USRowing Announces Policy Changes for 2026

In response to policy changes and mandates from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center), USRowing will be implementing changes to Background Check Requirements, introducing a new Competition Category Policy (replaces the Gender Identity Policy), and updating USRowing’s Abuse Prevention and Response Policy. All changes will go into effect on January 1, 2026. 

These changes are outlined below, but should you have questions or need support navigating any USRowing policy, please contact Members@USRowing.org.

Update to Background Check Requirements 

What’s the same:  

To keep our athletes and community safe, USRowing is required by the USOPC to conduct background checks that meet specific national standards. Because of these requirements, all USRowing background checks must be completed through NCSI, our approved screening provider. 

What’s new: 

We know that background checks can sometimes feel duplicative for members who are required to complete them for their profession or involvement with another sport. Many employer-run checks do not meet USOPC standards, and some employers cannot share results due to privacy policies. To make completing a background check as a USRowing Member easier, we have developed an API-integrated background check system within the member portal that streamlines the process and ensures members can seamlessly access the required screening forms.  

Along with this, several important updates have been made to our screening policy to comply with updates from the USOPC. 

• International Check - Homeland Security Search (Global Sanctions Lists): 
  USRowing can now accept this type of background check for individuals who have lived outside the U.S. for more than six consecutive months and do not hold a current U.S. visa. 
  New cost: $25 (reduced from $150 in previous years)
• Canadian Citizens & Individuals Who Have Lived in Canada: 
  May skip the Homeland Security check by providing a recent (Level 1, 2, or 3) Canadian Criminal Record Check completed within the past year. Documentation is required.
• U.S. Visa Holders: 
  Are exempt from the Homeland Security check once a valid visa status is verified. Documentation is required.
• U.S. Military & Diplomatic Personnel: 
  Are exempt from the Homeland Security Search if they lived abroad for more than six consecutive months in U.S. government housing. Documentation is required. 

These updates are designed to maintain a safe environment while reducing unnecessary steps for members. If you’re unsure which requirement applies to you, please contact Members@USRowing.org. 

New Competition Category Policy  

The USOPC recognizes USRowing as the National Governing Body (NGB) of rowing, and has determined that all NGBs must adopt policies that comply with Executive Order 14201 or risk decertification as an NGB. To balance compliance with the Executive Order and still provide pathways for participation for all athletes, USRowing has a new Competition Category Policy (which replaces the Gender Identity Policy) 

The USRowing Competition Category Policy outlines how athletes are classified for competition under mandates from the USOPC. It defines eligibility for Women’s, Men’s, Open Gender, and Mixed categories and provides administrative guidance for registration, confidentiality, and dispute resolution. The document also affirms compliance with anti-doping and SafeSport requirements, clarifies the handling of member information, and reserves USRowing’s right to amend the policy as national or international standards evolve. 

Please find the new policy HERE. 

The USRowing membership portal has been updated to reflect this change, and members who may be impacted by this change are encouraged to review their personal information in the Membership Portal to ensure it reflects the appropriate personal details. 

Updates to USRowing’s Abuse Prevention and Response Policy  

A key aspect of safeguarding at USRowing is our Abuse Prevention and Response Policy. This policy supports individuals in navigating potential abuse of participants in their programs and how to respond in the most effective and safe way. It has been enhanced to provide clearer definitions of misconduct and outline the responsibilities for addressing and resolving such issues. Updates include:  

• Definitions for “Advisor”, “Consent” and “Cyber Abuse”.
• Clarifying language from the Center regarding jurisdiction that USRowing previously announced earlier this year.
• Enhanced language and expanded misconduct categories, informed by trends observed in incident reports.  

The full, updated policy will be shared with members via email by the end of the month. 

As a reminder, SafeSport Policy Summary and Frequently Asked Questions are available to address any concerns, and help participants better understand the safeguards in place to protect our rowing family. 

Should you have any additional questions, please contact Safeguarding@USRowing.org.