Keeping our travelers safe is our #1 priority on a SaWUSA Tour. We have a number of safety protocols we follow to help keep out travelers safe. These include the following…
- We hire great people. Sure, we like coaches with winning records and great resumes. But the #1 thing we look for in our staff is that they demonstrate care for our athletes well-being.
- We conduct background checks on staff and coaches as part of our insurance policy.
- Our tours have a TOUR GUIDE or DELEGATION MANAGER overseeing the group at all times. This is a local person who can speak the languages and knows the lay of the land everywhere we visit.
- Our tours also have a TOUR COORDINATOR overseeing the group at all times. This is a SaWUSA staff member, or experienced coach, who oversees all the coaches and travelers.
- We use ROLL CALL lists (seen below) to check everyone in each time we board a plane, train, bus or gather into small groups. Coaches are constantly counting heads – including nightly bed checks and curfew times.
- We have SAFETY NAME BADGES (seen below) to identify our travelers. These are worn at all times on our tours. They include of course each travelers name on the front for identification, but also emergency phone numbers for our staff on the back.
- Our itinerary is put together with safety in mind. First, we choose destinations that are safe. Secondly, we choose excursions that are safe. Lastly, we stay in quality hotels in safe areas. Safety is at the forefront of all of our tour planning.
- We almost always travel in private transportation, if that option is available. This is typically a private bus like the one shown in the picture above.
- We search for great travelers. Our application process is meant not just to find good athletes, but great people. We try to weed out potential problem travelers through our detailed and thorough application process including collecting letters of recommendation and conducting video interviews.
- We have a CODE OF CONDUCT (below) that our travelers sign and we make sure they follow.
CODE OF CONDUCT
By signing this form you agree to follow the following rules and are aware that SaWUSA has the right to send you home at any point during the trip, at your expense, if we feel you are in violation of our code of conduct.
- I am aware that it is against SAWUSA policy for athletes to consume or possess alcohol or other drugs can at any time during the trip (even if I am of legal drinking age in the country we are in or in the USA).
- I am aware that I will be responsible to meet the group, our tour guides, and coaches at certain times. If I cannot be on time and make other travelers have to wait for me then I will not stay on the trip.
- I am aware that at certain times I will be allowed to travel in smaller groups. I will communicate my whereabouts with SaWUSA staff. At no point will I be allowed to travel all by myself.
- I am aware that this trip is about leadership and personal development. I will treat all teammates, opponents, coaches, and anyone I meet while traveling with respect.
- I will represent myself, SaWUSA, and the USA in a positive way at all times.