Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017

On February 14th, 2018, the President signed the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act which is aimed at protecting amateur athletes* from sexual abuse. 

What exactly does the Law state?

The Law has a three-pronged approach:

1. Any adult interacting with amateur athletes in the program has a duty to report abuse and or suspected abuse within a 24 hour period. EVERY adult is a mandatory reporter.
2. The statute of limitations is extended for up to 10 years after a victim realizes he or she was abused. 
3. Limits an athlete under the age of 18 from being alone with an adult who is not their parent. 

Mass Youth Soccer recommends all coaches and volunteers take the program provided by the US Center for SafeSport.

• US Center for SafeSport:  To enroll in this program you will first need to obtain the access code.  To do so, send an email to safesportcourse@mayouthsoccer.org  You will receive an email autoreply containing the access code.
• After obtaining the access code just click this url: https://www.safesport.org/ Once on the SafeSport site click on Sign in, click on Register.  When prompted make sure to select US Soccer as your NGB and then enter the access code provided in the email reply.

In order to complete your course registration you will receive an email to confirm your email address.  You must respond to this email to activate your account.

Upon completion print out your certificate and keep on file.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/534

https://www.safesport.org/files/details/78

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dcf/can-mandated-reporters-guide.pdf