On February 14, 2018, the President signed the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 which is aimed at protecting amateur athletes* from sexual abuse. Nebraska State Soccer developed its Risk Management Policy to meet the national requirements set forth by the Public Law and U.S. Soccer Policy.
Nebraska State Soccer has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and misconduct. All participants in the soccer community must play an active role in creating an environment free from emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
This policy includes six components:
- Prohibited Conduct
- Mandatory Reporting
- Background Screening
- Education and Training
- Limiting One-on-One Interactions (Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies)
- Enforcement
The policy also uses the term “Adult Participants” to refer to those adults (aged 18 years and older) to whom these policies apply.
Nebraska State Soccer defines Adult Participants as:
1. A member or license holder of an NGB, PSO, LAO, or USOPC;
2. An employee or board member of an NGB, PSO, LAO, or USOPC;
3. Within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of an NGB, PSO, LAO, or USOPC;
4. Authorized, approved, or appointed by an NGB, PSO, LAO, or USOPC to have regular contact with or authority over Minor Athletes.
This includes any:
- Organization Board Members, Officers, & Directors
- Affiliate Members' Employees, Directors & Independent Directors
- Coaches, Assistant Coaches & Substitute Coaches
- Team Managers and Club Administrators
- Tournament & Program Directors
- Adult TOPSoccer Buddies
- Athletic Trainers
- Referees
- Adult Athletes
Who is the U.S. Center for SafeSport?
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent 501c(3) non-profit organization focused on ending all forms of abuse in sport. They endeavor to make athlete well-being the centerpiece of the nation’s sports culture through abuse prevention, education, and accountability.
The Center is a trusted educational resource for all sport entities at all levels of sport from grassroots amateur sports organizations to professional leagues.
Legislation is available for download (click here).