SafeSport

As a member of USA Volleyball, Great Lakes Region is proud to participate in the SafeSport program, a program to bring awareness, education and reporting for abuse and misconduct. Click here to visit the USA Volleyball SafeSport website. USA Volleyball, in conjunction with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), has developed a SafeSport program to help protect our youth. This includes not only on-court safety, but also off-court safety in any part of Great Lakes Region’s and USA Volleyball’s programs. Great Lakes Region and USA Volleyball are committed to creating safe and fun environments for youth. This includes, but is not limited to, providing training, educational materials and resources for our members, including clubs, coaches, parents and athletes.

TO FILE A SAFESPORT REPORT, CLICK HERE.

For any SafeSport questions please contact – Dan Ames.

MAAPP-MINOR ATHLETE ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM

The MAAPP is a collection of proactive prevention and training policies for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Movement. It has three primary components: an Education and Training Policy, Required Prevention Policies, and Recommended Prevention Policies. The Center developed the MAAPP to assist National Governing Bodies, Paralympic Sport Organizations, Local Affiliated Organizations, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and other individuals to whom these policies apply in meeting their obligations under federal law.

Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) outline training requirements and limit one-one-one interactions with minor athletes.

Download MAAPP

What is Abuse and Misconduct?

  • Child sexual abuse is any sexual activity with a child where consent is not or cannot be given. This category includes all sexual contact between an adult and a child as well as sexual contact that occurs through force or threat of force. A child is any participant under the age of 18. Sexual contact between an older child and a younger child can also be abusive when a significant disparity in age, development or size makes the younger child incapable of offering consent.
  • Bullying is an intentional, persistent and repeated pattern of committing or willfully tolerating physical and non-physical behavior that is intended, or has the reasonable potential, to cause fear, humiliation or physical harm in an attempt to socially exclude, diminish or isolate the targeted athlete(s) as a condition of membership. It includes any act or conduct described as bullying under federal or state law.
  • Bullying does not include group or team behavior designed to establish normative team behavior or promote team cohesion. For example, bullying does not include verbal admonitions to encourage team members to train harder and push through a difficult training regimen.
  • Hazing involves coercing, requiring, forcing or willfully tolerating any humiliating, unwelcome or dangerous activity that serves as a condition for joining a group or being socially accepted by a group’s members. It includes any act or conduct described as hazing under federal or state law. Activities that fit the definition of hazing are considered to be hazing regardless of an athlete’s willingness to cooperate or participate.
  • Hazing does not include group or team activities that are meant to establish normative team behavior or promote team cohesion. Examples include: Allowing junior athletes to carry senior athletes’ equipment into the locker room after practice; Encouraging junior athletes to arrive early and set up training equipment; Giving senior athletes first preference in team assignments, responsibilities, accommodations, facilities or equipment.
  • Harassment is a repeated pattern of physical and/or non-physical behavior intended to cause fear, humiliation or annoyance, offend or degrade, create a hostile environment; or reflect discriminatory bias in an attempt to establish dominance, superiority or power over an individual athlete or group based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression or mental or physical disability. It includes any act or conduct described as harassment under federal or state law.
  • Emotional misconduct involves a pattern of deliberate, non-contact behavior that has the potential to cause emotional or psychological harm to an athlete. Non-contact behavior includes verbal and physical acts, as well as actions that deny attention or support. It also includes any act or conduct (e.g., child abuse and child neglect) described as emotional abuse or misconduct under federal or state law.
  • Emotional misconduct does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team building, discipline or improving athletic performance.
  • Physical misconduct involves contact or non-contact behavior that can cause physical harm to an athlete or other sport participants. It also includes any act or conduct described as physical abuse or misconduct under federal or state law (e.g., child abuse, child neglect and assault).
  • Physical misconduct does not include professionally accepted coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, team building, appropriate discipline or improving athlete performance.
  • Sexual misconduct involves any touching or non-touching sexual interaction that is non-consensual or forced, coerced or manipulated, or perpetrated in an aggressive, harassing, exploitative or threatening manner. It also includes any sexual interaction between an athlete and an individual with evaluative, direct or indirect authority. Last, any act or conduct described as sexual abuse or misconduct under federal or state law (e.g., sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, rape) qualifies as sexual misconduct. An imbalance of power is always assumed between a coach and an athlete. Minors cannot consent to sexual activity with an adult; and all sexual interaction between an adult and a minor is strictly prohibited.
  • Child maltreatment is the general term used to describe all forms of child abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and emotional abuse.
 

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION ONLINE EXERCISES & EDUCATION

Printable educational exercises from RISE: [Click Here]

Educational exercises from Awareness Harmony Acceptance Advocates (AHAA): [Click Here]

Online Implicit Association Test – from Understanding Prejudice: [Click Here] (Read articles about this test [here])

Implicit Bias Tests – from Harvard University (multiple options): [Click Here]

Bullying Prevention Online Training Center from StopBullying.gov: [Click Here]

Quizzes on Bullying & Cyberbullying from GirlsHealth.gov: [Click Here]

TrueSport Bullying Prevention Lessons: [Click Here]

TrueSport “Respect” Lessons: [Click Here]

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

Great Lakes Region Volleyball is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, including players, coaches, volunteers, spectators, and staff. Harassment of any kind, including but not limited to verbal, physical, or sexual harassment, will not be tolerated. This policy applies to all individuals involved in Great Lakes Region’s activities, events, practices, competitions, and any other related activities.

Definition of Harassment:

Harassment is defined as any unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, interferes with an individual’s participation or performance, or otherwise violates an individual’s dignity or rights. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Verbal harassment, such as derogatory remarks, insults, slurs, or jokes.
2. Physical harassment, such as unwanted touching, gestures, or invasion of personal space.
3. Sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
4. Bullying or cyberbullying, including intimidation, coercion, or threats made through electronic communication channels.

Reporting Procedures:

Any individual who experiences or witnesses harassment is encouraged to report the incident promptly. Reports can be made to any of the following individuals:

1. CEO / Commissioner :  Dan Ames
2. Director of Region Services : Kim Greenback
3. A coach, team captain, or trusted staff member.

Reports can be made in person, in writing, or anonymously if preferred. All reports will be taken seriously, treated confidentially to the extent possible, and investigated promptly and impartially.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Great Lakes Region is committed to fostering an inclusive environment free from discrimination or exclusion based on factors such as race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, or any other personal attributes. Additionally, we aim to eradicate bullying, cyber-bullying, hazing, harassment, and any offensive behavior in all its forms. These actions do not align with our organizational philosophy or the culture we strive to cultivate within our region.

Our region is dedicated to adhering to all anti-discrimination laws mandated by the State of Illinois, as well as any relevant local, regional, or federal regulations.

For Great Lakes Region Employees:

Great Lakes Region has established a comprehensive anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy outlined in the GLR Employee Handbook, which applies to all GLR employees without exception.

For Great Lakes Region Members & Event Participants:

Participants at any Great Lakes Region event are encouraged to promptly report any discriminatory behavior to the staff member or tournament director present. The enforcement of policies such as the USAV Code of Conduct and the USAV/GLR Parent & Spectator Code of Conduct will be strictly upheld.

Any member found to be involved in discriminatory behavior may face sanctions from the region and/or USA Volleyball. Such behavior may also result in temporary or permanent loss of privileges to attend Great Lakes Region/USAV approved events.

CPR

American Red Cross CPR training classes give you the information and the skills you need to help adults, children and infants during cardiac emergencies. Whether you choose 100% in-person or blended learning CPR classes, our world-class instructors deliver the most up-to-date information that’s engaging and effective, preparing you for the moments that matter.

Mental Health

Mental Health is an important part of your overall wellness. Be Well Illinois has tools and tips to help you around this topic. This page is designed to help you learn how to identify signs of mental health issues, how to manage issues and find resources here to help. Click here for resources.

AED

If you’re wondering what an AED is – and why they seem to be located in most offices and public buildings, you’re not alone. In fact, because these devices are now commonly available, more people than ever before are curious about them. Click here for more information.

Concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination. Click here for more information.