Safe Sport
Instructions
USA Hockey has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for abuse and misconduct. USA Hockey SafeSport is a program focused on the organization's off-ice safety efforts.
WHO NEEDS TO COMPLETE SAFESPORT TRAINING?
SafeSport training is completed ANNUALLY (12 months from your previous training completion).
Be aware that depending on when you completed your previous SafeSport training, it may expire during the 2023-2024 season. Make sure you are completing the necessary course in time so there is not a lapse in training certification.
- USA Hockey/MN Hockey/District 10/RYHA Board Members
- Includes RYHA Executive Board, Operations Directors, Level Directors and Coordinators
- Coaches - volunteer & paid, parent & non-parent
- Team Managers - all levels
- Locker Room Monitors
- Travel Chaperones
- Volunteers
- Anyone that RYHA (and associated affiliates) authorizes to have regular contact with or authority over minor participants
- Players that will turn 18 years old during the 2023-2024 season must complete SafeSport training PRIOR any on-ice or off-ice participation.
Background screenings must be completed every other year. The fee for the 2023-2024 season is $30. You can also check your background check status by clicking the link below.
US CENTER FOR SAFESPORT
MINOR ATHLETE ABUSE PREVENTION POLICIES (MAAPP)
The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) limits one-on-one adult/minor interactions and sets standards for training and sport sessions that prevent abuse and misconduct.
The MAAPP apply to ALL in-program contact between Minor Athletes and Adult Participants (coaches, officials, volunteers, managers, dry land instructors/coaches, Board members, chaperones).
MAAPP Need to Know for Volunteers:
- You cannot be alone with Minor Athletes who are not your child, and any one-on-one interactions with them must be observable and interruptible.
- These restrictions apply to all areas in sport settings including concession stands, storage rooms, and locker rooms/changing areas, as well as transportation and lodging.
MAAPP Need to Know for Parents/Guardians:
- One-on-one interactions between Adult Participants and Minor Athletes must be observable and interruptible.
- Your consent is required for your child’s participation in individual training sessions, athletic training modalities, meetings with health professionals, transportation, and lodging. The Organization must provide you with consent forms.
- You must be allowed to watch your child’s individual training sessions.
- Your child must have access to a semi-private or private changing area, and locker rooms and changing areas must be monitored.
- Adult Participants must never shower with your child, unless they are close-in-age peer athletes or it is a pre/ post activity rinse where everyone is wearing swimwear. You can request that your child not change or shower with close-in-age adult peer athletes.
- You, another adult family member, or another Adult Participant must be included on all electronic communications (including texts, emails, and social media).
- One-on-one interaction policies apply during organization-sponsored transportation and lodging.
MAKING A REPORT
USA Hockey’s Reporting Policy is a key part of its Safe Sport Program and an effective reporting policy is crucial to preventing abuse. Section IV of the Safe Sport Handbook contains specifics on the Reporting Policy.
The Policy requires that every employee or volunteer of any USA Hockey Member Program must report (1) actual or perceived violations of the USA Hockey Safe Sport Program Handbook, (2) any violations of the policies prohibiting Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Bullying, Threats and Harassment, and Hazing, and (3) suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexual abuse to the appropriate USA Hockey representatives.
Additionally, in all cases involving suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexual abuse, every employee or volunteer of USA Hockey Member Programs must also report to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
To make a report to USA Hockey, you may do so either by:
(1) clicking on “Report to USA Hockey” and completing the Reporting Form,
(2) emailing to usahockeysafesport@usahockey.org, or
(3) calling 800-888-4656.
Reports may also be made to the Affiliate Safe Sport Coordinator. To make a report to your Affiliate Safe Sport Coordinator, please click on the link for the contact information for each USA Hockey Affiliate Safe Sport Coordinator.
REPORT TO U.S. CENTER FOR SAFESPORT
The Center accepts all reports of sexual abuse and child abuse within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. Report here if you have reasonable suspicion of sexual misconduct or harassment, child abuse (including child sexual abuse), or intimate relationships involving an imbalance of power.
The Center also accepts reports of emotional and physical misconduct (including but not limited to bullying, hazing, stalking, and harassment) within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. Reports of emotional and physical misconduct can also be reported directly to your sport’s national governing body (NGB).
US Center for SafeSport Response & Resolution Process
People engaged in U.S. Center for SafeSport Response & Resolution processes may have questions on many topics—so we provide access to Resource & Process Advisors who can answer questions by phone or email from a neutral perspective. This team can provide information on rights and responsibilities of Claimants, Respondents, and third parties throughout the Response & Resolution process, and can connect individuals with mental health, legal, or other support resources. These Resource & Process Advisors reflect our commitment to connecting people with vital information and referrals for support.