2020 Volume 31 Issue 3

VOLUME 31 | ISSUE 3 2020

U N I T E D

S T A T E S

S W I M

S C H O O L

A S S O C I A T I O N

MELISSA’S MIRACLE: THE TRUE STORY OF A DROWNING The Latest on Payroll Tax Deferral MENTAL HEALTH DURING THESE TRYING TIMES

empower, persist & overcome

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IN THIS ISSUE TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

Letter from the President

6

Huge Success! USSSA Virtual National Conference 2020

8

Melissa’s Miracle: The True Story of a Drowning

5 From the Desk of the Executive Director

11 Member Tips: Searching for Small Business Grants 12 How to Get Outstanding Results Without Working Harder 15 Member Tips: Staff Appreciation 17 Stop Drowning Now’s Pandemic Activity

18 Down Syndrome Awareness: Sensory Input for a Splashing Success

21 Six Ways to Meet Your Employees Where They Are and Where They Need You 22 Calendar of Events

24 The Latest Payroll Tax Deferral: An Offer You Should Refuse!

26 Ask Al

28 New Member List

30 Mental Health During These Trying Times: It’s Ok Not To Be Ok 34 Do Your Part to Keep Children Safe – Understanding The Importance of Background Checks 37 USSSA Membership Renewal

ASSOCIATION HEADQUARTERS 4815 E. Carefree Hwy., Suite 108-480 Cave Creek, AZ 85331 480.837.5525 usssa@usswimschools.org usswimschools.org Executive Director Lisa M. Zarda, CAE, CNAP Editor Monica Martin ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President John Kirk, Little Otter Swim School Vice President Tracy Koleber, Nitro Swimming Treasurer Buffy Folise, Chicago Swim School ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS Karen Clay SwimWest Swim School Brad Grzelka Atlanta Swim Academy Bobby Hazen SAF-T-SWIM Melissa Taylor Small Fish Big Fish Swim School USSWIMSCHOOLS.ORG | 1

ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force references the use of ionization to help prevent the spread of SARS-Cov-2.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT We will have to collectively pick ourselves up and do everything possible to emerge on the other side stronger and better.

Lory and I were supposed to go to Antarctica at the end of the year. It would have been our last continent to visit. But 2020 intervened and that trip will have to wait.

In preparation for our journey, I had been reading up on Sir Ernest Shackleton.

A name that often comes up when we think about resilience.

For those of you who do not know the story, Shackleton led an expedition to Antarctica in 1914. He never reached the continent. His ship became trapped in a frozen sea and eventually the ice crushed his ship, the Endurance. So, he had 27 men, 1200 miles from civilization, no means to communicate and no hope of rescue. Oh, and to add, World War 1 was raging. He and his crew camped on the ice for 5 months and eventually he sailed 800 miles in a 23-foot open boat with 5 members of his crew, leaving 22 men on a tiny sliver of beach on Elephant Island. He eventually reached South Georgia Island and when he was finally able to mount a rescue, he found all the members of his stranded crew were alive. One of the greatest stories of leadership the world has known.

What can we learn from this story? We are facing uncertainty with today’s challenge of COVID-19. First and foremost, for Shackleton, comradeship was the most important thing. His second in command described him as a “Viking with a mother’s heart.”

Building trust and talking frankly and openly were at the core of his leadership. Even when their ship was trapped in the ice he spoke to his men calmly and told them optimistically that their ship would be freed in the spring thaw. That struck me, as I feel like that is analogous to our situation of if we can survive until the spring, things will start to look better and more certain.

He created structure. I have struggled with this during lockdown and even now as we are open at reduced capacity. He had his crew maintain regular duties and ensured each man had challenging and meaningful work. The ship’s carpenter was asked to make furniture, the ship’s scientist still needed to record ice and water conditions.

It is challenging to come up with meaningful work, but it is imperative if we are to keep the rock stars of our teams.

JOHN KIRK

we need to keep them informed on what is happening. The reason for this is two-fold as we share, we find those that can help us and also, we may be able to lighten our own load. Our teams want to know what is going on and what they can do to help.

Shackleton’s incredible odyssey lasted over 18 months. Leaders who show the truest of colors, will like Shackleton, be mindful of individual circumstances.

They will lead with compassion, and a never-failing optimism. We also must care for ourselves and our teams. We will have to collectively pick ourselves up and do everything possible to emerge on the other side stronger and better.

JOHN KIRK President US Swim School Association

We find that Shackleton was an emotionally intelligent leader before such a term had been crafted. He made tremendous effort to foster personal relationships with each member of his crew. He had an open-door policy listening to their concerns and keeping them informed about the ship’s business. It is easy to draw into our own shells and concentrate on our small slice of the world. Our teams care about us and

USSWIMSCHOOLS.ORG | 3

FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR “ Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems.”

GEVER TULLEY

There has been a lot to persist and overcome this year and for many the difficult times are not over yet. While we are navigating life in unprecedented times, your membership in the USSSA can bring you some hope and understanding. As Nikki Miller shares in her article, “Mental Health During These Trying Times” talking helps and sharing helps. If you have not done so already, we encourage you to seek out a Virtual Sharing Solutions. We now offer a general topic session every other Friday morning as well as On Topic Sharing Solutions hosted by our Membership Connections Committee. Groups have also formed for Small Schools and for Large Schools.

Visit www.usswimschools.org/events to learn more.

Another important thing to remember in these days ahead is to not let yourself get burned out. You will be of no use to anyone or to your business if you get burned out.

In the article, “How to Get Outstanding Results Without Working Harder,” by May Busch we are reminded that redoubling your efforts and working harder and longer actually makes you less effective and can lead to poor decisions. May will share three steps you can take to find your optimal mix of work and play, find new ways of getting things done and discovering what is good enough for the situation and the audience you’re serving. It can be empowering to explore your limits and reimagine how things get done, so we encourage you to take some time to reflect on these important tips.

We’ve all experienced different levels of adversity in 2020. Sometimes it can be helpful to remember that this is a pandemic, a hopefully once in 100 years pandemic.

Things won’t be normal, they are not supposed to be normal and while I won’t use the new 2020 term, we can all use this adversity to seek and find the silver linings.

Think of the way you’ve been able to implement things you’ve wanted to implement for years. The way you were able to discover and learn more about who your team members are as people and grow through a shared experience. Each day you have a choice, a choice to make today the best day it can be and to choose how you will respond to this adversity. In the weeks ahead, remember to be kind – not just to others, but to yourself and be well. We will come out stronger on the other side!

LISA M. ZARDA, CAE, CNAP Executive Director US Swim School Association

“It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop.”

DIETER F. UCHTDORF

HUGE SUCCESS! USSSA VIRTUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020

BY ANNE SWANSON USSSA CONFERENCE & MEETING COORDINATOR

Empower, persist and overcome!

Thanks to you, the association’s debut live streaming and on-demand conference event, held September 15-17, was a huge success.

A total of 165 schools were represented including over 430 attendees from the United States, New Zealand, Mexico, Nigeria, Australia, Canada and United Kingdom.

Attendees were encouraged and empowered with practical tools to overcome all that lies ahead! Day one kicked off with two interactive keynote sessions focused on business excellence with renowned speaker, John Spence. USSSA Partner, FINIS, sponsored an awe-inspiring presentation with Paralympic Gold Medalist, Mallory Weggemann, reminding us all of the importance of grit and resilience. Another notable speaker was Laurie Lawrence from World Wide Swim School. Laurie presented two sessions, one focusing on swim instruction and the other a motivational presentation that perfectly summed up the three days of conference together. In addition to these presenters, each day was packed with additional live and on-demand sessions for swim school owners and instructors. All live sessions were recorded, made available afterwards and will continue to be accessible for a year or more, depending upon registration type.

Although we weren’t able to meet in person this year, the new conference app allowed members to network with one another as well as connect with our valued exhibitors. This year’s virtual National Conference was a new attendee experience but an event not to be missed! However, if you did miss out, it’s not too late! You can still register to receive lifetime access to all the sessions* as well as access to the conference app for 1-year at a cost of $200.00 USD. TO REGISTER, PLEASE EMAIL THE USSSA TEAM AT ADMIN@USSWIMSCHOOLS.ORG.

*Note: Excludes the Closing Session by Laurie Lawrence.

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MELISSA’S MIRACLE: THE TRUE STORY OF A DROWNING

BY STEF BAKER HOPE FLOATS PARTNER LIAISON

It is widely known that drowning is the number one cause of preventable death in children ages five and under.

Melissa Garcia, a smart, educated mother of young children, knew that. We hear the statistics. We hear the stories. Melissa Garcia had heard them too.

In fact, on July 20, 2016 she had seen on the news that morning in Las Vegas where she lived, a story about a three-year-old boy who just one day prior had drowned in an apartment complex pool nearby. Melissa recalls, “I remember that in the story he had somehow left his mother’s sight and ended up in the water. His mom found him, pulled him out, and screamed for help. People came out to help her, but no one, including her, knew CPR. I remember thinking about that poor baby, and how sad that story was.” Melissa thought it could never happen to her. Melissa knew CPR. Although the story was heartbreaking, and her heart broke specifically for the mother of that child, she questioned how that could happen. Melissa would never let that happen to any of her babies.

8 | USSWIMSCHOOLS.ORG

Melissa, holds a degree in Early Childhood Education, has her CDA, and works at a private preschool. Due to the nature of her work, she is trained and certified in first aid and CPR. She and her husband have three children: 10-year-old Jayson, 7-year-old Madelina (Maddie for short) and Miabella is 4.

Her husband, now a government contractor, was still in the Air Force in 2016. That summer, on July 20th, Jayson was 5, Maddie was 3, baby “Mia” was just a newborn and Melissa was on maternity leave. Her husband was at work and she was at home with the kids. It was a hot Las Vegas summer day with temperatures reaching 113 degrees, and so naturally Melissa decided to take the kids to cool down and blow off some steam in their community pool. Besides her own three, she was babysitting two of her friends’ children who were slightly older. Jayson and the other kids knew how to swim, but Maddie did not.

Melissa recalls how Maddie wore “puddle jumpers” on her arms and that she was a good little girl who followed directions.

Besides Mia, Maddie was the baby of the group and stayed close to her mom and played in the shallow area of the pool while the older kids played in the deeper water. “We would sit on the stairs, play in the water; she’d jump in and have me catch her,” said Melissa. It was a normal summer day for this busy mom.

Sometime around noon the newborn started fussing and big sister Maddie started to get tired, hungry, and cranky.

Melissa gave the older kids a 20-minute warning as Maddie began to have a typical 3- year-old tantrum. “Amidst her tantrum she had taken off her puddle jumper,” Melissa quietly remembers. Baby Mia needed a quick diaper change and a pacifier, so Melissa gave Maddie the choice to step into the shade with her and the baby, or to sit on the pool step and wait patiently. She continues, “She finally stopped whining because she knew we would be leaving soon, so I allowed her to sit on the top of the stairs with only her feet in the water.”

Melissa never had to worry about Maddie not following rules.

She was a smart, well behaved little girl. Although just having turned 3 in April, she could speak in complete sentences and understand directions. Maddie knew better and would never purposefully move from that top pool stair as she was scared to be in the water without her floaties, Melissa thought. Melissa was not worried at the time. However, if asked, she will tell you it was the “worst mistake of my life.”

Baby Mia could not be soothed, and Melissa was ready to go. She shouted to the kids in the pool to get a move on. That’s when she heard Jayson yelling that Maddie was swimming without her floaties and that’s when she knew something was terribly wrong. She ran to the pool screaming at her young son to grab his little sister; that she did not know how to swim. As she got to the poolside, she grabbed Maddie by her wrist and pulled her out of the water. Maddie’s body was limp and cold; her skin blotchy blue and purple. Maddie was not breathing and had no pulse. Maddie had drowned.

Melissa started CPR and was on speaker phone with 911 as she performed the actions. The community was just being built and the pool area was empty except for Melissa and the children.

There was no one around to help. It was about 12 minutes before the first responders arrived. Melissa, the mother of this lifeless child, administered CPR the entirety of that time, trying desperately to give her little girl life. When the ambulance took Maddie away, Melissa stood there in the parking lot helplessly watching. She had no idea if her baby was alive or gone. Imagine. At that moment, she was living the tragic and unimaginable story she had seen on television just hours earlier.

Melissa had to return home with the kids and find care for them before leaving for the hospital, where her husband would meet her. A police officer drove her to the hospital, and the entire time she had no answers. No one would tell her what Maddie’s condition was. In the middle of the sunny summer day, she was in the dark. Finally, upon arrival an officer told her she was alive and asking for her. Melissa remembers his words like it was yesterday: “She’s asking for you mama <said the policeman>, she’s alive. She’s crying for you.”

Continued on next page...

USSWIMSCHOOLS.ORG | 9

Maddie spent a few days in the hospital. She suffered two collapsed lungs and some trauma due to the CPR performed on her little body. By the time she was discharged, she had some wheezing, but otherwise was okay. The doctors and nurses who attended to her were surprised she made it; and doctors and nurses from other floors in the hospital who had heard the story would come to see the miracle child. They had told Melissa that they thought she would have been paralyzed or brain dead or living on life support after being under the water and unconscious so long. They were amazed at what they saw.

Maddie does suffer from asthma, a long-term effect of drowning, and she tires easily. Other than that, she has miraculously recovered from her drowning. Although Maddie does not remember that day, Melissa struggled daily with PTSD and depression for three years following the incident.

In 2019, she started to heal. She says that part of her recovery has been largely due to being able to open up and talk about that day. Every summer since the accident she has been vocal in her community, promoting the importance of water safety, first aid and CPR training; speaking directly to anyone who will listen and using social media to create awareness.

This newfound calling for drowning prevention advocacy led her to Hope Floats Foundation. “Since it was only about a year ago that I have started to heal, this year I had decided to let the anniversary of Maddie’s drowning date become more of

a celebration of her life rather than a horrific memory,” Melissa said. She did a ton of research and found there are many swim charities but decided on Hope Floats because of its mission and reach. This year, Melissa, Maddie, Jayson and Mia held a Lemonade Stand fundraiser outside of their home on Maddie’s 7th birthday. They raised $560 and decided to donate the money to Hope Floats so that they could help kids learn to swim. In fact, $560 will cover 34 LIFE-SAVING swim lessons, for disadvantaged children.

Today, Maddie gets straight A’s in school, dances, tumbles, cheers and (according to her mom) is “incredibly good at everything she does.” Maddie Garcia is Melissa’s miracle and an important reminder of how swim lessons (and CPR training) save lives. By “Swimming It Forward” and sharing her story with the world, Melissa hopes she will help to reduce the heart wrenching statistics of accidental and preventable deaths of children due to drowning.

Reprinted with permission.

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MEMBER TIPS: SEARCHING FOR SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS Are you seeking grants?

If not, you should be!

Check in with your local Chamber of Commerce, or the Chambers around you that are up to date on your state, county, or city’s grants that are being offered.

Another place to find grants in your area are the local banks or credit unions. In the Madison, Wisconsin area, there have been two “We are all in” grants from Dane County. We have applied for PPE assistance for our swim school since we work with children. Every week we pick up a box of gloves and feet covers and sometimes hand sanitizers.

THERE ARE LIKELY GREAT RESOURCES ALL AROUND YOU. KEEP SEARCHING FOR THE GOLD!

USSWIMSCHOOLS.ORG | 11

HOW TO GET OUTSTANDING RESULTS WITHOUT WORKING HARDER

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As a newly promoted managing director, I was transferred to the London office to start up a new business line. I knew I had a lot to prove but was committed to doing whatever it took to make a success of it.

Full of energy and excitement but without a ready-made team waiting to help me, I soon realized I had vastly underestimated the scope of the task I had taken on. I ended up doing most things myself – too many things.

Always a hard worker, I just kept redoubling my efforts and working harder.

I worked longer and longer hours. My family hardly saw me and when I was home, I was too tired and preoccupied with work to be any fun.

But the human body can’t sustain that level of work and I found myself becoming less effective with people and making poor decisions. And by driving myself too hard for too long, I almost burned out.

Just as redoubling my efforts stopped delivering better results beyond a certain point, working harder probably isn’t the answer for you and your team either.

BY MAY BUSCH

In fact, more isn’t always better.

To get better results when you’re already working as hard as you can, here are three steps you can take.

These worked for me and I hope they work for you too.

HERE’S WHAT WE’LL COVER:

#1

HOW FAR ARE YOU FROM OPTIMAL?

#2

INNOVATE ON THE “HOW”

#3

FLEX YOUR STANDARDS LET’S START WITH THE FIRST STEP

FIGURE OUT HOW FAR YOU ARE FROM YOUR OPTIMAL POINT

We all have an optimal mix of work and play that delivers the best results. If you were to work out your muscles for 8 hours straight without taking a rest, they wouldn’t develop. You need time to recover.

As the saying goes, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” We all need a mixture in our lives to do our best work and be our best selves.

One way to measure the right blend of work and play is to consider the concept of diminishing returns. I learned this in my intro to economics class decades ago and it provides a visual way to identify whether you’re working too hard.

At first, by working harder and putting in more time and effort, you get more results. But at some point, you’ll get tired and putting in that extra hour of work won’t be as effective as the first few hours of work you did when you were fresh.

And if you keep pushing yourself like I did, you’ll end up on the downward part of the curve where you get worse results from that extra hour of work. That’s when your results will improve by sleeping, exercising or taking a break instead.

Think about yourself. Where are you on the curve? To what extent are you driving yourself (and your team) too hard?

Maybe you’re working on a presentation and insisting on drilling down until you finish it in one sitting when it might take less time overall and turn out even better if you broke it into 2-3 sessions over a couple of days.

Or perhaps you’re spending hours trying to solve a problem and frustrated that you’re getting nowhere. To get out of that diminishing returns territory, you could simply take a walk or listen to music so you can come back to the issue refreshed. You might even come up with better ideas by taking a break and allowing your brain to surface new ideas behind the scenes.

If you’re at the optimal point, congratulations. If you’re regularly on the diminishing returns side, it’s time to pull back and focus on step 2.

Continued on next page...

USSWIMSCHOOLS.ORG | 13

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO INNOVATE ON THE “HOW”

I love the title of Marshall Goldsmith’s book, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.” That’s the bit I missed when I landed in London. Instead I kept using the strategy that worked for me for 10 years: keep working harder.

I needed to find new ways of getting things done and driving toward results.

If you do too, then here are a few questions that can help you innovate on how to get to the end result you want.

HOW COULD YOU GET MORE DONE WITH AND THROUGH OTHERS? Think about who’s in your network and how you could leverage those contacts and relationships to generate new ideas, get feedback or enlist help implementing your strategy.

HOW COULD YOU SYSTEMATIZE THE PROCESS AND GAIN EFFICIENCIES? When you have recurring types of projects, consider breaking it down into its component tasks and figuring out how to create templates so you can save time in the future. This will also make things easier to delegate.

WHAT NEW APPROACHES COULD YOU DISCOVER FROM ANOTHER SECTOR OR FUNCTION? Sometimes connecting the dots from one area of your life and applying it to another gives you a simpler and more effective solution.

WHAT ASSUMPTIONS ARE YOU MAKING ABOUT CONSTRAINTS AND OBSTACLES? Which ones do you need to pressure test to see if they’re real or artificial? Like assuming there’s no budget for something when the problem could be solved easily by investing some money and you could easily make a compelling case for that spending being worthwhile for your unit (or your family)?

The goal is to see how you can improve your process and approach to use less time and energy to achieve the same result or better. And to do that in a sustainable way.

Alongside innovations, you’ll want to think about step 3.

FLEX YOUR STANDARDS

When you’re a hard worker, it often comes along with a perfectionist streak. In my case, that meant having high standards and applying those standards of excellence to everything I did. Even when “good enough” was good enough. But that can backfire.

Like the time my boss asked for information on a client and I did a ton of research and produced a 10-page PowerPoint deck complete with footnotes and color graphics.

But when I handed it to him 6 hours later, he was disappointed. “I just wanted a quick and dirty one pager, not for you to spend so much time on it.”

So before you tackle your project, start by getting clear on what’s “good enough” for the situation and audience you’re serving. This isn’t about doing bad work, but rather about being able to choose the level of excellence to suit the situation.

And if you struggle not to do things to the highest standard, think about whether you could consider what you’re doing a pilot version, after which you can always roll out versions 1.0, 2.0 and keep iterating.

BUT WHAT IF YOU LIKE WORKING HARD?

Working hard is great, but make sure you’re working on the right things and setting a sustainable pace for yourself. And if you’re leading others, remember that each of us has a different capacity and work style. Just as you need to respect your own ways, make sure you respect theirs too. So resist the inclination to make everyone around you feel like they must do the same as you.

14 | USSWIMSCHOOLS.ORG

JUST DON’T SABOTAGE YOURSELF BY MAKING THESE TWO COMMON MISTAKES The first mistake is treating your time and energy as limitless.

It’s essential to set boundaries to preserve your energy, creativity and time for the other things that matter to you in your life. And if you insist on doing everything yourself, that leaves less development opportunities for your team… which is one of the things that makes someone a bad boss.

The second mistake is thinking what worked for you up until now is still the best strategy going forward.

As you become more experienced and senior, the expectations of you will change. The things that people look to you to provide will be different. Just as the CEO who came up through the Sales department isn’t expected to spend her time making sales calls to hit a quota anymore, you’ll need to change your way of working too.

So the next time you have the urge to simply “work harder” to generate results at the next level, remember to run through these three steps first: 1. Figure out how far you are from your optimal point… and stay away from diminishing returns territory.

2. Challenge yourself to innovate on the “how” – as they say, what got you here won’t get you there.

3. Flex your standards – it’s not one size fits all. What’s “good enough” for the situation and audience tends to create the best overall result.

Which of these steps would most help you produce better results without working even harder?

Career advice for swim school owners, visit maybusch.com/swim May Busch is a sought-after executive coach, speaker, advisor, author, and former COO of Morgan Stanley Europe. Her passion is helping people succeed in their career and life – to be better, do more, and make the difference they are meant to make. Find her on MayBusch.com.

Reprinted with permission.

MEMBER TIPS: STAFF APPRECIATION

BY NIKKI MILLER ACADEMY SWIM CLUB

I KNOW EVERYONE IS SUPER BUSY RIGHT NOW, SO I’M SHARING THIS WITH YOU AS A WAY TO SHOW APPRECIATION TO YOUR STAFF. PUT YOUR OWN NAMES AND SCHOOLS AT THE BOTTOM. THE IDEA CAME FROM LYNN LEDFORD (CAL ELITE KIDS) ABOUT A DECADE AGO. I JUST WROTE A NEW ONE FOR THIS “SPECIAL” YEAR. ENJOY!

TO OUR AMAZING STAFF • In early 2020 we were optimistic, Who Knew?

• By year end, we’d have This Skeleton Crew • There’ve always been colds from the kids as you taught them • Some even called COVID. We’re sure that you caught them • But nothing had ever stopped us cold in our tracks • “We’re shut down for COVID. Three weeks, we’ll be back” • When we finally opened the kids were invited • To leave their safe homes and they were excited • They came with huge smiles all covered by masks • Their parents came stressed, with some hiding their flasks • You made their month, their week, their day • By giving them contact, and caring, and play • You’ve come to work every day with persistence

• With all kinds of measures for COVID resistance • You’ll always remember the dreaded 19 • When you came back to work and you taught through a screen • What’s your temp? Keep your distance! No masks can be drenched • But you’ve stuck it out with the troops in the trench • You’ve worked so hard earning so many credentials • Your kids have worked hard showing all their potential • And we can confirm that your work is essential • No complaints, just adjustments while COVID was razing • And all of this proves that our staff is AMAZING! • We appreciate all that you have done for us, and for the families at (your swim school here)!

Happy Holidays!

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PANDEMIC ACTIVITY

BY DAVID GORMAN SDN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SDN thanks all swim school members for their continued support through the pandemic.

Whether members have needed to cancel, pause, or downgrade their membership, or have made the vital choice to continue financial support for SDN, your generosity is key to continued work to arrest and stop drowning. Thank you once more.

We are thrilled to welcome franchisor British Swim School to the SDN family as continued commitment to their vision as a cause-based business SDN will work with both the parent franchisor and franchisees across North American and beyond to use the SDN suite of tools in their communities. BSS recognizes the essential need for drowning prevention education, and the benefits to BSS franchisees as leaders in their communities. If you are a BSS franchisee, please look forward to some gratitude calls from SDN BOD members to help with brainstorming and education on how to employ the SDN tools both directly in the community as well as with local media channels.

The SDN BOD and team members largely paused work during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. As things have improved in many parts of the US, we are able to reinitiate activity on programming, national media outreach and legislative projects. All three are significantly challenged given the highly-critical priorities that schools, media organizations and lawmakers face. But the time and relationships we invest now on the part of both SDN and swim schools continues to lay the foundation for future progress and success.

Lastly, SDN is pursuing grants and gifts that may be attracted to our cause. One way that any USSSA or SDN supporter can help drowning prevention charities is to refer potential donors. While it may seem almost impossible in times like this, wealthy individuals and private foundations can be even more generous because they know funding from events and other sources may have evaporated. The key thing to look for is any individual or organization that supports childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health causes. They may not specifically have drowning on their radar, but a referral from you can help kick off the education cycle that will eventually lead to support. Potential idea sources include elected officials, houses of worship, professional networks and even your own friends and neighbors.

Again, SDN thanks you for your support. Championing drowning prevention is a team sport, and we will make progress together.

USSWIMSCHOOLS.ORG | 17

DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS: SENSORY INPUT FOR A SPLASHING SUCCESS

BY SWIM ANGELFISH

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October was Down Syndrome Awareness Month and fall is a perfect time to discover new tips for continued swim success! Swimmers of all types benefit from the pool, but individuals with Down Syndrome often find the pool to be a special place of inclusion, fitness, and social experiences.

Here are some general characteristics of Down Syndrome and how they pertain to the water and then we’ll take a deep dive into two types of sensory profiles.

Both of these sensory profiles are seen with this group of swimmers. Try these tips, tricks, and strategies during your next swim lesson or water experience.

For all of you aquatics professionals and swim school owners, this article will provide lots of useful information.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS Individuals with Down Syndrome are a diverse group, with varied skills and abilities.

These swimmers are loving, social, and enjoy being in the water. Some of them can be a bit rigid, and resistant to new activities, and easily overwhelmed when activities are too hard. These individuals have low muscle tone, meaning their strength can be weak, their muscles can have a squishy feel and be less dense making them very buoyant in the water. Due to their core weakness, they have increased strain and overuse of their rectus abdominal muscle, which helps you do a straight sit up. Since this muscle is overused it may have a small split in it, (called a diastasis). This makes it very important to work on trunk rotation activities for oblique muscle strength, which helps improve this condition. They may posture with an increased arch in their lower back, and a slightly distended stomach, and may tend to lock their joints for stability.

SENSORY PROFILES AND SWIM TIPS People who crave a lot of sensory input are called sensory seekers while those who try not to engage in big sensory experiences are called sensory avoiders. The pool and swimming are sensory experiences unlike anything else. From the increased volume of a pool to the deep pressure of the water, swimming is a very unique sensory experience.

TRAITS AND TIPS FOR SENSORY SEEKERS • Going underwater- they may be looking for feedback from the whole-body experience of the water and its deep pressure. Use going underwater as part of your swim lesson, maybe as a reward in between swim drills to keep your swimmer engaged and focused.

• Splashing a lot- they are looking for feedback to muscles and joints by breaking the surface tension of the water.

• Sometimes this swimmer might look like they are not engaged or interested, but what they need is some movement to wake up their body. If they don’t respond to this, try movement that is more intense. Maybe instead of moving up and down try moving in a circle since this is more intense stimulation for the vestibular system.

• Drinking water and swimming with an open mouth may be due to seeking more movement and deep pressure. Give them some movement to help satisfy their sensory seeking behavior (drinking the water), followed by a heavy work activity to get organized. For example, moving forward and back holding a barbell on your belly, followed by rowing the barbell underwater.

• Intense movement seekers- for this group the vestibular input (moving in space) may have to be more intense than expected. Vestibular movement should be tried in the following order (also order of intensity from mild to most intense): Up and down movement, then spinning in a circle, and then the most intense input is inversion (like doing a forward roll under water).

TRAITS AND TIPS FOR SENSORY AVOIDERS • Swimmers that are fearful of getting into the pool- this can be due to the fear of their feet leaving the floor, the extra noise in the pool setting, or many other causes.

Spend extra time at the stairs, neck-deep in water, and let the water work its magic by providing the deep pressure, which releases dopamine and can lessen anxiety.

• A great tip for the fearful swimmer is to spend a few minutes jumping up and down at the stairs and then move to a rhythmical movement activity along the side of the pool away from the stairs. Climbing out at the side of the pool and doing a simple “Simon says” activity, can make them feel calmer and more organized. You can change “Simon says” to swim skill benchmarks if you notice the singing and game playing is working. Establishing this as a routine can decrease anxiety and increase swimming success.

• A tight-fitting wet suit, ear band, or a bathing cap can be beneficial to sensory avoiders because it gives more pressure around their body which is calming.

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TIPS, TRICKS, AND STRATEGIES FOR BOTH SENSORY PROFILES • Use small wrist weights on the swimmer’s ankles, or canvas shoes that sink, to provide a feeling of grounding and decreased buoyancy. This will help increase body awareness so that they can kick in the pool and have better control of their body.

Use this strategy for 5-10 minutes then take them off. You will be so surprised how quickly this works.

• A long sleeve cotton shirt, leggings, or socks in the water give input and resistance to the body and can help and anxious swimmers counteract buoyancy by increasing stability.

• Flippers, Zoomers, and Boosters can increase propulsion providing the swimmers with better movement as they kick. If your swimmer has decreased strength you can start with Boosters, then Zoomers, and finally the flippers. If they crave and seek input, the flipper will give them a sense of heavy work and resistance as they kick.

• Swimming with small dumbbells and pushing them under the water as they do freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, or butterfly gives a lot of input to the arms. For the weaker swimmer, put them under their armpits as this will be easier.

• Holding a semi-deflated ball and kicking while rolling to your back and belly can begin the swim skill of a rollover or changing directions for the seeker. For the anxious swimmer, the ball gives a full body flexion feeling which is very calming.

Swim Angelfish is the global leader in adaptive swim instruction. The company creates educational resources for the needs of the world’s adaptive swim lessons and advocates for the necessity of having specifically trained instructors for this growing population. For the last 20 years Swim Angelfish has been dedicated to reducing the drowning statistics by teaching children of all abilities how to swim safely and independently. The founders, Cindy Freedman, MOTR and Ailene Tisser, MA, PT developed an adaptive swim methodology (Swim Whisperers®) specifically designed to help children with Autism, sensory and motor coordination, anxiety, trauma, or simple discomfort in the water to become safe and independent swimmers.

Reprinted with permission.

Independence and a love of swimming is an important skill to impart on these swimmers for so many reasons. It is a great source of health, fitness, and overall wellbeing as they get older. It is a wonderful opportunity for independent recreation, leisure, and socialization, especially when they join teams, and get to compete in events like the Special Olympics.

The USSSA educational course, Movement and Brain Development, is a member resource to learn more about brain development and its connection to movement.

Visit the Member Resource Pool online.

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SIX WAYS TO MEET YOUR EMPLOYEES WHERE THEY ARE AND WHERE THEY NEED YOU

Many of my trainings with organizations on culture and employee engagement contain six tenants I consider to be universally critical. In today’s shifting landscape, they have become more relevant than ever.

For your teams to be at their best, lead your teams with your best. Invest like never before to help nurture and grow with your employees.

1. SAFETY

People need to feel emotionally, physically, and psychologically safe. They want to know that they will not be emotionally attacked or dismissed for their feelings, that physically they’re not exposed to anything that could hurt them, that psychologically their ideas are safe, and that if they toss up a “crazy” idea that they will not be ridiculed.

2. STABILITY

Stability has always been important, but now it is dramatically magnified. We all need to feel that our jobs, our income, and personal lives are on an even keel and not threatened. It is incredibly hard to offer this to people today so you have to find someplace you can give a sense of stability even if it is just your emotional support.

3. BELONGINGNESS

BY JOHN SPENCE USSSA 2020 VIRTUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE KEYNOTE

We all want to feel we are important members of our organizations and that our colleagues and superiors are glad we are on the team. This is especially true now that most of us are physically separated from the rest of the company. This can lead to feelings of isolation and many miss the comradery and collaboration they are used to.

This is why regular check-ins, short meetings, and virtual get-togethers are so important to help people feel connected, appreciated for their work, and valued as part of the team.

4. APPRECIATION

For more than 23 years John Spence has traveled worldwide helping people and businesses be more successful. John is the author of five books and co-author of several more, a business consultant, workshop facilitator, keynote speaker and executive coach with a client list that includes numerous Fortune 500 firms to small businesses, professional associations and other organizations. John’s areas of expertise include: leadership, high-performance teams, managing change, organizational culture, consultative selling, strategic planning, strategy execution and the future of business. John has made a career of “Making the Very Complex…

Awesomely Simple.” Visit www.johnspence.com.

Reprinted with permission.

Celebrate every win, big or small. Let everyone, everyone… know they are genuinely appreciated for the work they do and the results they deliver in challenging times and environments. They are needed; what they bring to the organization is vital as employees and as individuals. Research clearly shows we all need some sort of genuine, sincere, and specific praise once every seven to ten days. Now, I suggest even more frequently in one form or another.

5. COMMUNICATION

Communication is consistently one of the biggest issues for almost every organization I work with. Now, it is more critical than ever to overcommunicate your vision, mission, goals, and plans. Be transparent and share as much information as you possibly can, assure your people that you are working hard to stay on top of the situation and are doing everything in your power to keep the business strong.

6. PURPOSE

To keep your valued employees of the organization motivated and feeling secure; remind them often of those you serve, the impact they make, and why your organization is committed to serving your customers, your employees, and communities. We are all doing important work that makes a real difference and the ripples go far beyond what we expect.

WHY DO THESE MATTER?

It is essential that you and your team produce some of the best work–especially in difficult times–as at the end of the day, your product/service is what’s going to matter to your clients. By investing in your employees with these six items, you build an invaluable trust. This kind of trusting relationship goes beyond your employees too. In difficult times, you want to be an invaluable partner for your clients, your vendors, and beyond.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2021 DATES TBD

USSSA SPRING WORKSHOP DEEP DIVE VIRTUAL

usswimschools.org/events

MARCH 29-APRIL 1, 2021

NDPA NATIONAL WATER SAFETY CONFERENCE VIRTUAL usswimschools.org/events

AUGUST 24-26, 2021

AUSTRALIAN SWIM SCHOOLS CONFERENCE GOLD COAST usswimschools.org/events

OCTOBER 4-6, 2021

USSSA NATIONAL CONFERENCE MAUI, HAWAII

usswimschools.org/events

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THANK YOU ANNUAL SPONSORS

BY SEAN DEVER SEAN DEVER CPA & ASSOCIATES

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THE LATEST PAYROLL TAX DEFERRAL: AN OFFER YOU SHOULD REFUSE!

If you have employees, you must withhold their 6.2 percent share of the Social Security tax from their wages up to an annual wage ceiling ($137,700 for 2020). You must pay the money to the IRS along with your matching 6.2 percent employer share of the tax.

But under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, as you likely know, employers are allowed to defer paying their 6.2 percent share of the Social Security tax on wages paid to employees through the end of 2020. Fifty percent of these deferred taxes will have to be paid during 2021 and the remainder in 2022.

Both the Trump administration and the IRS have issued orders permitting employers to defer withholding and paying the employee portion of the Social Security tax for a limited time. But the executive order on employee deferral is much more limited in scope than the CARES Act employer deferral, and it’s beset with practical problems for employers.

WHICH TAXES CAN BE DEFERRED? The deferral applies only to the employee portion of the Social Security tax due on wages paid from September 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. No other payroll taxes can be deferred.

WHICH EMPLOYEES QUALIFY FOR THE DEFERRAL? Only employees who earn less than $4,000 biweekly qualify for the deferral. Employees who are not paid on a biweekly basis qualify if their pay is equivalent to less than $4,000 biweekly. This would include employees who are paid less than • $2,000 weekly, • $4,333 semimonthly, or • $8,666.67 monthly.

WHAT IF EMPLOYEES QUIT OR GET FIRED? If an employee quits or is fired during the four-month repayment period, there may not be enough wages paid to cover the deferred Social Security taxes. The IRS says that in this event employers can “make arrangements to otherwise collect” the deferred taxes. What form such “arrangements” could take is unclear.

Interest, penalties, and additions to taxes will begin to accrue on any unpaid deferred Social Security taxes starting May 1, 2021. Thus, if you (the employer) fail to remit the deferred monies because employees were not employed during the collection period, you are on the hook.

Due to the uncertainty involved, many employers have reportedly elected not to participate in the employee Social Security tax deferral.

If you have any further questions or need my assistance, please call me on my direct line at (617) 510-7149.

Express Payroll is part of Sean Dever, CPA & Associates, an accounting firm which provides services such as: Small Business Accounting; Tax Preparation & Planning, Business Valuation, Succession Planning and Payroll Service. Sean focuses the firm’s services towards the children’s sports education industry, including swimming, gymnastics, dance and cheerleading. For more information, email sean@devercpa.com or visit www.devercpa.com. Reprinted with permission.

Each pay period is tested separately. An employee who earns too much during one pay period can still qualify for the deferral if he or she earns less than the ceiling amount in a later pay period.

IS THE DEFERRAL MANDATORY? IRS officials have stated that the deferral is not mandatory. Employers are not obligated to offer the deferral to their employees. This is so even if an employee requests it.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DEFERRAL PERIOD ENDS? The employee Social Security tax deferral ends on December 31, 2020. IRS guidance provides that the deferred taxes must then be paid “ratably” from wages paid from January 1, 2021, through April 30, 2021. Employers must withhold and pay the deferred taxes from employee wages paid during this period.

Thus, from January 1, 2021, through April 30, 2021, most employees will have to pay a 12.4 percent Social Security tax instead of the normal 6.2 percent. This amounts to a 6.2 percent pay cut for affected employees for four months.

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ASK AL

BY ALVARO G. MENDOZA COMMERCIAL ENERGY SPECIALISTS, INC.

IN YOUR SPRING ARTICLE, YOU REVIEWED A “NEW NORMAL” FOR POOL OPERATION DURING THE VERY EARLY STAGES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. WHICH PANDEMIC-RELATED TRENDS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO EMERGE, AND WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO RETURN TO NORMAL?

Welcome back to our “Ask the Expert” feature, designed to assist you with issues related to swimming pool water, mechanical equipment, space conditioning and code compliance.

Ask a question, and we will try to answer to the best of our ability.

It is hard to believe that this mess has been lingering for over 9 months and is looking to continue for a few more before we can all try to rediscover what normal used to be.

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The spring article focused on several areas: physical cleaning of the facilities, safe and properly treated water, and self-promotion of safety and cleanliness. Here, we’ve put together an update of the trends we have seen with some thoughts on what we suspect might continue into the future as patrons appear to gravitate to safer places with proof of safety.

PHYSICAL CLEANING The Pandemic has caused leading schools to adopt new protocols in cleaning their facilities including their common areas, lockers, pool decks, pool toys, teaching aids, etc.

Facilities that provide and promote a “deep clean” of their common areas on a daily basis, along with interim cleanings, are apparently making customers much more comfortable than those that use a more haphazard approach.

The materials used for deep cleaning have varied widely, and some treatments have indeed been very expensive. Deck and “toy” cleanings are simple enough, and have been handled using a diluted bleach solution in a pump-up sprayer, or by using a WysiWash tablet feeder that has produced certified results in several industries, while providing the convenience of a tablet.

The cleaning of the rest of the facility, has not been as simple or affordable.

Those who hired a spray-down deep cleaning specialist sometimes paid thousands of dollars for one session, making it financially impossible to rely on that strategy long-term.

Fortunately, new technologies such as Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL) solutions, (normally used at 500 PPM), emerged and allowed nightly spray-downs using a fogger or sprayer with fine misting capabilities with certified results. This same technology is being adopted by both smaller firms and international chemical companies as it uses a milder, more ecologically friendly approach. The HOCL solution does not require expert application or protective PPE gear, does not apparently damage the cleaning surfaces, and leaves no real residue.

Some organizations invested in machines that manufacture the HOCL solution out of vinegar and salt, for 3-4 cents a gallon, and reported paybacks within 3-4 months on their investments.

Others leased the HOCL machines for $650 per month to produce this solution in-house without investing upwards of $20,000 for the machines. Others paid up to $30 a gallon for HOCL solution and were still well ahead of the game versus outsourcing a deep cleaning.

Patrons are also keenly aware of being trapped in an environment with recirculated air and being potentially at risk for COVID-19 exposure. Just ask the restaurant or airline industry. So, leading swim schools have been well served by keeping their dehumidification systems serviced to keep moisture within the acceptable 58-60% relative humidity range. This will help prevent mold or expensive long-term damage to drywall, metal support structures, and windows and doors from improperly treated or stagnant air.

Other facilities have invested in utilizing UV and Ozone to disinfect the air within the HVAC systems – inactivating airborne contaminants in seconds while making the air smell clean and sanitized.

SAFE, PROPERLY TREATED WATER Thank goodness that pool water was definitively excluded from potential COVID-19 transmission early on, or who knows what might have happened to the swim school industry.

However, SAFE water and PROOF of safe water have been key to many patrons. As a continuation of a prepandemic trend, many expect manually dosed swim school facilities, with all the peaks and valleys of treatment levels, to become a thing of the past, while fully automated facilities, complete with the latest technology become the new best practice. Systems that closely monitor

their water quality parameters, digitally log their readings on a continual basis, and digitally alert their team immediately of any lapses in treatment levels are commonplace in leading swim schools today, and help assure customers that these facilities are a safer learn-to-swim environment for their children.

Also, systems with direct-reading PPM sensors (in addition to the coderequired ORP sensors) are becoming more popular in order to help provide PROOF of safety and code compliance.

Leading schools are also assuring that their UV systems are in good working order in order to help reduce chloramines and to inactivate spores, virus and bacteria (including Crypto, Giardia, Hepatitis A and E. Coli) instantly, and in a single pass. A properly maintained UV system, should be adequately sized and routinely serviced in order to provide >45 mJ dosing on a continual basis, a key level for proper disinfection.

Another emerging trend that is coming of age is in proof of testing and instantaneous distribution of testing results. These can be accomplished simply and simultaneously by utilizing an affordable and reliable digital test kit and a subscription service. A growing number of swim school owners are keeping track of actual test kit readings in real time, digitally logging test kit results, while knowing exactly when their staff tests the water, what the readings were, and what changes (if any) need to be made in order to balance the pool water. Since these emailed alerts can be forwarded to all interested parties, even consultants and water quality support companies can stay involved and be updated on a daily basis. Using this technology, it is pretty easy to determine, even remotely, if a facility is “in control” or not.

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SELF-PROMOTION OF SAFETY AND CLEANLINESS This has seemingly become more important as the pandemic has lingered, and many are convinced that customers will return more quickly if they are more confident of the standard of care provided by a swim school facility. This could be accomplished by self-promotion.

Facilities have used this “down” time to upgrade their facilities and to promote the steps they have taken to make their facilities safer for staff and patrons alike.

Facilities that automatically control their chemistry, use new monitored self-reporting test kits, utilize drinking water-grade filtration techniques, utilize UV or ozone for supplemental treatment, or have implemented powerful remote control and alert notification systems, have promoted these upgrades on their websites and have installed on-site signage that helps reassure patrons that the facility is safe.

CONCLUSION As the pandemic lingers, we are all starting to wonder if and when we will return to “normal.” But, even after some pandemic-related tasks eventually subside, there are many others who think that those tasks are here to stay.

As we mentioned 9-months ago, just like we never thought we were going to pack our toiletries in Ziploc bags and take our shoes and belts off when travelling, many folks might think twice about ever having their kids take swim lessons in a dirty or foul-smelling environment, or one they perceive is not providing the safest possible aquatic environment.

You have the power to update and adapt your facilities to help provide these assurances. While now may not be the right time to update for some, others find that the timing might be perfect if the goal is to open up with a post-pandemic ready facility.

Hope that helps! Please feel free to forward your questions and comments through the Association office, or directly to me, via email at amendoza@ ceswaterquality.com.

Best Regards, Alvaro G. Mendoza

NEW MEMBER LIST AMY’S AQUATICS Amy Clayton Flower Mound, TX ART OF SWIMMING Vicki Bonaguro Mastic, NY DOLPHIN UNIVERSITY Calvin Thomas II Silver Spring, MD HEAD ABOVE WATER MIDLAND LLC Jessica Gardner Midland, TX MINDFUL SWIMMING David Guffey Greenville, SC QUEST SWIM SCHOOL Dudley Duncan Midlothian, VA RANCHO SWIM LESSONS/ RSL AQUATIC Dave Nowell Upland, CA

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RIM COUNTRY SWIM ACADEMY Lori Thompson Payson, AZ RINCON SWIM SCHOOL Andrea Lionello Carpinteria, CA SWIM BABY SWIM CLEVELAND Simone Powell Warrensville Heights, OH

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MENTAL HEALTH DURING THESE TRYING TIMES: ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OK NOT TO BE OK

BY NIKKI MILLER, MA, LMFCT ACADEMY SWIM CLUB

These are trying times. Between COVID, the election, protests, home schooling, job loss/ reduction, financial upheaval, reduction in social gatherings/support, no hugging or even touching, death, loss, and we have no control, and no definitive end. What will be normal?

When? How do we balance all this?

The American Psychological Association (APA) indicates that 1 in 4 adults currently suffer from diagnosable anxiety or depression. We are not alone. 68% of adults surveyed say the 2020 election is a significant source of stress in their life. This is a worldwide pandemic, affecting us all, in very similar ways. We are all being pushed beyond our limit.

Talking helps. Sharing helps. We need to continue to bond with shared experiences, to reverse the feelings of isolation. Saying how you feel out loud can change it from overwhelming to manageable, especially if the person hearing it can relate. Having shared experiences and connecting with others can be done over Zoom, or even a phone call.

Diet is one of the most underrated health makers or breakers. 90% of Western disease can be attributed to a poor diet, including Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, both of which are COVID-19 high risk factors. Healthy food can help in mood improvement, achy joints, arthritis, stomach problems, headaches, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and so much more. A nutrient rich diet including Mediterranean, DASH (NOT Door Dash), Vegetarian, or Vegan. All recommend 6-10 servings/day of vegetables and/or fruit.

SELF-CARE IS VITAL Decide what you need and make it happen. ASK for help to make it happen. Martyrs do not score points in heaven, or in COVID.

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CONTINUING ONLINE HELP ACTIVE MINDS https://www.activeminds.org/aboutmental-health/be-there/coronavirus Young adults, Schools/Parents/ Communities, Remote Workers MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA https://mhanational.org/covid19 Frontline workers, Parenting/Caregiving, COVID-19 blogs & webinars, Coping & Wellness, Mental Health Screening Tools CHILD MIND INSTITUTE https://childmind.org/coping-during -covid-19-resources-for-parents All kinds of advice & resources for COVID times, including schooling from home, chores, kids’ anxiety, parent coping skills, ADHD kids, dealing with loss, back to school anxiety, sibling issues during COVID, helping kids sleep, opening up a talk about feelings, and many more.

STRESS REDUCTION TOOLS Focusing on what you can control, exercise, spend virtual time with friends and family, breathe, deep breaths 4/5/6, 4 seconds inhale, 5 seconds hold, 6 seconds exhale, in and out, meditation (w/body scan), peaceful imagery, 12-12-12 challenge (choose 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate and 12 to organize in their proper place) plan fun at home, learn something online.

EVERY CRISIS HAS OPPORTUNITIES Look for them. Are you having more time with your teens or spouse? Family bonding?

Time to embed what really matters in life? Is your Family eating healthier? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to change the family diet to a healthy one.

PRAY AND BE THANKFUL Being thankful releases endorphins too.

SING OR PLAY YOUR FAVORITE SONGS Try some classical music. What about hymns? All of these can be very calming.

Find quiet to turn off the noise. Have time each day to turn off the computers, TV, phones, and learn to seek inner peace. Do NOT count your shower as this time, although it is a start. Ground yourself in faith. Stand adamant with your faith, and trust that God will provide all that you need to get through this. This experience is the very definition of faith: to step into the darkness, knowing that you are loved, and all will be well.

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DO YOUR PART TO HELP KEEP CHILDREN SAFE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF BACKGROUND CHECKS

BY PAT MANUPELLA SAFETY SPECIALIST, NATIONAL CENTER FOR SAFETY INITIATIVES

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Coaches and instructors play crucial roles in the success of youth sports leagues and other recreational organizations such as swim schools. They devote countless hours for the betterment of their communities and organizations and often have a positive impact on the athletes they serve. Yet all too often, we come across headlines about trusted adults who have violated a community’s trust and committed acts that have caused serious harm to those they were meant to be helping.

Background checks are a necessary precaution for the protection of children and vulnerable populations, as well as for the organizations themselves.

Organizations that fail to adopt the necessary steps to properly screen coaches and instructors put the trust of their communities, sponsors, and patrons at risk. From lawsuits to loss of funding for the negligent hiring of staff, requiring a thorough background check from an accredited background screening provider for all coaches and staff who interact with youth can help protect your athletes, your assets and your business’ reputation.

Beware of ‘do-it-yourself’ Internet searches and companies that provide instant results online. Screening an applicant without their consent is a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Following the rules of the FCRA is a standard that is adhered to by reputable national background screening companies. Instant-result internet companies that offer background screening services can also put organizations at risk by not providing accurate or up-todate information resulting in applicants who might have a questionable past to pass a sub-standard check.

“Unfortunately, the name background check is applied to a pretty wide realm of methodologies,” stated Trish Sylvia, co-founder and executive director of National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI). “One of the common myths is that a background check is a background check but that is simply not the case.

Every organization should clearly know what they are getting and, maybe more importantly, what they’re not getting.

It’s often true that you get what you pay for, and when it comes to screening, it’s worth it to really understand this.”

For over 15 years, Sylvia has been on the forefront of helping youth-serving organizations including youth sports leagues and national governing bodies understand the importance of establishing reputable and comprehensive background check programs.

“One caution I always give is to beware of “bargain-basement background screenings” that can cost as little as $5,” stated Sylvia. “As with any product, budget background checks are a buyer-beware proposition.”

When searching for a background screening provider, it is important to know the process that is used to verify the identity of the applicant. Running a background check based solely on an applicant’s name is not only negligent but dangerous as incorrect name matches can lead to false positives or false negatives. Credible background screening providers will use a social security trace to help verify the identity of all potential applicants.

In addition to understanding how a provider verifies an applicant’s identity, there are several other key questions to ask when choosing a background screening provider: • How do they verify the reliability of the information being reported?

• Do they use multi-jurisdictional databases including national, state, county and sex offender registries in combination with local (county or state) searches?

• How frequently are databases updated and what is included in the search?

• Are they FCRA compliant and do they assist with these requirements?

• What type of customer support do they provide?

While these are key questions to ask when selecting a background check provider, the bottom line is that an organization must believe in the importance of background checks and the critical role they play in protecting children.

“There’s no sense in comparing the differences in companies that offer background screenings - and how they collect their data - if there isn’t a deep-rooted conviction to keep children safe,” stated Sylvia.

“I’m proud of the progress that’s been made over the years and of the commitments that continue to be made, but there is still much to be done. Until every child in every organization is truly safe, we must continue this conversation and do everything in our power to keep moving forward.”

Protecting our kids is a responsibility we all share together.

Visit USSSA online for FAQs: USSSA Owner’s Background Screen & Abuse Prevention Training with SportsEngine at https://www.usswimschools.org/ safety-faq For more information on background screening visit: https://ncsisafe.com Note: USSSA Members using SportsEngine will get the Abuse Prevention Training included.

“ One caution I always give is to beware of “ bargain-basement background screenings” that can cost as little as $5,” stated Sylvia. “ As with any product, budget background checks are a buyerbeware proposition.”

USSWIMSCHOOLS.ORG | 35

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