SafeSport

What is SafeSport?

The U.S. Center for SafeSport (Center) is an organization created by Congress to protect athletes.  The Center is an independent organization headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and is separate from the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC). The Center is committed to building a sport community where participants can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct.

The Center provides a safe, professional and confidential place for individuals to report sexual abuse and other inappropriate behavior within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movements. It also acts as a central source for education and tools for US Ski & Snowboard, our National Governing Body (NGB), and other national governing bodies.

What is Ford Sayre’s role?

Ford Sayre requires its coaches, board members and employees to complete SafeSport training and get certified. We are all responsible to provide for a safe culture. Creating that culture begins with understanding the rules and taking the training but goes far beyond that foundation in order to create a culture of safety. We all need to pay attention, listen to those around us who are expressing concerns, and be willing to step up to make sure our culture is one of respect and a safe place. 

In June of 2019, US Ski & Snowboard issued its Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP), specific to its membership, including national member organizations, local affiliated organizations and member clubs. Ford Sayre has since adopted all mandated components of the US Ski & Snowboard MAAPP as well as adding its own policies and procedures for compliance. The Ford Sayre MAAPP is critical to our goal for athlete safety and we encourage all in our Ford Sayre community to read through the document.

What is my role?

If you suspect violations of the SafeSport Code, or if you or anyone suspect that a child is experiencing misconduct of a sexual nature, don’t investigate it yourself. Call the SafeSport hotline and local child protection authorities (Police or Child Welfare Office) and report it to the experts who have the skills to investigate the matter. If you have a doubt on whether conduct is occurring, please err on the side of reporting.

The Center for SafeSport provides 24-hour support via the SafeSport Helpline or by calling (866) 200-0796

Can parents and athletes take SafeSport Training?

Yes! You may access age-appropriate training modules for athletes released by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. In addition, the Center also provides training and resources for parents. There is no cost for either the parent or youth athlete training modules, which include:

  • PARENT’S GUIDE TO MISCONDUCT IN SPORT 30 MINUTES
    Designed for parents of youth athletes at any age, this free course educates parents on recognizing, responding to, and preventing abuse and misconduct in their child’s sport setting. Featured are voices and perspectives of experts and advocates, with sound guidance on fostering positive and safe sport experiences for children both on field and at home. Parents will come away equipped with information and tactics to minimize risks of harm to their children.
  • SAFESPORT® FOR YOUTH ATHLETES (AGES 13-17) 15 MINUTE
    This course focuses on bullying and hazing prevention, supporting friends who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct, and resources for reporting. Requires parental consent for registration.
  • SAFESPORT® FOR KIDS 15 MINUTES
    This course educates young athletes ages 5–12 about the difference between discipline and abuse and encourages them to reach out to a trusted adult when something is not right. It also stresses the importance of being a good teammate, positive sportsmanship, and having a healthy sport environment focused on fun and safety. Requires parental consent for registration.

Instructions:

  • Go to www.safesporttrained.org and create an account (or login to an existing account)
  • You’ll be asked to validate your e-mail address through a confirmation e-mail
  • After your e-mail is confirmed, log into www.safesporttrained.org and choose one or more training modules and add them to your cart
  • Once you’ve checked out you may begin training
  • You may print a certificate of completion for each course for your child

The Center also has youth training modules designed for the parent and child to complete together. Each training module takes approximately 10-20 minutes. The courses are broken down into the following age groups:

We urge you to take a few minutes to explore these resources with your child and consider taking the Parent training as well.