Crisis Management Is Your LSC Prepared?

What If? …a swimmer is critically injured or killed? …your LSC is sued? …your General Chair is arrested? …there is a racially tainted episode? …there is a violent attack at a swim meet?

Components of a Crisis Management Plan 1.Identify: 1.Your Information Officer 2.Your Crisis Communication Team 3.Your key stakeholders 4.A spokesperson 2.Create a process 3.Identify and review best practices 4.Identify a “Crisis Control Center” 5.Update annually

The Information Officer The Commander-in-Chief Routes all media inquiries Available and accessible Calm and detail oriented

The Crisis Communication Team Consists of: – Information Officer – General Chair – Official Spokesperson – USA Swimming representative – Legal Counsel Identify situational contacts Maintain up to date cell and landline phone numbers for entire team

USA Swimming Media Contacts Karen Linhart – – Jamie Olsen – – Main number: 8:30 AM-5 PM Mountain –

Key Stakeholders Board of Directors Staff and Key Volunteers Team Representatives Facility personnel Media/General Public

Create Your Process Information Officer: – Gather and confirm information – Alert Crisis Communication Team (day or night) Crisis Communication Team: – Formulate Response – Develop a Plan and Timeline – Assess constantly Information Officer: – Loop in appropriate stakeholders – Communicate

Best Practices Don’t say “no comment” …EVER Don’t speculate …”I doubt this is true.” Return phone calls and s Consider in-person meetings over Stay on message Be honest about what you know and don’t know Be honest about what you can and cannot share

Best Practices, cont. 1 designated person speaks to the media Share information with stakeholders Ask USA Swimming for help Make sure everyone has Information Officer’s contact information Don’t “wait it out” or “go silent”