SafeSport Training

What is SafeSport?

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 Safe Sport 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 Safe Sport. 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

What does this mean for SAY Referees?

As of July 1, 2020, all referees 18 years of age and older will need to be SafeSport Trained to officiate any SAY Soccer games

FC Dayton will be using the Ohio Soccer Association's Risk Management program for all adults (players, coaches, referees, and more) which includes SafeSport Training.