Report A Concern
Note: Nothing in this policy shall be construed to require a victim of child abuse or other misconduct to self-report.
No one should investigate suspicions or allegations of child abuse or other Prohibited Conduct, or attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of allegations as a condition of reporting to the Center or to appropriate authorities.
A. Reporting Requirements related to:
1. Child Abuse - An Adult Participant who learns of information and reasonably suspects that a child has suffered an incident of child abuse, including sexual abuse, shall immediately make a report of the suspected abuse to both Law Enforcement and the U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center):
a. Law Enforcement
1) The agency designated by the Attorney General, consistent with federal requirements set forth in section 226 of the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 (34 U.S.C. § 20341).
2) Applicable State Law Enforcement agency; learn more about this requirement by visiting https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting.
b. U.S. Center for SafeSport
1) Through the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s online reporting form at uscenterforsafesport.org.
2) By phone at the Center's toll-free Report a Concern phone number 833-5US-SAFE (587-7233) 24 hours, with an operator available Monday-Friday 8 A.M. - 4 P.M. MT.
Reporting such conduct to the Center does not satisfy an Adult Participant’s obligation to report to law enforcement or other appropriate authorities consistent with section 226 of the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 (34 U.S.C. § 20341).
2. Sexual Misconduct
a. Anyone who experiences or becomes aware of an incident of Sexual Misconduct involving a Participant is encouraged to immediately report the incident to the Center (and/or to law enforcement if the matter involves possible criminal conduct).
b. Adult Participants must promptly report possible Sexual Misconduct directly to the Center whenever such Participants become aware of conduct that could constitute Sexual Misconduct.
3. Emotional and Physical Misconduct
Adult Participants are required to report to USBC emotional and physical misconduct (including bullying, stalking, hazing, and harassment) prohibited under the Code, and violations of proactive policies. To report to USBC, visit BOWL.com/RVP.
4. Criminal Dispositions
a. Adult Participants are required to report to the Center Criminal Charge(s) and Disposition(s) involving sexual misconduct or misconduct involving Minors.
b. Adult Participants are required to report Criminal Charge(s) and Disposition(s) involving any other form of misconduct to USBC. To report to USBC, visit BOWL.com/RVP.
5. Misconduct Related to the Center’s Process
Adult Participants are required to report to the Center any suspected incident(s) of:
a. Aiding and Abetting
b. Abuse of Process
c. Retaliation
6. Violations of USBC’s Prevention Policies or the Center's MAAPPs
Adult Participants are required to report violations of USBC’s Prevention Policies or the Center’s MAAPPs to the Center when the violation meets the criteria in items 1 and 2 above and to USBC when the criteria meets item 3 above.
B. Anonymous Reports
1. Reports may be made anonymously to the Center or USBC. Anonymity means the Center or USBC will not know the personally identifying information of the reporter. It does not mean that the underlying information will be protected.
2. An anonymous report may limit the ability to investigate and respond to a report, and if an Adult Participant reports anonymously, it may not be possible to verify that mandatory reporting obligations have been satisfied.
3. Adult Participants are encouraged to provide their name and contact information when reporting.
C. Whistleblower Protection
1. Regardless of outcome, it is the policy of USBC to support the claimant(s) and his or her right to express concerns in good faith. USBC will not encourage, allow or tolerate attempts from any individual, group or organization to retaliate, punish, allow or in any way harm any individual(s) who reports a concern in good faith. Such actions against a claimant will be considered a violation of the USBC’s Athlete Safety Program and grounds for disciplinary action. However, this “Whistleblower” protection is not intended to shield claimants from discipline for engaging in other misconduct.
2. For more information on USBC’s Whistleblower Policy, see Article VI in the USBC Bylaws Disciplinary Supplement.
To report a concern to USBC, click here.
To report a concern to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, click here.
To report Athlete Safety Program (MAAPPs) concerns to USBC, click here.