Crew Connection U.S. Talent ID

Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: 1 June 2026
Event Dates: 29 August 2026
Venue: Payne Whitney Gymnasium Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

Designated Safeguarding Officer: Sholto Carnegie

Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Jack Gosden-Kaye


This safeguarding policy applies to all attendees and activities at the U.S. Crew Connection Talent ID Camps. The camps are subject to the Talent ID Camp Terms & Conditions, as well as the general Crew Connection Terms of Service, available at: https://www.crewconnection.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

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.

2. Scope & Application

This policy applies to:

  • Crew Connection staff and volunteers running the camp

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

  • Parents/guardians and accompanying family members

  • All participating athletes and any accompanying minors

3. Supervision & Staff/Coach Conduct

3.1 Supervision Ratios

  • A minimum of two adults will be present for all athlete activities.

  • We aim for a 1:15 adult-to-athlete ratio throughout the day.

  • 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.

3.2 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.

  • This includes conduct expectations, reporting procedures, and emergency contacts.

  • Staff will be made aware of Yale University's campus emergency procedures and relevant venue contacts.

5. Risk Assessment & Health & Safety

  • A full Event Risk Assessment will be prepared for all camp activities (including erg tests, on-water sessions, workshops, athlete movement, changing room use, and parent access).

  • At least one qualified first-aider will be present at all times. Medical procedures and the location of nearest medical facilities will be confirmed in advance.

  • Yale University Health Services and emergency protocols will be identified and communicated to all staff prior to the event.

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

  • Emergency: Call 911. Yale University Emergency: 203-432-4400.

6. Photography, Filming & Communications

Photography & Filming

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

  • Consent preferences must be indicated at registration and will be respected throughout the event.

During the Event

  • All official communication with minor athletes must occur through Crew Connection channels, with parents/guardians copied.

  • Coaches and staff must not communicate privately with minor athletes via personal social media or messaging apps during the event.

After the Event

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

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

Reporting Concerns About Post-Event Contact

If any communication from a coach makes an athlete or parent feel uncomfortable, the following options are available:

  • Crew Connection -  While we are not responsible for coach conduct after the event, we will support any athlete or parent in identifying the appropriate reporting channel.

  • U.S. Center for SafeSport - The primary U.S. body for reporting abuse, misconduct, or harassment in collegiate and Olympic sport. Website: uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern

  • The Coach's Institution - Most U.S. colleges have a Title IX office where misconduct or inappropriate behaviour can be reported.

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

7. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

7.1 During the Event

  • All safeguarding concerns or allegations must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Sholto Carnegie.

  • If the DSO is unavailable, concerns should be reported to the 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 six years.

  • Serious concerns involving harm or abuse will be escalated to appropriate authorities without delay.

7.2 External Reporting — Connecticut

  • Connecticut DCF (Department of Children and Families) 24-hour Careline: 1-800-842-2288

  • In cases of immediate danger: Call 911

  • New Haven Police Department: 203-946-6316

  • Yale University Campus Security: 203-432-4400

7.3 External Reporting: U.S. Sports

  • U.S. Center for SafeSport (for sports-related misconduct): uscenterforsafesport.org

  • NCAA Compliance Officer at the relevant college/university for coach conduct issues

8. Behaviour Standards & Boundaries

  • Professional boundaries must be maintained at all times between staff, coaches, and athletes.

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

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

  • One-to-one meetings between adults and minor athletes are not permitted; a second adult must always be present.

9. Parent/Guardian Participation & Responsibilities

  • Parents attending the camp agree to follow safeguarding procedures and the conduct standards set out by Crew Connection.

  • Parents must remain in designated areas and may not enter athlete-only zones (e.g. changing facilities, erg testing areas without staff escort).

  • 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. Changing Facilities

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

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

  • Crew Connection staff may only enter changing areas 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 changing areas or use athlete-designated facilities under any circumstances.

  • If Yale University has specific facility procedures, these will take precedence and will be communicated to all staff in advance.

11. Athlete Expectations & Consent

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

  • They must respect personal boundaries and report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable to a member of Crew Connection staff.

  • Participation is dependent on a completed consent/registration form covering: camp participation, emergency medical treatment, and media/photography preferences.

12. Title IX Awareness

Crew Connection is committed to providing an environment free from sex-based discrimination and harassment, in line with the principles of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Any concerns related to sex-based discrimination or harassment should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Officer, who will escalate to the appropriate Title IX office at the relevant institution as required.

13. Review & Updates

  • This policy will be reviewed after any safeguarding incident or concern.

  • It will be reviewed annually, or prior to future Talent ID Camps, to remain aligned with applicable U.S. law and best practice.

  • Updates will be communicated to all staff and volunteers in advance of each event.

Crew Connection Inc. is a Delaware corporation. Safeguarding queries: crewcnnt@gmail.com