The “Rule of Three” and “The Window Rule”: what are they?

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They are simple proactive prevention measures you can embed in your sporting community to keep participants safe from harm. 

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Following the “Rule of Three” means ensuring that interactions between athletes, coaches, medical staff, etc., have at least three people present when they are not easy to observe or interrupt. For example, a meeting between a coach and an athlete in a closed-door setting should include one additional person for safety and transparency. 

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This rule applies to online spaces as well, meaning that a third party should always be included in texts, emails, and other forms of communication. 

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Following the “The Window Rule” means that one-on-one time between athletes and coaches, medical staff, etc., occurs in a space that promotes transparent, observable, and interruptible interactions. This does not mean you can’t have private conversations, just have them with the door open! 

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Why do the “Rule of Three” and “The Window Rule” help?

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Abuse and misconduct can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone. However, abuse thrives in secrecy, and following the “Rule of Three” and “The Window Rule” makes it harder for abuse and misconduct to transpire. Practicing these simple proactive prevention measures promotes accountability and enables safe, active bystander intervention to help keep everyone safe. 

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Who should follow the “Rule of Three” and “The Window Rule”?

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Everyone! Following the “Rule of Three” and “The Window Rule” is essential for interactions with minor participants and is strongly recommended for athletes of all ages! Make it standard in your sporting environment, just as you wear your seatbelt and wash your hands. 

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What if it is difficult to do the “Rule of Three” or “The Window Rule”? What are some creative solutions?

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• When staffing is short or the environment is large, use a floating third person to rotate and pop in at various locations throughout the sporting facility.
• Pair or pod athletes – no one goes into the barn, a far field, a parking lot, or around the hotel alone. If a mechanical issue occurs on the bike, another athlete stays back as well. 
• Conduct a risk assessment to mark off-limits areas – behind bushes, staircases, storage areas, etc.
• Use central locations and drop-off and pick-up areas in which two coaches wait with the last athlete, not one coach and one athlete.
• Injury checks happen in visible areas like benches or sidelines, not in cars or behind dugouts.
• Use group messaging platforms – no direct messaging via text or social media.

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How do you promote the “Rule of Three” and “The Window Rule” in a sporting environment?

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• Put it in the safeguarding policy! By enacting proactive prevention measures in your safeguarding policy or Code of Conduct and having all participants sign off on them, you set the standard for your organization from the start.
• Post signs around your sporting environment. Visual reminders help everyone!
• Serve as a safe, active bystander. If you see interactions not adhering to the “Rule of Three” or “The Window Rule,” indirectly or directly intervene to redirect, document, or report the behavior. 
• Share this video about “The Window Rule” with your community via social media, on your organization’s website, or through email or newsletter! 

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To order a FREE Code of Conduct sign for your sporting facility, reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today!

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If you or someone you know needs support, please visit our Crisis Resources or Resources for assistance.

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Kathryn McClain, MSW, MBA

Program and Partnerships Director at #WeRideTogether

kmcclain@weridetogether.today