Resources & Safety

SAFESPORT & MAAPP

The U.S. Center for SafeSport provides education and resources designed to prevent and respond to abuse and misconduct in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies, commonly known as MAAPP, establish prevention standards for interactions involving minor athletes.

Youth athletes, parents, coaches, volunteers and club leaders are encouraged to understand the expectations that apply to their role and to use official SafeSport resources for current requirements and guidance.

Are You Supporting a Youth Program?

Coaches, volunteers, administrators and other adults who work with or have authority over minor athletes may have training, screening and conduct requirements based on their role and applicable USDBF policies.

Use the link below to begin the approved USDBF process.

APPLY FOR SAFESPORT TRAINING
START BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS

Youth Program Compliance Checklist

• Youth Program Lead designated by the club
• Youth Representative 
• Youth Parent Coordinator 
• SafeSport-trained adults working with youth athletes
• Current background checks for all youth-facing adults
• Parent/Guardian consent forms completed for all minor athletes
• Signed Athlete Code of Conduct on file
• Emergency contact and medical informationfor every athlete
• MAAPP (Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies) implemented and followed
• Rule of Three communication practices in place
• Club safety and emergency procedures established
• Youth coaches and steerpersons with the appropriate certifications (or actively completing them)
• Roster of youth athletes maintained and kept up to date
• Compliance documents submitted to the USDBF Youth Committee, when requested
• All youth athletes are registered with the USDBF before competing in any sanctioned event.  (Join USDBF)

YOUTH CODE OF CONDUCT

ACCESS SAFESPORT | EXPLORE MAAPP RESOURCES | MAAPP | REPORT A CONCERN

KNOW

Know the expectations. Understand appropriate boundaries, youth protection requirements, MAAPP and the standards that apply to your role.

RECOGNIZE

Recognize concerning behavior. Pay attention to boundary violations, grooming behaviors, inappropriate communication, bullying, harassment, retaliation and other conduct that may place an athlete at risk.

RESPOND

Respond appropriately. Prioritize immediate safety, listen without blaming, avoid conducting your own investigation and follow applicable reporting requirements and organizational procedures.

Report concerns through the appropriate channel. You do not need to solve a concern before raising it. When reporting is required, follow applicable law, SafeSport requirements and USDBF.

FOR ATHLETES

You deserve to participate in an environment where expectations are clear and where you know how to ask questions or raise concerns. Learn the Code of Conduct, understand healthy boundaries and speak with a trusted adult or use the appropriate reporting channel when something does not feel right.

FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS

Parents and guardians are important partners in youth safety. Learn the communication and interaction expectations that apply in youth sport, ask clubs about their safety practices and use official reporting channels when you have a concern.

FOR COACHES, VOLUNTEERS & CLUBS

Adults set the standard. Know the policies that apply to your role, complete required training and screening, maintain appropriate boundaries, use open and transparent communication practices and support a culture where athletes can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.

• Youth Program Lead – Oversees the club’s youth program and serves as the primary liaison with the USDBF Youth Committee.
• Youth Representative – Represents the voice of youth athletes, promotes engagement, and helps foster a positive, athlete-centered culture.
• Youth Parent Coordinator – Serves as the main point of contact for parents, supports communication, and helps coordinate parent involvement and volunteer efforts.