SafeSport Code Glossary
This glossary summarizes some of the terms in the SafeSport Code that you should know. It is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not replace or override the Center’s legal documents and policies (e.g., the SafeSport Code). Every Participant in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement is responsible for knowing the information outlined in the SafeSport Code.
- All
- Aiding and Abetting
- Bullying Behavior
- Child Abuse
- Consent
- Cyber Abuse
- Emotional Misconduct
- Exposing a Minor to Sexual Content/Imagery
- Grooming
- Harassment
- Hazing
- Intimate Relationship
- Nonconsensual Sexual Contact or Intercourse
- Physical Misconduct
- Power Imbalance
- Retaliation
- Sexual Bullying Behavior
- Sexual Misconduct
- Sexual Harassment
- Sexual Hazing
- Willful Tolerance
Aiding and Abetting
Aiding and Abetting occurs when an Adult Participant knowingly helps (or encourages) a Participant engage in Prohibited Conduct, including letting anyone who is Suspended or Ineligible:
• Associate with or be employed by any program or organization connected with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement
• Coach or train Participants
• Accept coaching
• Own (in full or part) any facility, organization, or other entity related to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement
• Violate Temporary Measures, Sanctions, or Resolutions set by the Center
• It also violates the SafeSport Code if a Participant, including a Minor Participant, has someone else act on their behalf to engage in Aiding or Abetting.
Example: A gym owner knows that a coach was made Ineligible by the Center due to misconduct but still hires them to train athletes at the gym.
Bullying Behavior
Bullying Behavior is repeated behavior or a single, severe incident directed at or about someone under age 18. The behavior is intended or likely to hurt, control, or tear down that person emotionally, physically, or sexually. It can be:
• Physical: hitting, beating up, spitting at, or throwing objects at someone; stealing, hiding, destroying, or interfering with someone’s property
• Verbal, written, or visual: ridiculing, name-calling, taunting, or threatening to harm someone; using gestures to threaten or intimidate
• Social (including cyberbullying): spreading rumors or lies to harm someone’s reputation; socially excluding them and asking others to do the same; using technology to harass, frighten, intimidate, or humiliate them; posting real or manipulated harmful content online
• Discriminatory: Bullying Behavior directed at someone because of their age, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, national origin, or disability
• Criminal conduct: any conduct described as bullying under federal or state law
When done to Adults, these behaviors could qualify as other violations of the SafeSport Code, such as Hazing or Harassment.
Bullying does not include petty slights, minor inconveniences, or lack of good manners, unless these behaviors are repeated or very aggressive.
Example: Throughout their season, athletes on an under-15 team have been leaving mean comments on a teammate’s social media account.
Child Abuse
Child Abuse is the physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, or negligent treatment of a child. It includes any conduct defined as child abuse under state or federal law.
Example: A 10-year-old athlete shares that their parents hit them whenever they are angry.
Consent
Consent is when someone knowingly, freely, and actively uses clear words or actions to let another person know they want to participate in a specific sexual activity. They can use clear actions instead of words to give Consent, but their silence by itself is not Consent. Their Consent to one activity does not mean Consent to other activities. They can withdraw their Consent at any time by using clear words or actions.
Someone cannot give Consent if:
• They are forced
• They are Incapacitated (e.g., due to alcohol or a physical or mental health condition)
• There is a Power Imbalance
• They are below the age of Consent
Laws about the age of Consent vary by state. The age of Consent in the SafeSport Code is 18 years old. There is an exception when the age difference between people is within three years or less and there is no Power Imbalance.
Example: Two 20-year-old athletes talk to each other and mutually agree to be in a romantic relationship.
Cyber Abuse
Cyber Abuse is using technology to harass, abuse, or frighten someone. For example, posting a rumor to social media or sending threats through text. It includes doxing (sharing someone’s personal information without permission). It also includes sharing real or simulated explicit images without Consent.
Example: An athlete posts a teammate’s phone number on social media alongside encouragement to harass the teammate.