Last updated on January 2nd, 2024 at 11:08 am
Anytime there is an accident or injury during any USA Swimming activity, including Sanctioned or Approved swim meets, a Report of Occurrence(ROO) must be turned in.
Contents for Accident or Injury? Send-a-ROO
Who Turns In the ROO?
The swim meet director, coach, official, or someone affiliated with the club/facility needs to complete the form, not the parent or injured party.
Where Do I Find The Online Report?
For more information, a draft of the form, and access to the Online Report of Occurrence form, see usaswimming.org/roo
Any Other Incident Reports Needed?
Often the facility will also make a report of the incident. However, be aware that because of privacy laws, you may not be able to access the information later. As a result, it’s best to fill out as much of the ROO as possible at the time of the incident when you have access to the people involved.
Any Tips to Help Others Know About the ROO?
Yes! Glad you asked. Here’s a simple, inexpensive promotion to help others know about and complete the ROO.
Print the sticker file below onto standard address labels. (Avery 8160 or 1″ x 2 5/8″ labels/30 labels per sheet.) Then, stick to gum, candy, or another inexpensive item you can give to coaches, officials, meet directors, or other people who might need to send in a ROO. As the safety coordinator for our local governing body, I’ve walked around the pool deck at big meets and passed these out to coaches. As I did, I said, “Before you throw away the wrapper, please scan the QR code or type the website in on your phone. Then save a shortcut. When you need to complete a ROO, it will be easy to find.” This could also be done at presentations or other times people gather.
If I run into someone who says they already got one earlier, I asked if they saved the shortcut. If they say no, I give them the gum and with a smile say, “Please save it this time” and give them the gum. Since it’s inexpensive, I also give gum to those who have saved the shortcut earlier and thank them.
Preparing for a swim meet? Check out The Ultimate Swim Meet To-Do List. Then, get a bird’s eye view of Who does What at Swim Meets. Both include easy-to-follow links to related information. Doing a smaller, simpler meet? Host a High School or Developmental Swim Meet will help.
Need more help? See 20+ Ways to Get Swim Meet Timers and Officials: 20+ Ways to Get them for Swim Meets.
Also, discover a few things you can do to Increase Safety at Swim Meets. Find ideas to implement before your meet as well as last-minute quick and easy tips!