Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017

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. Child abuse is defined as physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, or negligent treatment of a child.

What exactly does the Law state? The legislation is available for download HERE. The U.S. Center for SafeSport has released a fact sheet about the legislation, which can be found HERE

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.

*What is an amateur athlete? Any child or minor under the age of 18. The legislation is available for download (click here).

• What are the requirements for NGB's and NGB-Affiliated (National Governing Body (NGB) - Such as the United States Soccer Federation)?

Reporting: A mechanism must be provided which allows a complaint to be easily reported for a reasonable suspicion of Sexual or Physical abuse/neglect, within a 24-hour period of awareness. Federal regulations state that reports should be made to a) local law enforcement, b) local/state child protective services, c) US Soccer Federation, and d) the US Center for SafeSport. EVERYONE is a MANDATORY REPORTER.

The mechanism for Reporting: Everyone listed below MUST be contacted when physical or sexual abuse is suspected

1. Local Law Enforcement Number Portland Police NON-EMERGENCY:503-823-3333 or 911 if it is an Emergency.
2. Local DHS Contact Number: Multnomah County Dedicated child abuse hotlines: Local: 503-731-3100 Toll-Free: 800-509-5439
3. Oregon Department of Human Services: Report through the local department in your county (Listed above) or call 855-503-SAFE (7323). For more information, see http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ABUSE/Pages/mandatory_report.aspx.
4. Portland Youth Soccer Association Executive Director: 503-646-6683; [email protected]
5. National Governing Body (NGB) US Soccer Integrity Hotline Number: (312) 528 - 7004, OR complete the online form at US Soccer: https://www.ussoccer.com/integrity-hotline

6. US Center for SafeSport: https://www.safesport.org/report-a-concern

What are the requirements for NGB's and NGB-Affiliated?

Prevention Training: Offer and provide consistent training to adult members who are in contact with amateur athletes who are minors (Utilizing the SafeSport online education listed below). Currently, there is no mandated training provider. Several program options currently exist for awareness/prevention training of sexual abuse. Until there is a mandate or law change, you may use whatever program your organization deems will meet this training requirement. Some programs are currently available at no cost to the adult or organization. Most programs will take between 75 to 90 minutes to complete.

The US Center for SafeSport is one example:

• US Center for SafeSport: To enroll in this program just click on the link below, click on "Sign In," click on "Register." When prompted make sure to select US Soccer as your NGB and then enter the access code proved below.
  • To register or learn more: https://www.safesport.org

Other forms of misconduct such as emotional abuse, bullying, hazing, or harassment, which do not require reporting as outlined above but reported to the following.

1. Club Risk Manager Contact Information (every club should have a point person for reporting)
2. Club or BOD Review/Hearing - There should be a process in place to document and address this other misconduct. The decision of the Club or BOD should be sent to the Portland Youth Soccer Association Office: 503-646-6683; [email protected]

Reasonable Procedures (Clubs):

1. Each club should establish policies and procedures aimed at PREVENTING one-on-one interactions between an adult and an amateur athlete who is a minor.
2. Each club must assign a risk management contact (Portland Youth Soccer Association) Prohibit Retaliation: Include in your club policy that there can be no retaliation from the club toward those who are reporting.
3. An individual who is required, but fails, to report suspected child sexual abuse is subject to criminal penalties including fines and up to one (1) year in jail.

What else is important to know about this Law? How might my club be impacted?

There are additional and more specific requirements for several categories of youth sports providers listed as 'Applicable Entity' within the Bill. Those listed under this category include:

• National Governing Body (NGB) - Such as the United States Soccer Federation
• Amateur Sports Organization (sanctioned by NGB) - Such as your local State Association and Member Affiliates (town programs, clubs, and leagues) (EG. PYSA?)
• Amateur Sports Organizations (NOT sanctioned by NGB) - Such as YMCA, Church Leagues, Municipal Leagues, Independent Recreation Leagues, Camps, all others (EG PYSA?)