SafeSport

USSSA is passionate about raising awareness of the SafeSport initiative and providing our athletes unparalleled development and competitive opportunity in a safe environment.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is a 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on preventing physical, emotional and sexual abuse in sport. The Center, initially chartered by the U.S. Olympic Committee, is an independent organization with a nine-member board of directors, including subject-matter experts in abuse prevention, child abuse and sexual assault investigation, ethics compliance and sport administration.

In 2018, the “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017” became Federal law. The mission of the U.S. Center for Safesport is to make the athlete well-being the centerpiece of our nation’s sports culture. All athletes deserve to participate in sports free from bullying, hazing, sexual misconduct, or any form of emotional or physical abuse. Education and awareness are the most critical components to creating safe and respectful sporting environments, free of abuse and harassment.

USSSA has always strived to create a safe and healthy environment for all participants and their families. There are certain requirements from the SafeSport Act that USSSA and all local USSSA programs must adhere to.

• Reporting of Sexual Abuse involving a minor to the proper authorities
  • All volunteers of a local league are now mandated reporters and could face criminal charges if the league chooses to ignore, or not report to the proper authorities, any witnessed act of child abuse, including sexual abuse, within 24 hours.
  • Local programs must be aware of the proper procedures to report sexual abuse in their state. Please reference Abuse & Molestation.
• Local programs must adopt a policy that prohibits retaliation on “good faith” reports of child abuse
• Local programs must adopt a policy that limits one-one-one contact with minors
• Local programs are highly encouraged to complete the Abuse Awareness training provided by USA Baseball and SafeSport – Abuse Awareness for Minors& Abuse Awareness for Adults

For more information on what USSSA is doing make sports a safe environment for kids across the country, visit PureBaseball.org.

SafeSport Resources

Our team of subject matter experts develop best practices, policies and programs consistent with guidance from leading organizations. SafeSport is building its repository of best practices and is eager to work with your organization to champion respect and end abuse in sport

• Free online parent training
• Complete Parent Toolkit
• Parents of Preschool Children
• Parents of School-Age Children
• Parents of Middle School Youth
• Parents of High School Aged Adolescents

For more information, visit SafeSport.