Athlete Protection

Any amateur sports organization that participates in interstate or international competition is now required by Federal Law [Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017] to report known or a reasonable suspicion of abuse to law enforcement within 24 hours, and implement policies, procedures and training to minimize the risk of abuse to minor athletes.

And what if yours is a local sports organization that doesn’t compete out-of-state or internationally? Well, you need to consider getting your athlete protection policies, procedures and training in line with the Safe Sport Act because it is being argued that the Safe Sport Act has changed ‘the standard of care’ in youth sports. Meaning, even if your organization doesn’t fall within the mandate of the Safe Sport Act, prosecuting attorneys are arguing that the new Federal Law has allowed organization leadership to know better, therefore they should do better.

Now, those who have knowledge or a reasonable suspicion of abuse and do not report to law enforcement within 24 hours can face possible criminal charges. It is no longer just the alleged abuser who can be charged with a crime.

Now, if abuse occurs within a covered amateur sports organization that is not in compliance with the law’s mandates, those who run the organization (including boards of directors) can face possible criminal charges.

So why aren’t amateur sports organization’s staff, volunteers and boards of directors clamoring to get into compliance with this new Federal Law?

“I don’t want to draw attention to this because I don’t want parents to think we have a problem.”

“Our coaches are some of the best and most respected in the city/state/region/country…these guys/gals aren’t abusing anyone.”

“We don’t have that problem in our league – believe me, if we did, I would know about it.”

But within those excuses lie some startling statistics:

1 in 10 youth are sexually abused by their 18^th birthday, and
90% of them are abused by someone they know, love or trust

Being the Best

But it’s much more than possible consequences. Doesn’t every sports organization strive to be ‘the best?’ By becoming compliant with the Safe Sport Act, you and your organization are showing the importance of being the best on and off the field. Is there a stronger, more powerful message to send to your athletes and their families?

With compliance, a sports organization is telling its athletes and their families that athlete protection is a priority…not an after-thought. This gives parents peace-of-mind and elevates your organization to ‘best in class.’

Let Us Help You Do This

Stark Consulting Group can help your organization become compliant with the new Federal Law, Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017.

We will meet with you and your leadership to learn about your particular organization…how it is structured, its culture, its history with athlete protection…and develop a personalized plan for compliance. The plan will include scope of work, timeline and budget.