US Squash Abuse, Harassment, Bullying, and Hazing Policy

The United States Squash Racquets Association (“US Squash”) is committed to providing a safe environment for its members, participants, coaches, officials and volunteers, and has also made the commitment to uphold the values proposed by the U.S. Olympic Committee’s SafeSport Initiative. Sexual, physical or emotional abuse, harassment, bullying, or hazing in any form by any US Squash members, participants, coaches, officials and volunteers is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. When any members, participants, coaches, officials, staff and volunteers are subjected to sexual, physical or emotional abuse, harassment, bullying, or hazing in any form, it undermines the mission and values of US Squash. US Squash advocates build strong self-images among the youth participants, strive to promote good sportsmanship throughout the organization and encourage qualities of mutual respect, courtesy and tolerance.

Anti-Doping Policy

Having a fair and effective anti-doping program is vital to ensure that the rights of clean athletes and the integrity of competition are upheld. US Squash is opposed to the practice of doping in sport and fully supports and complies with the policies, protocols, and rules set forth by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) as the independent, non-profit anti-doping organization in the U.S. Guided by their mission to preserve the integrity of competition, inspire true sport, and protect the rights of U.S. athletes, USADA is charged with implementing a comprehensive anti-doping program for all Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American, and Para Pan American sport National Governing Bodies, their athletes, and events. USADA’s scope of responsibility includes:

• Education for athlete and athlete support personnel
• Drug reference resources
• In-competition and out-of competition testing
• Results management processes

It is the duty of individual members of US Squash to comply with all anti-doping rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the World Squash Federation (WSF), the USOPC including the USOPC National Anti-Doping Policy, and of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), including the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing (USADA Protocol) and all other policies and rules adopted by WADA, the WSF, the USOPC and USADA. Athlete members agree to submit to drug testing by the WSF and/or USADA or their designees at any time and understand that the use of methods or substances prohibited by the applicable anti-doping rules make them subject to penalties including, but not limited to, disqualification and suspension. If it is determined that an individual member may have committed a doping violation, the member agrees to submit to the results management authority and processes of USADA, including arbitration under the USADA Protocol, or to the results management authority of the WSF, if applicable or referred by USADA.

Athlete Ombuds

Team USA athletes may contact the Office of the Athlete Ombuds for independent and confidential advice on a variety of sport related matters, including their rights, applicable rules, policies or processes, and questions related to resolving disputes and grievances. The Athlete Ombuds can also help Team USA athletes connect with legal counsel or mental health resources if needed. All other NGB athletes (i.e., athletes competing domestically at the masters or youth level, recreational athletes, foreign athletes) are welcome to visit the Athlete Ombuds website to review informational resources and should work directly with their NGB to understand additional resources and options available to them.

Phone: 719-866-5000
Email: ombudsman@usathlete.org
Website: usathlete.org

Athlete Ombuds Confidentiality and Privacy Policy:

(A) In general.—The Office of the Athlete Ombuds shall maintain as confidential any information communicated or provided to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds in confidence in any matter involving the exercise of the official duties of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds.

(B) Exception.—The Office of the Athlete Ombuds may disclose information described in subparagraph (A) as necessary to resolve or mediate a dispute, with the permission of the parties involved.

(C) Judicial and administrative proceedings.—(i) In general.—The ombudsman and the staff of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds shall not be compelled to testify or produce evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to any matter involving the exercise of the duties of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds . (ii) Work product.—Any memorandum, work product, notes, or case file of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds—(I) shall be confidential; and(II) shall not be—(aa) subject to discovery, subpoena, or any other means of legal compulsion; or (bb) admissible as evidence in a judicial or administrative proceeding. (D) Applicability.—The confidentiality requirements under this paragraph shall not apply to information relating to—(i) applicable federally mandated reporting requirements; (ii) a felony personally witnessed by a member of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds;(iii) a situation, communicated to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds, in which an individual is at imminent risk of serious harm; or (iv) a congressional subpoena.

No employee, contractor, agent, volunteer, or member of the NGB or USOPC shall take or threaten action against an athlete as a reprisal for disclosing information to or seeking assistance from the Office of the Athlete Ombuds.

SafeSport Policy

US Squash abides by the SafeSport Code for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.  The SafeSport Code is defined by and prohibits six primary types of misconduct, including sexual, emotional, physical, bullying, harassment and hazing. It applies to any individual who (a) currently is, or was at the time of a possible violation, within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of a National Governing Body or who is seeking to be within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of an NGB (e.g., through application for membership), (b) is an athlete or non-athlete participant that an NGB or the USOC formally authorizes, approves or appoints to a position of authority over athletes, or to have frequent contact with athletes or (c) an NGB identifies as being within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s Response and Resolution Office.  US Squash complies with the SafeSport Entity’s exclusive and discretionary subject matter jurisdiction as set out in this Code, and provides that US Squash will address matters falling outside this subject matter jurisdiction guided by Section E of US Squash’s Grievance, Disciplinary, Suspension, Member Misconduct and Appeals Procedures.

For more information about SafeSport please visit this page – https://ussquash.org/about/safesport/

Athlete Safety Policy

US Squash is committed to athlete health, welfare, and safety and adheres to the requirements of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and the U.S. Center for SafeSport (Center) in its efforts to promote a safe and secure environment for athletes.

The US Squash Athlete Safety Policy, as well as its other policies and guidelines, are aimed at protecting all participants in our sport and apply to all individuals participating in our sport including the following: members, staff, contractors, coaches, officials, trainers, medical, Board of Directors, volunteers, and athletes.

In addition to following the SafeSport Code and this Athlete Safety Policy, all participants are expected to adhere to US Squash’s Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) and Code of Conduct.

A. Prohibited Conduct

Abuse of any kind is not permitted and will not be tolerated within US Squash. Please refer to the SafeSport Code for prohibited conduct, which includes bullying, hazing, harassment (including sexual harassment), emotional misconduct, physical misconduct, and sexual misconduct. Those terms are further defined in the SafeSport Code.

B. Jurisdiction over subject matters

The U. S. Center for SafeSport has exclusive jurisdiction over the following matters:

1. Sexual Misconduct, including without limitation child sexual abuse and any misconduct that is reasonably related to an underlying allegation of Sexual Misconduct;
2. Criminal Charges or Dispositions involving Child Abuse or Sexual Misconduct;
3. Misconduct Related to Reporting, where the underlying allegation involves Child Abuse or Sexual Misconduct;
4. Aiding and Abetting, when it relates to the Center’s process;
5. Misconduct Related to the Center’s Process;
6. Other Inappropriate Conduct, as defined in the SafeSport code.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport has discretionary jurisdiction over the following matters:

1. Non-sexual Child Abuse;
2. Emotional and physical misconduct, including stalking, bullying behaviors, hazing, and harassment;
3. Criminal Charges or Dispositions not involving Child Abuse or Sexual Misconduct;
4. Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) or other similar Proactive Policy violations.

US Squash will address matters outside of the jurisdiction of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and matters for which the U.S. Center for SafeSport has declined to exercise its discretionary jurisdiction.

C. Education and Awareness Training

US Squash requires the following individuals (i.e., anyone that meets the definition of an Adult Participant under the MAAPP) complete training provided by the U.S. Center for SafeSport: US Squash employees, Certified Coaches and Referees, Team USA and High Performance Program members and prospects, current US Squash members 18 or 19 years of age, Team USA Support personnel, Tournament Directors, Site Assistants and Match Advisors, and US Squash Board members and other individuals working with athletes or other sport participants while at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center, or a US Squash-sponsored or delegation event; athletes training and/or residing at the Specter Center or a delegation event; individuals US Squash formally authorizes, approves or appoints (a) to position of authority over or (b) in frequent contact with athletes.

D. Reporting Inappropriate Behavior or Misconduct

REPORTS MAY BE MADE ANONYMOUSLY.

Reporting to Law Enforcement

Child Abuse and Child Sexual Abuse. Most adult persons affiliated with US Squash are now required to comply with the reporting requirements of Section 226 of the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 (34 U.S.C. § 20341) and report any suspected child abuse to law enforcement authorities and/or child protective services in your jurisdiction immediately. Child abuse is defined in the federal law and includes various forms of abuse, including sexual and non-sexual child abuse. The persons subject to the mandatory reporting requirements are also specifically defined in the federal law (34 U.S.C. § 20341). A failure to timely comply with the mandatory federal reporting requirements may result in criminal liability under federal law, including imprisonment for up to one (1) year and/or a fine.

Reporting to the U.S. Center for SafeSport and US Squash

If you suspect that an athlete is experiencing misconduct of a sexual nature, in addition to reporting to law enforcement, such misconduct should also be reported immediately to the U.S. Center for SafeSport by calling the SafeSport hotline at 720-531-0340 or complete the online reporting form.

Every US Squash member must report suspected violations of the SafeSport Code, including the following:

• Child Abuse
• Sexual Misconduct
• Physical Misconduct
• Emotional Misconduct
• Stalking, Bullying, Threats, and Harassment (including sexual harassment)
• Hazing
• Aiding and Abetting
• Willfully Tolerating Misconduct
• Retaliation for reporting conduct or for providing information related to a report
• Violation of Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies

The above terms are further described in the SafeSport Code.

Conduct that does not involve sexual conduct but which may violate one of the categories of prohibited conduct must be reported. You may report the conduct to:

The U.S. Center for SafeSport Hotline: 720.531.0340 or report at safesport.org

To report an incident regarding other forms of misconduct such as emotional or physical, submit a report using the US Squash Safe Sport Reporting Form.

Reporting is mandatory. Adult Participants are REQUIRED to report suspected sexual misconduct to law enforcement and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Failure to timely report may subject the person to criminal liability and further discipline by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

US Squash will immediately report any report it receives regarding sexual misconduct or abuse of a minor to law enforcement and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. US Squash will notify the reporting party, if not anonymously reported, of the party taking jurisdiction of any report.

E. Criminal Background Checks

US Squash SafeSport training and criminal background checks on an annual basis to be carried out in accordance with the USOPC Background Check Policy for required individuals before contact with any athletes, and both must be completed within 45 days of starting a new role, for US Squash employees, National and Regional Coaches, Team USA and High Performance Program members and prospects, Team USA Support personnel (whether contractors or vendors), and athletes US Squash authorizes to train, stay, or work at an Olympic Training Center or the Arlen Specter US Squash Center.

The Disciplinary Subcommittee (DSC) conducts monthly reviews with the US Squash SafeSport coordinator of training and background to:

1. Check compliance for required individuals are conducted to ensure records are as up to date as possible.
2. Review US Squash’s policies and procedures to determine the individual’s level of access and involvement when background check that results in a report of a disposition or resolution of a criminal proceeding, other than an adjudication of not guilty, for any of the below criminal offenses:
   1. Any Felony
   2. Any misdemeanor involving:
      1. All sexual crimes, criminal offenses of a sexual nature to include but not limited to; rape, child molestation, sexual battery, lewd conduct, possession and distribution of child pornography, possession and distribution of obscene material, prostitution, indecent exposure, public indecency, and any sex offender registrant;
      2. Any drug related offenses;
      3. Harm to a minor and vulnerable person, including, but not limited to, offenses such as child abandonment, child endangerment/neglect/abuse, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and DUI with a minor;
      4. Violence against a person (including crimes involving firearms and domestic violence);
      5. Stalking, harassment, blackmail, violation of a protection order and/or threats;
      6. Destruction of property, including arson, vandalism, and criminal mischief; and
      7. Animal abuse or neglect.

In addition, as part of this policy and per the USOPC’s NGB and HPMO Athlete Safety Policy, US Squash provides:

1. Notification to the USOPC’s Security & Athlete Safety Office of any allegation of prohibited conduct that occurred at an Olympic & Paralympic Training Center (OPTC) or USOPC Delegation Event and any temporary measure(s) imposed;
2. Notification to the USOPC’s Security & Athlete Safety Office of any temporary measure(s) (imposed or removed) affecting Participants who might or will be attending a Delegation event, have access to an OPTC, or receive a benefit and/or service from the USOPC.

F. Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP)

All Adult Participants (as defined in the MAAPP) are expected to follow US Squash’s Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) and to report any violations of the MAAPP either to the U.S. Center for SafeSport or US Squash using the reporting options outlined above.

In addition, no individual who is an employee, contractor, or agent of US Squash may assist a member or former member in obtaining a new job (except for the routine transmission of administrative and personnel files) if the individual knows that that member or former member violated the policies or procedures of the Center related to sexual misconduct or was convicted of a crime involving sexual misconduct with a minor in violation of applicable law or the policies or procedures of the Center.

G. Enforcement

US Squash will enforce this Athlete Safety Policy consistent with the SafeSport Code, the U.S. Center for SafeSport policies, and US Squash Bylaws and policies.

H. Retaliation

US Squash prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports misconduct or provides information about misconduct. Retaliation includes threatening, intimidating, harassing, coercing or any other conduct that would discourage a reasonable person from engaging or participating in the complaint processes when the action is reasonably related to the report or engagement with the process. US Squash expressly prohibits retaliation before, during, or after the process of resolving a report of misconduct. Retaliation may be present even where there is a finding that no violation occurred.

I. Appeal Rights

All disciplinary action taken by the U.S. Center for SafeSport will be subject to the SafeSport Code for appeal rights.

All disciplinary action taken by US Squash shall follow the procedures outlined in US Squash’s By-laws and any member that receives a disciplinary decision may file an appeal pursuant to such procedures.

US Squash reserves the right to amend this Athlete Safety Policy from time to time as it deems appropriate.

Those who choose to serve US Squash and its subsidiaries, whether as volunteers or paid professionals, are held to a high standard of conduct. All conduct is founded on the individual’s own sense of integrity. Any individual accepting the honor of service to US Squash must also accept the burdens of public disclosure and public scrutiny. In our complex society, the intermixture of volunteer work, business interests, governmental activity, and family relationships, inevitability create potentially conflicting interests.

As guardians of US Squash’s values these individuals assume an obligation to subordinate their interests to the interests of US Squash. What may be considered acceptable conduct in some businesses may be inappropriate in service to our sport. We are expected to conduct our affairs on a basis consistent with the great trust placed in us. With the honor of serving US Squash, one must also accept the burden of public disclosure and public scrutiny. This requires our behavior to conform to the highest ethical principles.

US Squash requires that its volunteers and staff conduct business with integrity, and because the appearance of impropriety can be just as damaging as actual impropriety, conduct which appears to be improper is also unacceptable. Conflicts of interest are inevitable and most are not inherently improper if properly disclosed, reviewed and the conflicted individual removed or recused from the decision-processes pertinent to the situation(s), transaction(s) and/or person(s) of conflict. It is understood and valued that US Squash’s Anti-Retaliation Policy prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports misconduct or provides information about misconduct which may be done so according to the US Squash Whistleblower Policy.

All employees, Directors, officers, committee, task force, and hearing panel members and volunteers with substantial decision-making authority of US Squash, and contractors via written contract when reasonable, must agree to the following:

1. Ensure that US Squash adheres to the applicable rules, regulations and policies of federal, state and local government, and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the World Squash Federation (WSF), and any other sports governing bodies with which the federation is affiliated.
2. Conduct themselves according to the Code of Ethics and in ways that promote the aims and enhance the reputation of US Squash and the sport of squash.
3. Place the interests of US Squash ahead of any local, regional, business or personal interests in the sport of squash.
4. Protect information that belongs to US Squash, our donors, sponsors, volunteers and employees.
5. Avoid conflicts of interest, both real and perceived, and in the case of US Squash Officers, avoid serving as an officer of any other national sports governing body.
6. Never use US Squash’s assets or information for personal gain.
7. Fully inform responsible US Squash authorities via the Grievance, Disciplinary, Suspension, Member Misconduct and Appeals Procedures of actions, no matter who is responsible for those actions, which are improper, unethical, unlawful, contrary to this policy or otherwise damaging to US Squash.

US Squash prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports misconduct or provides information about misconduct. Retaliation includes threatening, intimidating, harassing, coercing or any other conduct that would discourage a reasonable person from engaging or participating in the complaint processes when the action is reasonably related to the report or engagement with the process. Retaliation may be present even where there is a finding that no violation occurred.

1. Assist employees, volunteers, officers, and directors to create and maintain an effectively functioning organization always respecting the responsibility and authority of those to whom implementation of US Squash policies and goals has been
2. Neither give nor receive gifts, loans or favors that tend to influence you in the discharge of your duties, except of nominal value exchanged in the normal course of businessa. The trading of pins and mementos is acceptedb. Invitations from sports, media, corporations, or other organizations to attend sports and social events of more than nominal value may be accepted if they are part of open and generally accepted practices, serve to promote the best interest of US Squash, would not embarrass the individual or US Squash if publicly disclosed and do not compromise the objectivity nor integrity of the recipient or donor.

   c. Gifts and favors of more than $25 value should not ordinarily be accepted, but if the circumstances render it awkward to refuse such a gift, the donor should be thanked and told the gift is being accepted on behalf of, and will be delivered to, US Squash.

   10. Disclose the nature and extent of actual, perceived, or potential conflict of interest when it occurs in the evaluation of an issue and will not participate in the discussion, evaluation or voting on the matter This includes the awarding of contracts, purchase of goods and services, and allocation of US Squash’s resources.

   11. Complete a Conflict of Interest (COI) Disclosure

The completion of this form is a mandatory prerequisite for participation as employees, Directors, officers, committee, task force, and hearing panel members and volunteers with substantial decision-making authority with US Squash.

The Conflict of Interest Disclosure form is to be completed and returned to the chair of the US Squash Nominating and Governance Committee and be available only to him or her, as well as the Board Chair, the CEO, CFO, legal counsel and the US Squash Judicial Committee.

Procedures for Reviewing and Managing Potential Conflicts of Interest

Review of Disclosures

Annually or prior to assumption of responsibilities, the US Squash finance department, under  the auspices of the Nominating and Governance Committee of the US Squash Board of Directors, shall send to each appropriate person the latest Ethics and Conflict of Interest Package.

The Nominating and Governance Committee will review and evaluate these disclosures within the first two months of the fiscal year and will maintain this information in strict confidence unless the existence of a present COI requires that they disclose same to the Judicial Committee for its independent review.

The Board of Directors shall determine whether a conflict of interest exists for the CEO/President or a member of the Board and shall determine the appropriate response. Each individual should openly and forthrightly identify any areas that represent a potential COI. Individuals will promptly contact the chair of the US Squash Nominating and Governance Committee to update or amend their disclosure forms as circumstances change.

Conflicts will be addressed as follows:

US Squash’s Nominating and Governance Committee will review the information provided by the Affiliated Individual in their disclosure, requesting additional information from the Affiliated Individual if necessary to fully understand the nature of the conflict. The Affiliated Individual must use their best efforts to provide a full, constructive, and timely reply in the form required to requests from US Squash.

US Squash’s Nominating and Governance Committee will determine whether an actual or apparent conflict of interest exists. If it determines that an actual or apparent conflict of

interest exists, they will determine whether there are mitigating measures that can be implemented to alleviate the conflict and/or what steps the interested individual and/or US Squash must take or not take in order to avoid the conflict. The disclosure of an actual or potential conflict of interest will not necessarily prohibit involvement in the disclosed activity or with US Squash. Rather, each disclosure will be reviewed individually and actions may be recommended to protect the Affiliated Individual, US Squash, and the integrity of the decisions made by the Affiliated Individual and US Squash from actual, potential, and perceived conflicts of interests.  These actions may include limitation of involvement, separation from certain US Squash activities, or requests to cease the activity in question.

All direction for managing conflicts will be discussed with the Affiliated Individual directly. If a material conflict is identified (whether actual or potential) for the CEO, Board member, or

Designated Committee (as defined by the USOPC Bylaws) member, the Nominating and Governance Committee must communicate, in writing, its direction on conflict management to the individual.

With Respect to Proposed US Squash Transactions or Business

In the event a potential conflict of interest exists with respect to a proposed transaction or arrangement, then promptly and before any decision is made regarding the proposed transaction or arrangement, the potential conflict of interest will be addressed as follows:

1. The interested person may make a presentation to the Nominating and Governance Committee, which may be convened telephonically, regarding the transaction or arrangement involving the potential conflict of interest.
2. The interested person will then recuse themselves from any and all discussion and approval (if applicable) of the conflict of interest.
3. The Nominating and Governance Committee will determine whether an actual or apparent conflict of interest exists. For transactions, the Nominating and Governance Committee may consider whether a competitive bid or competitive evaluation exists.
4. If the Nominating and Governance Committee determines that an actual or apparent conflict of interest exists, it will determine whether there are mitigating measures that can be implemented to alleviate the conflict and/or what steps the interested individual and/or US Squash must take or not take in order to avoid the conflict. The Nominating and Governance Committee may determine in some cases that US Squash cannot engage in the transaction or arrangement at all due to the conflict or potential conflict of interest. If any individual representing US Squash participates in the evaluation or approval of a contract with a supplier to furnish goods or provide services to US Squash when the individual will directly or indirectly benefit financially or otherwise receive any form of compensation from, or have an interest in, any supplier or provider under consideration, then US Squash shall have the right to recover such benefit or payment and such contract or transaction shall be voidable by US Squash.

With Respect to Drafting Selection Procedures and Athlete/Team Discretionary Selection

The following more particularized disclosure requirements and procedures apply in the context of drafting selection procedures and athlete/team discretionary selection decisions in order to ensure that no Affiliated Individual participating in the process has a conflict of interest that will impact their ability to make a fair and unbiased decision in the athlete or team selection process.

Any Affiliated Individual involved in the drafting of procedures, including the athlete representative, or on a discretionary selection committee who has a potential conflict of interest must disclose it to the Nominating and Governance Committee for review. The following process will be followed:

1. The Interested Person may make a presentation to the Nominating and Governance Committee, which may be convened telephonically, regarding the potential conflict of interest.
2. The interested person will then recuse themselves from any and all discussion regarding the potential conflict of interest.
3. The Nominating and Governance Committee will determine whether an actual or apparent conflict of interest exists
4. If the Nominating and Governance Committee determines that a conflict of interest is exists, it will either mandate the individual’s recusal from the process or determine to what extent, if any, that individual can participate in the process. The Nominating and Governance Committee may determine that the individual can still participate in the drafting of the procedures or be included in the discussions for discretionary selection of a team, but not take part in any sign-off, vote, or decision. For example, a national team coach or high performance director may provide information to the selection committee so long as such information is provided in a fair and unbiased manner and the committee member who disclosed the conflict of interest does not vote toward the final decision.
5. Under no circumstances will a person with an actual or potential conflict attempt to unduly influence other members of the committee in the selection process.

If the Affiliated Individual is recused and a vacancy on the committee exists, either in the drafting process or on the discretionary selection committee, US Squash will use its best reasonable efforts to fill that vacancy. If a vacancy results in the athlete representative position, another athlete representative who meets the qualifications for that committee will be appointed and approved by a representative group of athletes.

With Respect to Seating Hearing Panels

The following more particularized disclosure requirements and procedures apply in the context of seating hearing panels in order to ensure that no Affiliated Individual participating in the process has a conflict of interest that will impact their ability to make a fair and unbiased decision in the hearing process to resolve a grievance.

Any Affiliated Individual appointed to a hearing panel, including the athlete representative, is obligated to disclose all actual or potential conflicts of interest prior to being appointed to a hearing panel. The Nominating and Governance Committee will solicit and review potential panel members’ disclosures and make a determination on whether they are a disinterested party for the matter under review. Hearing panel appointments are subject to an objection from either the complaining party or responding party on the grounds of a conflict of interest which is believed to be disqualifying. Objections will be handled using the following process:

1. The objecting party may report the alleged conflict of interest to the Nominating and Governance Committee within thirty (30) days following the parties’ notification of hearing panel appointment.
2. The Nominating and Governance Committee will review the objecting party’s report and, taking all investigative steps necessary, determine whether an actual or potential conflict of interest exists.
3. If the Nominating and Governance Committee determines that an actual or potential conflict of interest exists, the hearing panel member will be disqualified and a new hearing panel member will be appointed to replace the disqualified hearing panel member. The replacement hearing panel member shall be required to complete all disclosure requirements and is similarly subject to challenge by the parties as outlined in this section.

The principles provide a framework of integrity for interactions with or on behalf of US Squash. However, more in depth questions may arise regarding conflicts of interest. For this reason, the following guidance is given:

US Squash defines a conflict of interest as any personal or financial relationship, or family member activity, that could influence or be perceived to influence your objectivity when representing or conducting business for, or on behalf of, US Squash.

For example: if personal or financial interests exist with any person or entity with whom US Squash has a business, family or other relationship, or which could be perceived to influence your conduct, if a Board or Committee member is a former coach of an athlete, and that member is involved in drafting team selection procedures or involved in the national team selection process; a material ownership or material investment  interest  in any entity with which US Squash has or proposes a transaction or arrangement; a business or  personal  relationship  with any entity  or individual  with which US Squash has or proposes a transaction or arrangement; or an ownership  or investment  interest in, or business or personal relationship  with, any  entity  or  individual  with  which  US Squash  is  negotiating   a  transaction   or arrangement, then you must:

1. Disclose the interest or nature of the relationship to Legal Counsel who shall have the authority to either (a) approve the relationship, or (b) refer the matter to the US Squash Nominating and Governance Committee for further consideration; and
2. Excuse yourself from any formal or informal discussions related to the relationship between US Squash and the person or entity; and
3. Abstain from voting and from seeking to influence the vote on any matter related to the person or entity.

All such disclosures shall be made during Board meetings and are to be documented in the Board minutes.

Any person who violates or condones the violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary measures that may include termination of membership, employment, and expulsion from volunteer positions. The US Squash Judicial Committee shall review all violations of this policy pursuant to the Grievance, Disciplinary, Suspension, Member Misconduct and Appeals Procedures and, if appropriate, recommend sanctions to the US Squash Board of Directors (as to volunteers) or the Chief Executive Officer (as to employees of US Squash).

If any individual representing US Squash participates in the evaluation or approval of a contract with a supplier to furnish goods or provide services to US Squash when the individual will directly or indirectly benefit financially or otherwise receive any form of compensation from, or have an interest in, any supplier or provider under consideration, then US Squash shall have the right to recover such benefit or payment and such contract or transaction  shall be voidable by US Squash.

This policy serves as a framework for ethical conduct but does not cover every situation. If you are unclear about the requirements or enforcement of this policy, please consult your supervisor (if an employee) or the US Squash Nominating and Governance Committee chair (if a volunteer) at nandgchair@ussquash.org.

For Athletes with questions regarding this policy, the USOPC Athlete Ombudsman provides cost-free, independent and confidential advice regarding athlete rights; resolving disputes or grievances; and any sport rule, policy, or process, including NGB- athlete agreements, codes of conduct or team selection procedures. The Athlete Ombudsman can also help athletes connect with legal counsel or mental health resources if needed. Athletes may contact the Athlete Ombudsman at:  (719) 866-5000, ombudsman@usathlete.org and www.usathlete.org or report a concern via the USOPC Integrity Reporting Portal at https://www.usopc.org/reporting-a-concern.

The US Squash Code of Ethics

As representatives and members of US Squash and the sport of squash, we have a duty to exemplify the best qualities of our sport and to observe the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.

• We conduct ourselves in a manner which is consistent with the best interests of the organization;
• We communicate clearly and fairly with others and understand that our words and actions embody respect for truth, fairness, courtesy and respect;
• We respect, celebrate, and include all individuals regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, physical ability, or age;
• We safeguard privacy rights and confidential information;
• We do not grant or accept gifts or services for personal or individual professional gain, nor do we solicit or accept gifts or services for our institutions in which a higher public interest would be violated;
• We avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest and, if in doubt, seek guidance regarding how to proceed;
• We report transgressions and/or unethical activities to the appropriate authority in order that the institution take the necessary action;
• We bring abusive and/or harassing conduct to the attention of the organization’s leadership in order that individuals who have been subject to such abuse are protected.

Grievance, Disciplinary, Suspension, Member Misconduct and Appeals Procedures

Grievance, Disciplinary, Suspension, Member Misconduct & Appeals Procedures

If a member observes a violation of the US Squash Code of Conduct during accredited play, he or she is encouraged to report it to or league or tournament director, or a US Squash staff member if available on site. League or tournament directors will collect additional information as necessary and submit a Code of Conduct violation form to US Squash.

Membership Agreement, Release of Liability and Waiver

 I hereby relieve, release, and forever discharge and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the United States Squash Racquets Association, Inc. (“US Squash”), their servants, agents and employees from any and all claims and demands of every kind and character from injury to my person or damage to property as a result of my participation in US Squash accredited programs, tournaments, competitions and events. I agree to carry primary medical insurance and abide by all US Squash policies including the Member Code of Conduct. I have read this Release of Liability and Waiver Agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it, and sign it freely and voluntarily without any inducement. I understand and agree that the World Squash Federation (WSF) Anti-Doping Rules and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing (USADA Protocol) and all other policies and rules adopted by the WSF, USADA, and the USOC apply to me and that it is my responsibility to comply with those rules. I agree to submit to drug testing at any time and understand that the use of methods or substances prohibited by the applicable antidoping rules would make me subject to penalties including, but not limited to, disqualification and suspension. If it is determined that I may have committed a doping violation, I agree to submit to the results management authority and processes 3-1 NGB Compliance Checklist_121317.docx of USADA, including arbitration under the USADA Protocol, or to the results management authority of WSF and/or US Squash, if applicable or referred by USADA.  

Signature ______________________________________  

Parent or guardian signature needed if under 18. 

 US Squash Whistleblower Policy