ARTICLE 3 : ABUSE PREVENTION POLICIES ( APP )
All Member Clubs must implement proactive policies designed to prevent abuse . The Member Club must have a reporting mechanism to accept reports that an Adult Participant is violating the APP . The Member Club must appropriately investigate and resolve any reports received , unless the violation is reported to the USASF and it exercises Jurisdiction over the report . This requirement is in addition to the requirements to report abuse under the USASF Conduct Regulations .
What is the APP ?
The APP is a collection of proactive prevention and training policies that apply to all Member Clubs . It has three primary components :
1 . An Education & Training Policy that requires training for Adult Participants within the USASF ;
2 . Required Abuse Prevention Policies , focused on limiting One-on-One interactions between Adult Participants and Minor Athletes , that Member Clubs of USASF must implement .
3 . Recommended Prevention Policies .
The USASF adopted the APP to assist USASF Member Clubs and other individuals to whom these policies apply in meeting their obligations under the USASF Conduct Regulations . Clubs must share these policies with all Participants and with parents / guardians of Minor Athletes . Those implementing these policies should consider the physical and cognitive needs of all Athletes .
The APP focuses on just two important aspects of a much larger comprehensive abuse prevention strategy . These policies address ( 1 ) training requirements at Member Clubs and ( 2 ) limiting One-on-One interactions between adults and Minor Athletes . These policies are intended to be enforceable and reasonable , acknowledging , for example , that when a 17-year-old Athlete turns 18 , they become an Adult Athlete , and a complete prohibition of One-on-One interactions may not be necessary or practical . Additionally , there may be other instances when One-on-One interactions could occur , and in those cases , these policies provide strategies so parents / guardians can provide informed Consent if they choose to allow a permitted interaction . The USASF recommends that parents first complete training on abuse prevention to be informed about potential boundary violations and concerns before Consenting to the interaction .
While the APP will help Clubs implement these policies to greatly improve Athlete safety , in no way can they guarantee Athlete safety in all circumstances , especially when the policies are not fully implemented , followed , or monitored . These policies are not comprehensive of all prevention strategies , nor are they intended to be . These policies should be implemented alongside the USASF
USASF CODE OF CONDUCT AND COMPLIANCE 2024-2025 SEASON
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