without refund to any person not abiding fully with these rules in the sole judgment of G2.

A. General Rules

Common sense and compliance with directions from the coach must prevail with “SAFETY FIRST” as the first rule. Do not engage in behavior that jeopardizes any person’s well-being or that may result in damage to equipment or facilities.
Except as set forth below, only participants who have paid all fees will be allowed to row or cox in G2 boats or use G2 equipment or facilities.
Each participant must have a signed Liability Waiver, an Attestation of Swimming Ability, Medical Form, and Handbook Acknowledgment Form on file.
Individuals and groups are expected to abide by the Safety Rules below in addition to all other G2 rules and policies.
All participants and coaches are responsible for upholding the integrity of G2’s participation in USRowing and its safety recommendations. (archive.usrowing.org/Safety/SafetyGuidelines). All rowers must attest to having viewed the USRowing Safety Video. (http://www.usrowing.org/safety-video/) Any issues or concerns regarding actions or compliance should be brought to the attention of the G2 board.
Violations of any safety rule should be reported to the board for appropriate review and action regarding the situation. The coaching staff should also be made aware of any infractions.
G2 reserves the right to deny participation to any person at any time, for safety or other reasons, at the sole discretion of the board.

B. Rules for Coaching Staff

Each practice must have, at minimum, one board-approved coach in direct supervision of rowers.
The coach has the authority—and shall exercise at his/her discretion based on safety before all other considerations—to cancel practices (or postpone practice, or end practice early) for safety reasons.
As part of determining whether on-water practice should be cancelled, the coach should obtain a current weather forecast to determine whether severe weather is predicted. Practices will be postponed or curtailed if thunderstorms are legitimately threatened or threatening, if lightning is seen or thunder is heard. In any case, the coach shall cancel practice if she/he thinks environmental conditions are unsafe. This may include considerations for snow, rain, ice, fog, temperature, wind, equipment conditions and/or skill level and focus of the rowers in particular weather conditions.
No individual, regardless of ability level, may coach any novice, Learn-to-Row, or Learn-to-Scull crew from any single shell unless there is also a safety launch in attendance. No novice crew (coxed or otherwise) should be on the water without a safety/coaching launch close by. A coach sitting in the coxswain seat does not satisfy this requirement. Use of a coaching launch is required as any emergency situation may require the distribution of life-jackets, first aid, or immediate return of a person to the dock.

C. Rules on the Water

All rowers are to be safety conscious at all times. No one is to leave a boat intentionally—stay with the boat. It is the obligation of any person/crew who can help safely to immediately attend to a rower or coach who has been ejected from his/her craft into the water.
The coxswain is in sole command of a shell subject to the coach’s overall authority. The first concern of the coxswain is safety of the rowers and the equipment. The coxswain is the only one in the shell giving the commands and instructions. No shell that is equipped for a coxswain, unless it is a straight (four, quad, double) boat, shall go out on the water without a coxswain in the boat. If a coxswain’s command might place either the crew or equipment in a harm’s way, the rowers have the responsibility to ask to stop the shell. Rowers may assist new coxswains in improving their skills, but only when it is not interfering with the coxswain’s ability to administer his/her responsibilities.
G2 boats may not be rowed in the dark. Dark rowing is defined as any on-water time that falls before 30 minutes prior to sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
To be on the water, a sweep boat must be accompanied by a coach in a launch or specifically be approved in advance in writing based on the level of experience of all rowers using the boat. All boats must be accompanied by a safety launch when the air plus water temperature (which must be at least 50 degrees) is less than 90 degrees (“Ninety Degree Rule”).
Life jackets shall be stored in the coach’s launch.
Stay alert for both rowing and non-rowing craft as well as changing water conditions. If sudden severe weather should strike, return to the dock/shore immediately. Do not row if a thunderstorm warning exists for the immediate area. Do not row in fog unless visibility is at least 100 yards. If heavy fog sets in while on the water, keep a land reference and return to the dock, moving slowly. Be prepared to stop and make noise frequently to warn other boats that may not be visible. Listen for the presence of other boats.

D. Facility Usage Rules

The facility gate is to be shut and locked when crews are on the water and when the last person leaves the facility.
All gasoline and other flammables are to be stored safely.
No smoking is permitted in the facility or around the equipment.
All shells and launches taken out on the water are to be signed out in the logbook prior to going on the water. For coxed boats, coxswains are responsible for signing in and out. Include the boat name and time out. Upon return, complete the actual time in, comments, and all equipment problems encountered. If an equipment problem requires attention before the boat is rowed again, notify the Equipment Manager the same day.
We share Shoaff Park, the parking lots, the trail footpath, the launching areas, and the river with others. Be considerate of other boats, sailboards, fisherman, swimmers, kayakers, bikers, joggers and others in the area. Adhere to scheduled launch times as these have been coordinated to accommodate others who are using the area.

E. Equipment Handling Rules

Enter any equipment problem into the logbook located inside of the facility shed. If further use will cause more damage to the equipment or potential injury to a rower, make sure the equipment will not be used by anyone until the Equipment Manager has addressed the problem. Do not assume someone else has reported the problem.
Shells are to receive routine/preventative maintenance on a regular basis.
Shells are to be wiped down by rowers after each use. Oar handles are to be cleaned with anti- bacterial solution after each use to prevent the spread of infection.
Rigging is not to be changed without approval. All measurements and adjustments are to be noted in the organization’s Rigging Book.
Moving Boats and Oars

When lifting a boat, always make sure there are enough rowers properly distributed to prevent injury or damage. Lift the boat evenly.
Boats are to be lifted off racks, not slid off.
Watch riggers carefully to assure they do not collide with other objects, including the hull of other boats.
Do not hold shells by, or rest shells on, the riggers.
Coxswains are to give directions for moving boats. Those carrying a boat are to follow the coxswain’s commands and are to refrain from speaking while moving a boat unless necessary for the safety of others or the equipment. The coxswain shall strategically maneuver along the trail to give notice to users of the trail that a boat is crossing.
Do not place shells on the ground. Use stretchers or horses for proper support.
When transporting shells on the trailer, assure they are properly secured and unable to move in any direction. Refrain from placing gunwales directly on metal; use foam protectors. Remove seats and riggers before transport.
Walk around a shell; never step over a shell.
Never place your head inside a rigger while carrying a shell; never step into a rigger while climbing into or out of the shell.
Carry oars with the blade high and in such a way as to avoid damage to the oar or surrounding objects or people.

Launching and docking boats
1. Never step into the bottom of the shell or drop anything heavy into the bottom of the shell.
2. Before entering the boat, inspect seat, rigger, stretchers, etc. to make sure no parts are missing, loose, or broken. Inform the coach of any problems you find.
3. Remember that the coxswain is in charge of landing at the dock. Enter the landing area slowly and always have someone present to catch the boat at the dock/shore. If the landing does not look good, weigh enough, back off, and try again.
Handling Launches

Use of a launch is to be entered in log sheets, just as is done with shells, by the launch driver. Life jacket bags must be included in the corresponding numbered launch boat as they contain the boat registration documentation.
Launches are to be securely tied to the dock and the motor properly hoisted and locked.
The launch is to be considered a safety vehicle at all times. Launch drivers must make sure all of the proper safety equipment is in the launch. Launch drivers shall also be familiar with rescue procedures.
The number of persons in the launch shall be limited so as to allow for adequate room for the rescue of crews.

INDEPENDENT USE OF G2 EQUIPMENT

Unless otherwise authorized, no rower shall use G2 equipment at any time except during a scheduled row/class and under the supervision of a coach

Any violation at any time may result in the removal of the rower from the approved sculling list and there will be no refund of the fee.

Any use of G2 equipment at any time without board authorization or in violation of board authorization or these rules shall be considered trespass.

G2 ROWING CERTIFICATION EVALUATION FORM

INSTRUCTIONS: Evaluations will be conducted by a G2 coach as approved by the G2 Board of Directors. If the rower does not fully pass all items, the coach will schedule a retest after the rower has at least one coached open row. For Full Pass, rower must complete tasks without being coached. Forms will be maintained in the G2 records.

If a retest of all or part of the test is required, the coach should reevaluate the rower after the rower has attended one Coached Open Row following completion of the evaluation session.

A conditional pass can be a restriction, such as only rowing with a more experienced rower or only rowing at Coached Open Rows.

ROWER’S NAME: ____________________________ DATE OF EVALUATION: _______________

Administrative Requirements

☐ All forms signed and on record:

Swim Certification
Liability Waiver
Handbook Acknowledgment
Medical Form
Fees paid

Rowing Procedures

☐ Log shell out

☐ Select proper oars
☐ Transport boat from rack to launch area
☐ Safely set shell in water, place oars correctly, and get into shell

☐ Launch from dock; Do not hit dock; Repeat twice more

☐ Wet launch; Do not hit dock; Repeat twice more
☐ Paddle using arms and body only
☐ Complete full slide rowing
☐ Steer as instructed by coach
☐ Show full awareness of environment and traffic

☐ Successfully execute a flip test
☐ Look ahead while rowing at full slide upon command
☐ Stop from full speed rowing at coach's command
☐ Spin 360° in place, clockwise and counterclockwise
☐ Row backwards
☐ Remove oars; Carry shell and oars to Boat Corral (may use buddy system)
☐ Wipe down shell and check for loose parts or any damages*

☐ Place shell and oars in appropriate locations

☐ Log shell back in

☐ Overall ability in carrying, handling and controlling the shell

*If shell is damaged, make log entry & tag shell

I attest that I have personally observed this rower and the rower demonstrates competence in each of the above skills and that they can be entrusted to row the club boats.

COACH: ____________________________________________________ DATE: _____________

Coach Notes:

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G2 SAFESPORT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

As a member of the USRowing Association, G2 abides by a SafeSport policy in effort to prevent bullying, harassment, hazing, emotional misconduct, physical misconduct and sexual misconduct within the organization. While the primary focus of SafeSport is to safeguard children, these policies extend to all age groups, and as a master organization, G2, consistent with requirements of USRowing, has implemented an athlete safety program. For more information about SafeSport, go to http://www.usrowing.org/safesport/.

In accordance with USRowing, G2 has adopted the following SafeSport policies to serve as a guide for G2 sponsored activities, particularly with relevance to the six primary types of misconduct, including bullying, harassment, hazing, emotional misconduct, physical misconduct, and sexual misconduct. All forms of misconduct are intolerable and in direct conflict with the USRowing ideals and those of G2. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our participants, coaches, and volunteers.

We maintain that all interactions within the organization shall be of the highest standards and free of misconduct.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Accordingly, board members and coaches complete an awareness training concerning misconduct in sport as a condition of involvement with G2.

Our policies and procedures require coaches and volunteers to report abuse, misconduct and violations of our Safety and Operations Handbook.

Board members and coaches must successfully complete the SafeSport Training Program and the subsequent test. A SafeSport Refresher Training must be completed annually thereafter. Compliance with SafeSport Training, Refresher Courses, and Background checks are monitored by the Chairperson of the Governance and Safety Committee and are reviewed annually by the Board of Directors. All rowers are encouraged, though not required, to complete the SafeSport Training Program. Compliance monitoring and record keeping of annual SafeSport training and background checks every two years for all "Applicable Adults"

APPLICANT SCREENING and BACKGROUND CHECK POLICY

Coaches must consent to, and pass, a formal applicant screening process as a condition of involvement with G2

Elements of our screening process include, as applicable, successful completion of an application, interview, reference check and for applicable adults, a criminal background check.

EDUCATION ABOUT G2’S PROTECTION POLICIES

To deter applicants who may be at risk of abusing athletes or participants from applying for positions, G2 educates its applicants about its protection policies and offers applicants an early opt-out by requiring awareness training before working with athletes and participants.

Applicants will be required to review, agree and sign an affidavit to G2’s policies and procedures before proceeding.

WRITTEN APPLICATIONS

Each applicant for a coach position will complete an application form consisting of personal, identifying information and a general release with applicant’s signature.

The written application will:

Ask questions intended to illicit information concerning high-risk behavior.
Provide a written release for contacting personal references and performing a criminal background check, including an indemnification clause.
Ask open-ended questions that encourage broad answers.
Ask about previous work and volunteer experiences.
Ask about previous criminal arrests or convictions, offenses, violence against youth and other violent criminal offenses or felonies.

PERSONAL INTERVIEW

Appropriate board members will interview applicants whose experience and credentials are considered a fit for available positions. During this interview, G2 will ask questions to encourage discussion, clarify responses and expand on the applicant’s answers to questions from the written application.

REFERENCES

References of applicants will be contacted (either by phone or in writing) and asked specific questions regarding the applicant’s professional experiences, demeanor and appropriateness for involvement with minor and adult athletes and participants.

RELEASE

Each applicant will also provide a signed release, consistent with federal, state and local laws regulating employment practices, that allows references to speak freely about the applicant’s qualifications without fear of reprisal and authorizing G2 to obtain information concerning an applicant’s past employment, volunteer experience and information provided by the applicant during the screening process (i.e., written application and personal interview).

BACKGROUND CHECKS

All coaches will be asked to undergo an NCSI Background Check. Through this background check, G2 will utilize reasonable efforts to ascertain past criminal history of an applicant. The information revealed by the background check may disqualify an applicant from serving as a coach or volunteer.

ATHLETE PROTECTION POLICY

In the event that any board member, coach, or volunteer observes inappropriate behaviors (i.e., policy violations), suspected physical or sexual abuse, or misconduct, it is the personal responsibility of each to immediately report his or her observations to the Chairperson of the Governance and Safety Committee.

G2 is committed to creating a physically, emotionally, and socially safe and positive environment for athletes and to promote an environment free of misconduct.

G2 recognizes that the process for training and motivating athletes will vary with each coach and athlete, but it is nevertheless important for everyone involved in sport to support the use of motivational and training methods that avoid misconduct.

Application
This Policy applies to coaches, participants, and volunteers.

Coaches, participants, and volunteers shall refrain from all forms of misconduct, which include:

PROHIBITED CONDUCT

EMOTIONAL MISCONDUCT

A pattern of deliberate, non-contact behavior that has the potential to cause emotional or psychological harm to an athlete. Non-contact behaviors include:
1. verbal acts
2. physical acts
3. acts that deny attention or support
Any act or conduct described as emotional abuse or misconduct under federal or state law.

Exception

Emotional misconduct does not include professionally-accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team building, discipline or improving athletic performance.

Examples

Examples of emotional misconduct prohibited by this policy include, without limitation:

Verbal Acts. A pattern of verbal behaviors that
1. attack an athlete personally or
2. repeatedly and excessively yelling at a particular participant or participants in a manner that serves no productive training or motivational purpose.
Physical Acts. A pattern of physically aggressive behaviors, such as
1. throwing sport equipment, water bottles or chairs at, or in the presence of, participants or
2. punching walls, windows or other objects
3. bullying
4. harassment
5. hazing
Acts that Deny Attention and Support. A pattern of
1. ignoring an athlete for extended periods of time or
2. routinely or arbitrarily excluding participants from practice.

Note: Bullying, harassment, and hazing, defined below, often involve some form of emotional misconduct.

PHYSICAL MISCONDUCT

Contact or non-contact conduct that results in, or reasonably threatens to, cause physical harm to an athlete or other sport participants; or
Any act or conduct described as physical abuse or misconduct under federal or state law.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

Any touching or non-touching sexual interaction that is
1. nonconsensual or forced
2. coerced or manipulated
3. perpetrated in an aggressive, harassing, exploitative or threatening manner;
Any sexual interaction between an athlete and an individual with evaluative, direct or indirect authority. Such relationships involve an imbalance of power and are likely to impair judgment or be exploitative; or
Any act or conduct described as sexual abuse or misconduct under federal or state law (e.g. sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, rape)

Types of Sexual Misconduct

Types of sexual misconduct include:

Sexual assault
Sexual harassment, specifically, the sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature, and is unwelcome, offensive or creates a hostile environment, and the offending individual knows or is told this
is sufficiently severe or intense to be harassing to a reasonable person in the context.
Sexual abuse
Any other sexual intimacies that exploit an athlete.

Exceptions: None

Note: An imbalance of power is always assumed between a coach and an athlete.

AUTHORITY AND TRUST

Once the unique coach-athlete relationship is established, the authority and trust on the part of the coach over the athlete shall be assumed, regardless of age. Accordingly, sexual interaction or intimacies between a coach and an athlete or other participant are prohibited, regardless of age, both during coaching and during that period following coaching if an imbalance in power could jeopardize effective decision-making.

IMBALANCE OF POWER

Factors relevant to determining whether there is an imbalance of power include, but are not limited to: (a) the nature and extent of the coach’s supervisory, evaluative or other authority over the athlete being coached; (b) the actual relationship between the parties; (c) the parties’ respective roles; (d) the nature and duration of the sexual relations or intimacies; (e) the age of the coach; (f) the age of the athlete or participant; (g) and whether the coach has engaged in a pattern of sexual interaction with other athletes or participants.

Exception.

This section does not apply to a pre-existing relationship between two spouses or life partners. However, if someone if in a romantic relationship, married or not, should remain professional while volunteering/working for G2. However, there shall be NO inappropriate touching, sexual innuendo, etc.

BULLYING

An intentional, persistent and repeated pattern of committing or willfully tolerating physical and non- physical behaviors that are intended, or have the reasonable potential, to cause fear, humiliation or physical harm in an attempt to socially exclude, diminish or isolate the targeted a(s), as a condition of membership.
Any act or conduct described as bullying under federal or state law.

Examples

Verbal and emotional behaviors. Behaviors that include

teasing, ridiculing, intimidating
spreading rumors or making false statements
using electronic communications, social media, or other technology to harass, frighten, intimidate or humiliate (“cyber bullying”).

Exceptions

Bullying does not include group or team behaviors that are meant to establish normative team behaviors or promote team cohesion. For example, bullying does not include verbal admonitions to encourage team members to train harder and to push through a difficult training regimen.

HARASSMENT

A repeated pattern of physical and/or non-physical behaviors that
1. are intended to cause fear, humiliation or annoyance
2. offend or degrade
3. create a hostile environment
4. reflect discriminatory bias in an attempt to establish dominance, superiority or power over an individual or group based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression or mental or physical disability; or
Any act or conduct described as harassment under federal or state law

Exceptions: None

HAZING

Coercing, requiring, forcing or willfully tolerating any humiliating, unwelcome or dangerous activity that serves as a condition for
1. joining a group,
2. being socially accepted by a group’s members; or
Any act or conduct described as hazing under federal or state law

Exception

Hazing does not include group or team activities that are meant to establish normative team behaviors or promote team cohesion.

Comment: Activities that fit the definition of hazing are considered to be hazing regardless of an athlete’s willingness to cooperate or participate.

WILLFULLY TOLERATING MISCONDUCT

It is a violation of this Athlete Protection Policy if an individual knows of misconduct, but takes no action to intervene.

VIOLATIONS

Violations of the Athlete Protection Policy shall be reported pursuant to our Reporting Policy and will be addressed under our Disciplinary Rules and Procedure.

G2 REPORTING POLICY

Reporting Misconduct and Policy Violations

If any coach, participant, or volunteer receives an allegation or observes misconduct or other inappropriate behavior that is not reportable to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, it is the responsibility of each person to report their observations to:

(1) a G2 board officer
(2) Chair of G2’s Governance and Safety Committee.

How to Report

G2 will take a report in the way that is most comfortable for the person initiating a report including anonymous, in-person, verbal or written report. Regardless of how you choose to report, it is helpful to Technical Arbitration and Conflict Resolution (TACR) for individuals to provide, at a minimum, (1) the name of the complainant(s); (2) the type of misconduct alleged and the name(s) of the individual(s) alleged to have committed the misconduct.

REPORTING FORM

Individuals reporting misconduct may complete an Incident Report Form. Information on this form will include:

The name(s) of the complainant(s)
The type of misconduct alleged
The name(s) of the individual(s) alleged to have committed the misconduct
The approximate dates the misconduct was committed
The names of other individuals who might have information regarding the alleged misconduct
A summary statement of the reasons to believe that misconduct has occurred

G2 will withhold the complainant’s name on request, to the extent permitted by law.
A copy of G2’S Reporting Form can be found at the end of this document.

CONFIDENTIALITY

To the extent permitted by law, and as appropriate, G2 will keep confidential the complainant’s name on request, not make public the names of potential victims of misconduct.

ANONYMOUS REPORTING

G2 recognizes it can be difficult to report an allegation of misconduct and strives to remove as many barriers to reporting as possible. Anonymous reports may be made without the formality of completing an Incident Report Form by completing the Reporting Form without including their name or by expressing verbally concerns to a G2 administrator or a member of G2’s Governance and TACR administrator or a member of G2 through email, texts or notes left for an administration member.

However, anonymous reporting may make it difficult for G2 to investigate or properly address allegations.

“WHISTLEBLOWER” PROTECTION

Regardless of outcome, G2 will support the complainant(s) and his or her right to express concerns in good faith. G2 will not encourage, allow or tolerate attempts from any individual to retaliate, punish, allow or in any way harm any individual(s) who reports a concern in good faith. Such actions against a complainant will be considered a violation of our Safety Handbook and grounds for disciplinary action.

BAD-FAITH ALLEGATIONS

A report of abuse, misconduct or policy violations that is malicious, frivolous or made in bad faith is prohibited. Such reports will be considered a violation of our Safety Handbook and grounds for disciplinary action. Depending on the nature of the allegation, a person making a malicious, frivolous or bad-faith report may also be subject to civil or criminal proceedings.

HOW REPORTS ARE HANDLED FOR MISCONDUCT AND POLICY VIOLATIONS

G2 Governance and Safety Committee, Board VP, and Board Secretary address internally alleged policy violations and misconduct – bullying, harassment, hazing, emotional, physical and sexual – that are not reportable under relevant state or federal law.

NOTIFICATION

Following G2’s notice of a credible allegation that results in the removal of a coach, participant, or other volunteer, TACR may consider the circumstances in which it will notify other participants with whom the accused individual may have had contact. At G2’s discretion, as appropriate, and after consultation with counsel, G2 may notify its coaches, participants, or other volunteers, of criminal behavior that (1) law enforcement authorities are actively investigating; or (2) that G2 is investigating internally. Advising others of an allegation may lead to additional reports of other misconduct.

DISCIPLINARY RULES AND PROCEDURES POLICY

While G2 endeavors to provide support and guidance to participants on a day-to-day basis, it is also important for G2 to have a formal procedure for disciplinary action to address alleged violations of its policies and other inappropriate behaviors.

G2 recognizes that there are varying levels of misconduct. For example, physical and sexual misconduct are serious violations that may result in immediate dismissal. In contrast, less serious misconduct might be dealt with more appropriately through dialogue and a verbal warning. In all cases, G2’s disciplinary procedures and actions will be proportionate, reasonable and applied fairly and equally.

On receipt of an allegation, TACR Governance and Safety Committee, Board VP, and Board Secretary will determine in its discretion the appropriate steps to address the conduct based on the nature, scope, and extent of the allegations. TACR’s disciplinary response will depend on the nature and seriousness of the incident and in extreme cases, misconduct will result in immediate summary dismissal, provided that the accused individual shall be advised of their right to a hearing.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Sanctions for violations of the Safety Handbook will be proportionate and reasonable under the circumstances. In addition to day-to-day guidance, TACR may take the following disciplinary actions without limitation:

Provide the individual with guidance, redirection and instruction
Temporary suspension from duties or participation
Issue a verbal warning
Issue a written and/or final written warning
Implement a limited access agreement (e.g., limiting an individual’s access to certain functions)
Engage in restorative practices, i.e., creation of a respectful and safe dialogue when a misunderstanding or harm has occurred
Suspend or terminate involvement with the organization

APPEAL

If the individual disagrees with the finding or sanction of the G2 Governance and Safety Committee, Board VP, and Board Secretary and wishes to appeal, he or she may file an appeal with the full G2 Board of Directors within 10 calendar days of the finding. On appeal, the G2 Board of Directors will address the merits of the G2 Governance and Safety Committee, Board VP, and Board Secretary decision de novo, (from the new) and not the process that was utilized. A decision rendered by the G2’s Board of Directors shall be final and binding on all parties.

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

By monitoring the interactions among coaches, volunteers, participants, and others, G2 works to prevent, recognize and respond to inappropriate and harmful behaviors as set forth in our Safety Handbook, while reinforcing appropriate behaviors.

MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

G2 monitors for compliance with its policies and procedures utilizing multiple methods to observe how individuals are interacting, including without limitation, formal supervision, including regular evaluations; and informal supervision, including regular and random observation.

RESPONDING TO INTERACTIONS

While G2 has a formal reporting policy, coaches, volunteers, and participants should be prepared to respond immediately to inappropriate or harmful behavior, potential risk situations and potential boundary violations, redirecting inappropriate behaviors to promote positive behaviors, confront inappropriate or harmful behaviors, and report behaviors if necessary.

G2 INCIDENT REPORTING FORM

Please provide as much information as you can about the incident. If you don’t have the information requested, leave blank or give an approximation.

OFFENDER INFORMATION

Name:

Offender’s Position at G2:

Offender’s Gender: Male / Female (circle one)

Offender’s Age (or approximate):

Offender’s Physical Description, if needed:

REPORTER INFORMATION

Name:

Current Date:

Position at G2:

Phone Number:

Address:

Email:

Relationship to Victim, if any:

VICTIM INFORMATION

Name:

Position at G2:

Gender: Male / Female (circle one)

Age (or approximation):

Physical Description, if needed:

Phone Number:

Address:

Email:

INCIDENT TO REPORT

Date when incident occurred:

Location:

Details of Incident:

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES

Recommendation:

Action Taken:

Conclusion:

Investigated by: