USA Triathlon Focuses on Safety through ‘Respect in Sport' Program

USA Triathlon (USAT) announced today that it has forged an alliance with CrossConfirm, an authorized provider of the American Red Cross, to offer its Respect in Sport USA program to all USAT coaches and volunteers.

Respect in Sport USA is an internationally recognized program that educates coaches and protects youth athletes in the areas of bullying, harassment, neglect and various forms of abuse. Respect in Sport USA is delivered via the American Red Cross' world-class online distance learning platform, which trains individuals in all 50 states and 34 countries around the world.

The Respect in Sport course is an online safety course that will be available to USAT Certified Coaches through a link on the coaching section of the website starting Jan.1, 2009. USAT will be personalizing the course with introductions and testimonials from our USAT Sport Performance Department, Certified Coaches and Elite Athletes. There are questions and quizzes after each section to ensure that the coach has understood the content that was presented.

"We are absolutely thrilled that USA Triathlon is leading by proactively addressing bullying, harassment, neglect and abuse. These are high-risk areas that have significant negative consequences to athletes, coaches and sports organizations. We are proud to be working with them, and fully expect that more organizations will follow their example," said Kent Burns, founder and president of CrossConfirm.

Skip Gilbert, CEO of USA Triathlon, added, "We are excited to be working with CrossConfirm and Respect in Sport in this joint endeavor to enhance triathlete safety and coaching education. This program addresses risk management, maltreatment, and abuse prevention, equipping our coaches to be proactive in recognizing these problems and making the environment safer for our athletes."

CrossConfirm, LLC whose mission is the protection and advancement of youth sports is an authorized provider for the American Red Cross. Its online training portfolio includes First Aid for Coaches, Universal Precautions (blood safety), and Pandemic Preparedness. Find additional details regarding safety in youth athletics.

If you would like more information, please contact Kent Burns at 866-255-1999 ext 703 or Linda Cleveland at 719-597-9090 ext. 110.

About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the national governing body for triathlon - the fastest growing sport in the world - as well as duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 2,300 races and connects with more than 100,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USAT provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Championships, Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games.

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Media Contact:
Jason Mucher
Communications & Media Relations Manager
PH: 719-597-9090 ext. 105
FAX: 719-597-2121