Mandatory Reporting
Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017
In February 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 Law has a three-pronged approach:
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.
The statute of limitations is extended for up to 10 years after a victim realizes he or she was abused.
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.
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
d) US Center for SafeSport
Reasonable Club Procedures
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.
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.
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.
