Athlete Bill of Rights#
ARTISTIC USA ARTISTIC SWIMMING ATHLETES HAVE THE RIGHT TO... #
1. PARTICIPATE IN ARTISTIC SWIMMING #
Artistic swimming is an inclusive sport. An athlete's right to participate is realized regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation or pregnancy), age, family status, socio- economic status, geographical location, nationality, body shape, beliefs, mental or physical ability or any other defining characteristics.
2. BE TREATED WITH EQUITY AND RESPECT #
Athletes are not to be discriminated against due to any of the characteristics listed above and are to be respected by all members of our community including, but not limited to, other athletes, parents, coaches, judges, spectators, officials, organization staff & volunteers.
3. TRAIN AND COMPETE SAFELY AND APPROPRIATELY #
Athletes have the right to train and compete in facilities that are clean and properly maintained and in environments that are free from bullying, hazing, harassment, emotional, physical or sexual misconduct.
Athletes have the right to be instructed by qualified individuals with professional credentials and or proper organizational training.
USAAS athletes have the right to make personal health decisions regarding training and competing during global health crises or states of emergency.
Athletes have the right to request equitable training opportunities, when necessary. Athletes also have the right to feel comfortable in their swimwear and in team apparel, including the freedom to wear swimwear that aligns with their gender identity without discrimination or question. Athletes have the right to train and compete routines which use appropriate and non-offensive music and themes. Athletes should not be fearful of relinquishing these rights if they fail.
4. HAVE THEIR PERSONAL WELLNESS PRIORITIZED #
Athletes have the right to pursue, and be supported in the pursuit of, a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, mental health support and adequate rest and recuperation. Athletes are entitled to practice proper injury prevention, seek qualltied care and take adequate healing time tor optimal recovery and safety. USAAS athletes have the right to feel comfortable with their body shape or weight, without being pressured to change through unhealthy diets or restrictive means.
5. EXPRESS COMMUNITY, CULTURE AND RELIGION #
Athletes have the right to have their cultural and religious practices respected and to receive accommodations for religious holidays or events. Athletes may, respectfully, share their beliefs and values within their athletic comm- unity. Athletes have the right to be excused, without repercussions, from training for religious holidays andlor cultural events. Athletes have the right to have their nutritional choices respected for religions and/or cultural practices.
6. UTILIZE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION #
Athletes have the right to utilize the lines of communication available to them to share any issues, thoughts or concerns they have about the community they are a part of with the confidence that doing so will not jeopardize their ability to participate and/or negatively impact their success.
7. INTEGRITY AND PRIVACY #
Athletes have a reasonable right to privacy and confidentiality regarding their personal lives, health and well-being.
If any current or former athlete of USAAS has concerns, we have many resources and avenues to report and correct the issue.
Note:
- Adopted 2021, drafted by the Athletes Executive Council
- For concerns about safety, please contact the U.S. Center for Safesport or safesport@usaartisticswim.org
- For questions or concerns about any other element of the Athlete Bill of Rights please contact the USAAS Chief Executive Officer whose email can be found on the USAAS website, the Vice President of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at dei@usaartisticswim.org or the Athletes Executive Council at aec@usaartisticswim.org
- FOR THE FULL ATHLETE BILL OF RIGHTS, PLEASE SEE APPENDIX OF THE USA ARTISTIC SWIMMING RULEBOOK