SafeSport - Abuse Prevention Policy

ENSURING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

GFRSC YOUTH ABUSE POLICY

GFRSC is committed to creating a safe environment for our players, families, volunteers and staff.  All coaches, volunteers and staff are required to complete SafeSport training annually.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ABUSE

GFRSC has a zero tolerance for abuse in all ages, programs and club activities. It is the responsibility of every coach, volunteer, parent and player to participate in the effort to create a safe environment for all sports participants.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND MISCONDUCT

Under the SafeSport Act, the reporting obligation is triggered when a mandatory reporter becomes aware of “facts that give reason to suspect” a child has suffered an incident of child abuse. Child abuse includes physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, or negligent treatment of a child. Sexual Abuse is defined to include the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of a child to engage in, or assist another person to engage in, sexually explicit conduct or the rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children or incest with children. Mental Injury means harm to a child’s psychological or intellectual functioning which may be exhibited by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal or outward aggressive behavior, or a combination of those behaviors, which may be demonstrated by a change in behavior, emotional response or cognition.

Any action or circumstance listed above constitutes a breach of GFRSC's Sexual Abuse Policy, is unacceptable at any GFRSC activity, and will not be tolerated.

REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES

Given GFRSC’s zero tolerance for abuse, we encourage a culture of communication regarding matters that place an athlete or member at risk. Coaches, volunteers, parents and players are asked to report any sexual misconduct, inappropriate or suspicious behaviors to local law enforcement. All reports of inappropriate behaviors or suspicions of abuse will be taken seriously. 

ENFORCEMENT OF POLICIES

Coaches and volunteers who supervise our athletes and members are charged with the diligent enforcement of all policies related to the safety and protection of our athletes. A violation of these policies can be grounds for immediate dismissal from GFRSC activities. Final decision related to policy violations will be the responsibility of GFRSC's Abuse Prevention Committee.

CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATION

Any person accused of committing a prohibited act or any act considered to be harmful to a child will be immediately suspended from all GFRSC activities. This suspension will continue during any investigation by GFRSC, law enforcement or any child protective agency. Any person found to have committed a prohibited act may be banned from any future GFRSC activity. Failure to report a prohibited act as designated in this policy is in and of itself a violation of GFRSC’s Sexual Abuse Policy and grounds for dismissal or removal. Coaches or volunteers who fail to report a prohibited act may be restricted from participation in any future GFRSC activity.

Anyone with knowledge of an incident is required to report suspected child abuse within 24 hours to the local law enforcement agency, or local child protective services agency that has jurisdiction to investigate reports of child abuse or to protect child abuse victims, or to the FBI.


PROTECTING YOUNG VICTIMS FROM SEXUAL ABUSE AND SAFE SPORT AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2017

On February 14, 2018, the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 was signed into law and became effective immediately. The full legislation can be read hereand below are additional details on the specific mandatory reporting of child abuse requirements:

24 Hour Mandate

All suspected child abuse reports, including sexual abuse, must be reported within 24 hours to local law enforcement.

Definition of Child Abuse

The legislation defines child abuse as physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, or negligent treatment of a child.

Reports to Proper Agencies

Reports of child abuse should be made to the local law enforcement agency or local child protective services agency that has jurisdiction to investigate reports of child abuse or to protect child abuse victims or to the FBI. 

Failure to Report

An individual who is required, but fails, to report suspected child sexual abuse is subject to criminal penalties including fines and up to one year in jail.

Additional State Law Requirements

These obligations are in addition to any state law requirements that an individual may have in a particular jurisdiction.