USASF Professional Responsibility Code 2019-2020 9.0 | Page 47

REPORTING STEPS & PROCEDURES
REPORTS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND/OR CHILD
PROTECTIVE SERVICES
All states have mandatory reporting laws requiring persons
holding certain positions to report suspicions of sexual or
physical abuse of a minor.
In most cases, suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexaul
abuse must be reported to the appropriate law enforcement
authorities. A compilation of information on when a person must
make a report to law enforcement authorities can be found at:
1. www.childwelfare.gov
2. www.childwelfare gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/manda.cfm
3. www.childwelfare gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/state/
In some cases an employee or volunteer may be hesitant about
reporting suspected abuse because they are unsure about the
credibility of the person making the allegation, are unsure about the
credibility or validity of the facts on which the allegations are based or
are concerned about the potential consequences of a false report. It
is critical that employees and/or volunteers not attempt to
evaluate the credibility or validity of child physical or sexual
abuse allegations as a condition for, or prior to, reporting
their concerns.
An independent investigation can harm youth and/or interfere
with the legal investigative process. Accordingly, the U.S. All
Star Federation, its Member Programs and their administrators,
employees and/or volunteers shall not attempt to evaluate the
credibility or validity of allegations of child physical or sexual abuse as
a condition for, or prior to, reporting to appropriate law enforcement
authorities. As necessary, however, a person receiving a report
may ask a few clarifying questions of the minor or person making
the report to adequately report the suspicion or allegation to law
enforcement authorities.
REPORTS TO THE U.S. ALL STAR FEDERATION
Reports to the U.S. All Star Federation are initially handled by
the U.S. All Star Federation General Counsel and the U.S. All Star
Federation Athlete Protection Team.
U.S. All Star Federation and its Member Program owners and
administrators will take a report in the way that is most comfortable
for the person initiating a report, including an anonymous, in-person,
verbal or written report via email or utilizing the online reporting
form.
When reporting, it is essential for the reporting party to provide as
much detail as possible. The report should include:
1. The name(s) and contact information of the complainant(s),
2. The type of misconduct alleged,
3. The name(s) of the individual(s) alleged to have committed the
misconduct,
4. The name of the victim, and in the case of a minor, the name of
their parent and/or guardian,
5. The approximate dates the misconduct was committed,
6. The names of other individuals who might have information
regarding the alleged misconduct,
7. A summary statement of the reasons to believe that misconduct
has occurred.
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CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Any person or organization who may have a conflict of interest
because they are named in a complaint, are a witness to an allegation,
are closely affiliated with the person accused of misconduct or may
have other potential bias are considered to have a conflict of interest
in the investigation or outcome of the complaint and shall be recused
from participating in an investigation or other disciplinary process.
The investigation and hearing process shall be handled by persons
who are reasonably disinterested and impartial to the matter and all
other persons and the program involved.
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