On March 6, 2017 a bill was introduced to amend the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990. The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017 was signed into law on February 14, 2018.

This law is in effect and should be adhered to by all SAY Soccer members. This amendment extends the duty of SAY members to report suspected child abuse, including sexual abuse, to adults who are authorized to interact with minor or amateur athletes at a facility under the jurisdiction of a national governing body. A national governing body (U.S. Soccer) is an amateur sports organization that is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The full legislation is available for download HERE.

The second part of this amendment defines the purpose of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. This organization must maintain an office for education and outreach that shall develop training, oversight practices, policies, and procedures to prevent the abuse, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, of amateur athletes participating in amateur athletic activities through their national governing bodies and Paralympic sports organizations. It is designed to promote a safe environment in sports for any amateur athlete. The U.S. Center for SafeSport has multiple resources that can be found HERE

Who needs to be SafeSport trained?
1. Organization member employees
2. Organization Board Members
3. Organization National Board Members
4. Adult Participants
5. Adult participants who have regular contact with any amateur athlete(s) who is a minor
6. Adult participants who have authority over any amateur athlete(s) who is a minor
7. Adult participants who are employees or board members of an Amateur Organization Member
8. Close in Age Exception” exists to allow for specific in program contact between an Adult Participant and a Minor Athlete if:
a. The Adult Participant does NOT have authority over the Minor Athlete. The Adult Participant must be in a similar role (e.g., Adult Athlete) as the Minor Athlete and have no control over said Minor Athlete
         b. The Adult Participant is no more than four years older than the Minor Athlete
         c. Adult participants who are medical providers required to take training as an Amateur Organization member employee or board member can take the Health Professionals Course in lieu of SafeSport Trained Core
9. Minor Athlete, subject to parental consent
10. Adult Referees 18 years of age and older
11. A 17 year old Minor Athlete who is turning 18 must complete the SafeSport Trained Core by their 18th birthday if they will have regular contact with Minor Athletes