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Athlete Safety

The United States Rafting Association (USRA) is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for every athlete, coach, official, volunteer, and family member who participates in our sport. Athlete safety includes physical safety on the water, but it also includes protection from abuse, harassment, and misconduct of any kind, on or off the river.

Our Commitment

The USRA is in the process of developing a formal Athlete Safety Policy aligned with the principles of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. While that policy is being finalized in consultation with legal counsel and the broader rafting community, the USRA affirms the following commitments:

  • Zero tolerance for abuse and misconduct. Sexual abuse, child abuse, physical or emotional abuse, bullying, hazing, harassment, and stalking have no place in the rafting community. Anyone who engages in such conduct at a USRA-sanctioned event or in connection with a USRA-affiliated team may be removed from the event, disqualified from competition, and reported to law enforcement and other appropriate authorities.
  • Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse. Anyone who suspects that a minor (under 18) is being abused — emotionally, physically, or sexually — must report it immediately to local law enforcement. Many states require this by law for any adult who learns of suspected abuse; everyone in our community is expected to follow this standard regardless of state.
  • Respectful conduct at every level. Athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, race directors, and board members are expected to treat one another with respect, integrity, and good sportsmanship at all USRA-sanctioned events.
  • Non-retaliation. Anyone who in good faith reports a concern, raises a question, or participates in an investigation will not face retaliation from the USRA.

How to Report a Concern

For sexual abuse, child abuse, or sexual misconduct

If you have reasonable suspicion of sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, or sexual misconduct involving anyone in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, report directly to the U.S. Center for SafeSport:

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent, Congressionally-authorized nonprofit that investigates and resolves allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sport. While raft racing is not currently an Olympic or Paralympic sport, the Center’s resources, training, and reporting infrastructure are widely used as a benchmark across amateur sports.

For suspected child abuse

If you suspect a child is being abused or is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local law enforcement before contacting any other organization. Reporting to a sports body does not satisfy the legal obligation to report to law enforcement.

You can also call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453), available 24/7 with trained crisis counselors.

For sexual assault support

The RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) or rainn.org.

For other concerns at USRA-sanctioned events

Concerns related to bullying, hazing, harassment, code-of-conduct violations, or other misconduct at USRA events or within USRA-affiliated teams can be reported directly to the USRA at usaraftassociation@gmail.com. The USRA will acknowledge receipt of every report, take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of those involved, and refer matters to law enforcement or the U.S. Center for SafeSport when appropriate.

Important Note on USRA’s Status

The USRA is the national governing body for raft racing in the United States and a founding member of the United Rafting Federation (URF). However, because raft racing is not currently an Olympic or Paralympic sport, the USRA is not a member NGB of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and is not on the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s official NGB list. This means the SafeSport Code does not formally apply to USRA participants by operation of USOPC bylaws.

The USRA has nonetheless chosen to align its athlete-safety standards with SafeSport principles voluntarily, because we believe every participant in our sport deserves the same protections that athletes in Olympic and Paralympic disciplines receive.

Resources

Coming Soon

The USRA Board is working to publish the following in 2026:

  • A formal USRA Athlete Safety Policy, drafted with sports law counsel
  • A USRA Code of Conduct for athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers
  • Minor Athlete protections aligned with the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP)
  • Required SafeSport-aligned training for designated adult participants at USRA-sanctioned events
  • A clear grievance and appeals process for concerns raised at USRA events

Community members who would like to contribute to this work — including survivors, parents, athletes, coaches, race directors, and legal/safety professionals — are invited to contact the Board at usaraftassociation@gmail.com.

Questions

For questions about this page or about USRA’s athlete safety work, contact the Board at usaraftassociation@gmail.com.