- Dec 14, 2009
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OP here. Sorry for any confusion. Yes, I've been trying to figure this out myself. I posted days ago and can't remember how I came across that pdf. It says effective August 1 2018. When I type in "communications policy" on the USASF website I can only find one that says 2017-2018.
IMO, USASF should absolutely prioritize updated policy on their website. Its still been an interesting conversation. I like hearing about aspects of the policy that I had not thought through.
It's very confusing. I'm snooping to figure what's what and found some things.
USASF's Professional Responsibility Code Version 8.0 Effective August 1, 2018 through July 31, 2019 - Outlines everything. Lists what you posted originally as it's current Electronic Communications Policy.
USASF's Sexual Abuse Policy & Preention Policy Effective August 1, 2018 through July 31, 2019
USASF's Membership Terms & Conditions Effective August 1, 2018 through July 31, 2019 - Lists what you posted originally as it's current Electronic Communications Policy.
For extra fun:
USASF Coloring/Activity Book?
So looks like they have new policies (what you posted) and never updated their site. For arguements sake, I'd say legally you're bound by... both versions?
(ETA: I didn't find any of these listed on USASF's site, only 2018 versions.)
I'm not a lawyer, so I can't state whether or not this is beyond legal protection. Generally, a lawyer will give the basic guidelines that will serve to protect you, your employees and your clients, hence "the same or more strict" clause. I agree the permanent ban from coaching seems over the top, however, I can understand if a warning is given and that coach chooses to ignore it, then they are going to face why the severity of the problem wasn't addressed at the appropriate level.
@Eyes On The Prize Honestly, I just copied and paste some of the wording into Google and similar policies came up for electronic communication with minors based on the pdf:
https://www.usaswimming.org/docs/de...policy_electronic-communication.pdf?sfvrsn=14
https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachme...on_Policy_of_Vienna_Elite_Volleyball_Club.pdf
Just because everyone's doing it this way doesn't mean we have to agree with it. The volleyball one is from an individual club, not a governing body. The swimming one is from a governing body and it doesn't tell individual clubs they can't make their own with more lienant rules, which is a rule on USASF.net right now.
I like that they both have the TAP section though and I wish USASF would add that to theirs.
USASF's is too strict, IMO. If USASF were to enact a default policy until gyms establish their own, I'd like to see something similar to the volleyball one.
The swimming one sets up times when a coach and athlete can and cannot talk through email or text. I still don't think its up to the governing body to dictate when a coach or gym employee can and cannot communicate with it's members. Especially in cheer when meet times extend before and after the times outlined in the rules currently posted on their site. If gyms don't establish their own policies for whatever reason and are required to use this, that particular ruling is still overreaching and puts coaches in a tough position if they need to get in contact with their athletes outside of those hours.
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