NISA Nation
A full year amateur league for independent clubs with aspirations of becoming a pro NISA club
SafeSport
January 1, 2022
Helpful Links:
US Age of Consent Laws by State
US Reporting Requirements by State
SafeSport - How to make a Report
The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP)
The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) - USSF
All NISA Nation members, players, staff, club administrators: TO PROCESS BACKGROUND OR SAFESPORT YOU CAN ACCESS THE PROCESS AND LINKS WITHIN THE "NN Team Onboarding" document
One of the biggest changes and challenges the amateur game in the US Soccer landscape will face is getting acclimated to the mandatory requirements and procedures for SafeSport. This page is a guide for our member clubs; making sure these requirements are being followed properly and ensuring the safety for everyone.
What is SafeSport?
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 (minors under the age of 18) from sexual abuse. The Act enforces policies, procedures, and training to prevent abuse and misconduct towards minors.
What are the requirements?
All youth and adult sanctioning bodies under USSF must follow procedures
WHO MUST BE SCREENED?
- Every member club's staff (owners, presidents, GMs, coaches, assistant coaches, u23 coach, etc.) MUST COMPLETE the SafeSport training course AND have a background check (as described above). No matter which grouping you fall into.
- Group 1 (Minors registered on team) - As mentioned above, all staff and now every player 18 and older will need to go through SafeSport training and background checks.
- Group 2 (No Minors) - Only staff will need to go through SafeSport and background checks.
MANDATORY REPORTING OBLIGATION UNDER FEDERAL LAW
Please be aware that under the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017, adults who work in youth sports that compete across state lines and/or internationally are “mandatory reporters” who have an obligation to report to law enforcement facts giving them a reason to suspect child abuse within 24 hours of becoming aware of the facts. Reporting to U.S. Soccer will not fulfill your obligation under federal law—you must still report to law enforcement. That said, we nonetheless encourage you to report to U.S. Soccer any conduct that could violate U.S. Soccer policy so that we may have the opportunity to address the issue separate and apart from law enforcement. Please see www.safesoccer.com for more information regarding our prohibited conduct policy.
Questions?
You can also reach out to our league staff, mattm@nisasoccer.com
