safesporticon-1SafeSport

      We strive to create a sports environment in which all youth and adult participants may participate in youth sports activities, programs, and competitions free from all forms of emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual misconduct, but we cannot do this without everyone's vigilance and active participation.

      As a participant you are not only morally responsible for the safety and well being of our youth participants, but you also have a legal responsibility. Under the SafeSport Act, all adult participants are mandatory reporters and legally responsible for reporting suspicion of abuse. Failure to do so in the State of California is a crime, and punishable by up to six months in jail and/or fines of up to $1,000.

      The law requires that a person have a “reasonable suspicion” that a child has been the subject of child abuse or neglect. Definite proof that a child may be subject to abuse or neglect is not required.

       

      Completing SafeSport Requirement

      SafeSport Instructions for Players Age 18+

       
      Learn more about what we do to keep participants safe
      Read Our Athlete and Participant Safety Policy

      When physical or sexual abuse is suspected, reports must be made to each of the below:

      Local Authority
      Report to the appropriate agency pursuant to your county of residence requirements, e.g. Police or Sheriff’s Department, or County Child Protective Services.
      Find Your Local 24-Hr Emergency County Contact
      Cal North
      Report the incident to Cal North by sending an email to RiskManager@calnorth.org
      US Soccer
      Contact National Governing Body, US Soccer by either reporting through their hotline by dialing (312) 528-7004, or using the online submission form.
      Report Online
      US Center SafeSport
      Report to the US Center for SafeSport online or by dialing (720) 531-0340.
      Report Online

      All other forms of misconduct such as emotional abuse, bullying, hazing, or harassment must be reported to your League or Club Risk Manager.

      All reports of misconduct are taken with the utmost sensitivity and as discreetly as possible. Reporting may be made anonymously without fear of retaliation of any kind. No individual who makes a good faith report will be subject to retaliation, including harassment, or any adverse employment or participation consequence, as a result of making a report.

      In the event that you make a report of suspected child abuse to law enforcement, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, or another authority, we encourage you not to make an anonymous report simply because an anonymous report will not provide you with evidence that you discharged your mandatory reporting obligation.

      Additional Resources

      Below are risk management resources to help better navigate and maintain compliance with Cal North Safe Sport requirements. If you have not already familiarized yourself with our Athlete and Participant Safety Policy (see resource above), please make sure to do so first. 

      US Center for SafeSport

      The US Center for SafeSport is an independent 501c(3) non-profit organization focused on ending all forms of abuse in sport.  

      Safe Sport Certification Training - Required annual training for all covered personnel. Please use US Soccer's access code when completing training: YC3E-6P5G-YYIL-CS2M.

      For all other SafeSport educational materials and resources, please visit the training and education section of their website

      NGBs: US Soccer and US Youth Soccer

      US Soccer Safe Soccer Framework - A comprehensive program of policies and processes, screening, education and training, reporting, monitoring, and enforcement designed to help participants detect and report abuse, respond to it, and prevent future occurrences.

      US Youth Soccer's Risk Management Policy - The official risk management policy of US Youth Soccer, approved February 16, 2019.

      SafeSport has a New Learning Management System

      SafeSport moved to a new LMS called Absorb on December 7th. 

       

      All club links and access points have been updated.

       

      Completing SafeSport Requirement with New System

      Additional Cal North Resources
      • US Soccer Connect Safe Sport Management Guide (coming soon) - A guide to help you ensure that all covered personnel have met minimum requirements. 
      • SafeSport Brochure (PDF)- A printable handout that can be distributed to parents, players, and coaches.