SCCYSA is committed to providing a safe, positive, and respectful environment for every player, coach, referee, volunteer, and family involved in our organization. The safety and well-being of our athletes is our highest priority.
SafeSport is a national program focused on preventing, recognizing, and responding to abuse and misconduct in youth sports. It provides education, training, policies, and reporting resources to help protect athletes and promote safe participation for all.
What Is SafeSport?
SafeSport helps create safer sports environments by addressing misconduct that may include:
- Sexual misconduct or abuse
- Physical misconduct
- Emotional misconduct
- Bullying, threats, or harassment
- Hazing
- Retaliation
- Violations of athlete safety policies
- Inappropriate one-on-one interactions with minor athletes
SafeSport training and policies are designed to help adults recognize warning signs, understand appropriate boundaries, and take action when concerns arise.
SCCYSA’s Commitment to Player Safety
SCCYSA expects all coaches, volunteers, staff, referees, board members, families, and participants to help maintain a safe and respectful soccer environment.
Adults involved with SCCYSA are expected to follow applicable safety requirements, including SafeSport training, background checks, concussion awareness, and other player safety standards required by governing soccer organizations.
We believe every athlete deserves to participate in soccer free from abuse, misconduct, harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
How to Report a Concern
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
Concerns involving suspected child abuse, sexual misconduct, or other serious misconduct should be reported directly to the appropriate authorities and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
Reports may be made to the U.S. Center for SafeSport:
Online: Visit the U.S. Center for SafeSport “Report a Concern” page
Phone: 833-5US-SAFE, or 833-587-7233
Reports may also be submitted through U.S. Soccer’s Safe Soccer reporting resources.
If the concern involves SCCYSA, families may also notify SCCYSA leadership so the organization can take appropriate action within its authority. Reporting to SCCYSA does not replace reporting to law enforcement, child protective services, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, U.S. Soccer, or any other required reporting agency.
What Should Be Reported?
You should report any concern involving athlete safety, including suspected abuse, misconduct, policy violations, inappropriate behavior, or retaliation.
Concerns may involve a coach, referee, volunteer, staff member, board member, parent, spectator, player, or another individual connected to the soccer environment.
You do not need to investigate the concern yourself. If something does not feel right, report it to the appropriate authority.
Retaliation Is Prohibited
SCCYSA does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith report or participates in a review of a safety concern. Retaliation may include threats, intimidation, harassment, exclusion, punishment, or negative treatment because someone reported a concern.
Anyone who believes they have experienced retaliation should report it immediately.
Creating a Safer Soccer Community
Player safety is a shared responsibility. Coaches, parents, volunteers, referees, and players all help create the culture of our league.
By staying informed, following SafeSport guidelines, respecting boundaries, and reporting concerns, we can work together to protect athletes and maintain a positive soccer experience for every SCCYSA family.