BEND SWIM CLUB, INC.
Grievance Policy

Bend Swim Club (BSC) expects excellence from its employees, coaches, leadership, parents, swimmers, officials, and volunteers. While nobody is perfect, BSC is committed to safety and accountability. This policy outlines a productive, systematic way for swimmers, parents, and coaches to raise and resolve grievances aligned with BSC’s values and USA Swimming standards.

Types of Grievances

  • Swimmer Conduct
  • Parent Conduct
  • Assistant or Age Group Coach Conduct
  • Head Coach Conduct
  • USA Swimming Official or Swim Team Parent Conduct

Grievance Chain of Command

If a concern arises, please follow this chain of communication:

  • Swimmer conduct: Contact the swimmer’s coach (within 24 hours, in person or in writing).
  • Assistant or Age Group Coach conduct: Contact the Head Coach and Safe Sport Coordinator.
  • Head Coach conduct: Contact the Board of Directors and Safe Sport Coordinator.
  • Parent or swim official conduct: Notify the Head Coach and Board of Directors.

If you have general concerns about coaching philosophy or communication, address the coach directly. If the issue is unresolved, request a board member join the conversation. Parents are encouraged to refer other parents to speak directly with coaches rather than becoming go-betweens.

How Grievances Are Handled

BSC may contact USA Swimming Safe Sport staff when a complaint involves potential violations of MAAPP, the Code of Conduct, or athlete protection policies. If necessary, law enforcement or the U.S. Center for SafeSport may also be notified.

All Safe Sport complaints are handled confidentially and taken seriously. The process includes:

  • Information Gathering: Individuals involved may be contacted for clarification or statements, including any witnesses.
  • Assessment: The behavior will be evaluated against BSC policies, USA Swimming’s Safe Sport policies, MAAPP, and any applicable laws.
  • Consequences: Disciplinary actions may be taken based on:
    • Nature and severity of the misconduct
    • Past disciplinary history
    • Effect on others
    • Consistency with BSC’s Codes of Conduct

Appeals Procedure

Appeals must be submitted in writing within 7 days of the initial complaint or decision.

  • If a complaint is submitted to an Assistant or Age Group Coach and the outcome is unsatisfactory, appeal to the Head Coach.
  • If the Head Coach's resolution is unsatisfactory, escalate to the Board of Directors.
  • The Board’s decision is final.

Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

All grievances will be handled as confidentially as possible. Information will be shared only with those necessary to investigate and resolve the issue.

Retaliation against anyone who files a grievance or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

Club Contacts