The Nebraska State Athletic Trainers Association (NSATA) is committed to high standards of ethical, moral and legal business conduct. In line with this commitment and NSATA’s commitment to open communication, this policy aims to provide an avenue for Executive Board Members and committee chairs or member, liaisons or agents of NSATA to raise concerns and reassurance that they will be protected from reprisals or victimization for whistleblowing.
This Whistleblower Policy is intended to cover protections for you if you raise concerns regarding NSATA, such as concerns regarding:
• incorrect financial reporting
• inappropriate handling of State finances
• unlawful activity
• activities that are not in line with NSATA policy
• activities which otherwise amount to improper conduct
STATEMENT OF POLICY
No officer, committee chair or member, liaison or agent of NSATA shall take any harmful action with the intent to retaliate against any person, including interference with employment or livelihood, for providing to a law enforcement officer any truthful information relating to the commission or possible commission of any offense. Nor will any officer, committee chair or member, liaison or agent of NSATA take any harmful action with intent to retaliate against any member of NSATA for reporting to an appropriate elected official of NSATA the suspected misuse, misallocation or theft of any NSATA resources.
SAFEGUARDS
Harassment or Victimization - Harassment or victimization for reporting concerns under this policy will not be tolerated.
Confidentiality - Every effort will be made to treat the complainant’s identity with appropriate regard for confidentiality.
Anonymous Allegations - This policy encourages members to put their names to allegations because appropriate follow-up questions and investigation may not be possible unless the source of the information is identified. Concerns expressed anonymously will be explored appropriately, but consideration will be given to:
• The seriousness of the issue raised;
• The credibility of the concern; and
• The likelihood of confirming the allegation from attributable sources.
Bad Faith Allegations – Allegations made in bad faith may result in disciplinary action.
PROCEDURE
Process for Raising a Concern:
Reporting- The whistleblowing procedure is intended to be used for serious and sensitive issues. Such concerns, including those relating to financial reporting or unethical or illegal conduct, may be reported directly to the State President.
Timing - The earlier a concern is expressed, the easier it is to take action.
Evidence - Although the complainant is not expected to prove the truth of an allegation, he or she should be able to demonstrate to the person contacted that the report is being made in good faith.
How the Report of Concern Will Be Handled:
The action taken by NSATA in response to a report of concern under this policy will depend on the nature of the concern. The Executive Board of the NSATA shall receive information on each report of concern and follow-up information on actions taken.
Initial Inquiries - Initial inquiries will be made to determine whether an investigation is appropriate, and the form that it should take. Some concerns may be resolved without the need for investigation.
Further Information -The amount of contact between the complainant and the person or persons investigating the concern will depend on the nature of the issue and the clarity of information provided. Further information may be sought from or provided to the person reporting the concern.
