Crew Connection Talent ID

Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: 24th June 2026
Event Dates: Saturday 29th of August 2026,
Venue: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

This safeguarding policy applies to all attendees and activities at the Crew Connection U.S. college rowing identification camp at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. The camp is delivered by Crew Connection Inc (registered in the United States), part of the Crew Connection group together with Crew Connection Ltd (registered in the United Kingdom); both entities are referred to jointly in this policy as “Crew Connection”. The camp is subject to the Talent ID Camp Terms & Conditions, as well as the general Crew Connection Terms of Service, available at crewconnection.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.

Where the camp is hosted on Yale University premises, this policy operates alongside Yale’s “Programs for Children and Youth / Programs for Minors” requirements, and all camp staff are expected to follow Yale’s youth-program and mandated-reporting rules in addition to this policy.

1. Safeguarding Statement

Crew Connection recognises its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all young people participating in its Talent ID Camps. We are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, or poor practice. All staff, coaches, volunteers, parents, and athletes must uphold this commitment.

We align our practice with the U.S. safeguarding framework, including the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the USRowing / SafeSport Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP), the federal Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act (“Safe Sport Act”), and Connecticut child-protection and mandated-reporter law.

2. Scope & Application

This policy applies to:

  • Crew Connection staff and volunteers running the camp

  • U.S. coaches or ex–student-athletes attending the camp

  • Parents/guardians and accompanying family members

  • All participating athletes and any accompanying minors

3. Staff Training & Conduct

3.1 Screening & Training (SafeSport / MAAPP)

  • All Crew Connection staff and volunteers in a position of authority or in contact with minor athletes will receive safeguarding training.

  • A record of completed training will be held by the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

3.2 Supervision Ratios (MAAPP two-deep standard)

  • A minimum of two adults will be present for all athlete activities (the SafeSport “two-deep” / no one-on-one standard).

  • We aim for a 1:10 adult-to-athlete ratio throughout the day.

  • One-on-one interactions between an adult and a minor athlete are not permitted unless they are observable and interruptible by another adult.

  • Additional staff will be available to support transitions, changing areas, and safeguarding needs.

  • Private or sensitive conversations must take place with at least two adults present, or in a visible, supervised area.

3.3 Same-Sex Support Where Possible

  • Where practicable, athletes will have access to same-sex staff or coaches for welfare concerns or sensitive matters.

4. Training & Induction

  • All staff and volunteers will receive a safeguarding briefing before the camp, covering conduct expectations, MAAPP requirements, mandated-reporting obligations, reporting procedures, and emergency contacts.

5. Risk Assessment & Health & Safety

  • A full Event Risk Assessment will be prepared for all camp activities (e.g. erg tests, tank sessions, workshops, athlete mixing, locker-room use, and parent access).

  • At least one qualified first-aider will be present. The nearest emergency facility (in New Haven: Yale New Haven Hospital) and medical procedures will be confirmed in advance.

  • Risk assessments will be reviewed after each event and after any incident.

6. Photography, Filming & Communications

Photography & Filming

  • Written consent is required before photographing or filming any athlete under 18.

During the Event

  • All communication with junior athletes must occur through official Crew Connection channels and follow MAAPP electronic-communication rules (transparent, with a parent/guardian copied for under-18s).

After the Event

  • Crew Connection acknowledges that U.S. university coaches may contact athletes independently after the event via email or social media. These interactions are outside Crew Connection’s supervision or safeguarding remit.

  • Athletes and parents are strongly encouraged to: maintain appropriate boundaries; involve a parent/guardian in communications; and report any concerns to Crew Connection staff.

Reporting Concerns About a Coach

If a communication or interaction with a coach makes you feel uncomfortable or raises concerns, you have the right to report it. Options include:

  • Crew Connection — while we are not responsible for coach conduct after the event, we will support any athlete or parent who needs help identifying the right reporting channel.

  • U.S. Center for SafeSport — the central U.S. body for reporting abuse, misconduct, or harassment in U.S. Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate sport. Online: uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern · Phone: 833-587-7233 (833-5US-SAFE).

  • The Coach’s U.S. University — most U.S. colleges have a Title IX office where misconduct or inappropriate behaviour can be reported.

Note: Crew Connection does not monitor or facilitate post-event communication and is not responsible for third-party contact after the camp concludes.

7. Confidentiality, Record-Keeping & Reporting

7.1 Internal Reporting Framework

All concerns or allegations must be reported to:

  • Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Sholto Carnegie

  • Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Jack Gosden Kaye

Crew Connection will maintain confidential records of any incidents or reports. Records will be securely stored and retained for a minimum of 7 years. Serious concerns involving harm or abuse will be escalated to the appropriate authorities.

7.2 Mandated Reporting: Connecticut & Federal Law

  • Under Connecticut law, coaches and directors of youth athletics aged 18+ are mandated reporters. Any staff member or volunteer with reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused, neglected, or is in imminent risk of serious harm must make an oral report to the Connecticut DCF Careline at 1-800-842-2288 (24/7) as soon as practicable and no later than 12 hours, followed by a written report within 48 hours.

  • Under the federal Safe Sport Act, suspected child sexual abuse must also be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours.

  • These legal duties are personal and mandatory; they apply in addition to internal reporting to the DSO, and internal reporting never replaces a mandated report to the authorities.

7.3 Emergency

  • In cases of emergency or immediate danger, call 911.

7.4 Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

  • Any allegation involving a staff member or volunteer will be reported to the DCF Careline (1-800-842-2288) and, where the alleged conduct may be criminal, to law enforcement, and the individual will be removed from contact with athletes pending the outcome. Where applicable, a report will also be made to the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

8. Behaviour Standards & Boundaries

  • Professional boundaries must be maintained at all times.

  • Physical contact is discouraged and should only happen when essential for safety, and always with consent.

  • No athlete may be taken off-site without prior written parental consent and supervision.

9. Parent / Guardian Participation & Responsibilities

  • Parents attending the camp agree to follow safeguarding procedures.

  • They must stay in designated areas and not enter athlete-only zones (e.g. locker rooms).

  • Parents may not film or photograph other athletes without explicit written consent.

  • During designated activities (e.g. U.S. Coaches Panel), parents must respect athlete space and supervision arrangements.

10. Locker Rooms & Restrooms

  • Separate facilities will be clearly signposted for junior male and female athletes.

  • A separate restroom will be available for coaches, staff, and parents.

  • Crew Connection staff may only enter locker rooms when absolutely necessary and must: knock and announce before entering; avoid entering when athletes are changing; and where possible ensure a same-sex staff member enters first.

  • Parents and coaches are not permitted to enter athlete locker rooms or use athlete-designated restrooms under any circumstances.

11. Athlete Expectations & Consent

  • Athletes must follow all safety instructions from staff and coaches.

  • They must respect personal boundaries and report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

  • Participation is dependent on a signed consent form covering: camp participation; emergency medical treatment; and optional media/photography permissions.

12. Review & Updates

This policy will be reviewed:

  • After any safeguarding incident or concern

  • Annually, or prior to future Talent ID Camps, to remain in line with current federal, Connecticut, SafeSport, and USRowing requirements.