In February 2018, the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017 was signed into law. There are five clear pieces to the legislation, with three notable shifts.  The 2018 law created the following:

1. The statute of limitations has been extended. A minor who is the victim of a federal sex offence now has up to 10 years to file civil action (up from three years), from the date the individual reaches 18.
2. Your reporting duties as a youth-sport operator are clear and penalties for violations can be significant. Authorized adults interacting with a minor or amateur athlete at a facility under the jurisdiction of a national governing body, are now required to report suspected child abuse – including child sexual abuse – within 24 hours, or are subject to criminal penalties of up to a year in jail.
3. Compliance expectations are the same as following the rules for running a business. You must keep up to speed on your requirements as this law evolves- there will be changes, and this legislation allows for it. You’re required to know the rules- there aren’t accommodations or forgiveness for businesses who choose to ignore the legislation. 

1. Establish a reporting system. To be in compliance with the new 24-hour reporting rule, incidences of child abuse must be “easily reported.” Consider contracting with The Sports Compliance Company’s  electronic abuse reporting system, or creating an internal system that can be tested and implemented effectively.

2. Run the CORRECT Background checks. While it seems obvious, not every youth sports organization is doing background checks. Make sure that all adults working with children under your organization’s umbrella have been screened. There are a number of online, local and national businesses that provide these services without a significant expense- just make sure you’re meeting the minimum requirements. All screens need to meet the USOPC minimums and to reduce costs, conduct your screens through the screening provider your sport federation is contracted with.

3. Mandate awareness training for minors, with parental consent. The amateur athlete also needs to be educated on the organization’s policies and procedures when it comes to abuse. Provide an easy way for kids to report abuse, and offer training at the beginning of each new sport season.

4. Mandate awareness training for coaches and parents. Educate coaches and parents to recognize the red flags of abuse. Learning the warning signs will both improve the identification of abuse, and aid in prevention efforts. Require training for all staff, coaches and parents at least annually.