What is a boundary transgression, and does texting an athlete count?

Section 5.7 defines Boundary Transgressions as interactions or communications that breach objectively reasonable boundaries of an individual and are inconsistent with the Participant's duties. Whether something is one depends on context, including the ages of the people involved and any Power Imbalance. It may not meet the threshold of any type of maltreatment but is still treated as inappropriate. The test asks whether a reasonable observer would be concerned, what objective seems to guide the interaction, and whose needs are being met.

Examples listed in 5.7.4 include:

• using contact information gained for sport to contact someone for a non-sport purpose
• using a line of communication outside the typical channels
• communicating privately with a Minor through social media or text
• inappropriately sharing personal photographs
• inappropriate sharing of locker rooms
• one-on-one meetings that are not held in an open and observable environment
• inappropriate private travel or transportation
• providing personal gifts

Consequences range from formal discipline to simply recording the circumstances and keeping them on the Participant's record. A repeated transgression after a consequence is to be treated seriously. Repeated transgressions toward a Minor or Vulnerable Participant may also be deemed Grooming, even without deliberate intention to facilitate a sexual relationship. A Minor means anyone under 19.