USA Hockey

emotional abuse, hazing, bullying and threats, as well as policies which address specific hockey environments such as one-on-one interactions, locker rooms, social media and electronic communications, transportation and lodging, and billeting. • THE ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONS POLICY specifically prohibits one- on-one interactions between adult members of USA Hockey or those authorized by a USA Hockey program to have regular contact with or authority over minors (including coaches), unless that contact is observable and interruptible by another adult. There are exceptions for emergency circumstances. The Safe Sport Program also encompasses education and awareness training, a background check program, reporting concerns of abuse, responding to abuse and other misconduct, and monitoring and supervision of the Safe Sport program. • SAFE SPORT TRAINING—All employees, coaches, officials, managers, volunteers and players 17 and older playing in an age category that allows minor age players and others who have regular access to or authority over minor participants are required to complete Safe Sport training before their participation or first contact with minor participants. • BACKGROUND CHECKS—All employees, coaches, officials (18 and older), managers, volunteers and others who have regular access to or authority over minor participants are required to complete a background check before their participation or first contact with minor participants. • YOUTH ATHLETE TRAINING—USA Hockey also offers age-specific Safe Sport training to youth athletes through the U.S. Center for Safe Sport. These free online resources include courses for children from pre-school age through high school and are designed as an introduction for minor athletes and their parents or other caregivers to understand the importance of positive, welcoming environments in sports, and to know where to report abuse, should it occur. • MANDATORY REPORTING—All adults registered with USA Hockey and/or who are authorized by a USA Hockey program to a position of authority over minor participants are considered mandatory reporters and are required by law to report actual or suspected sexual misconduct or child abuse to the U.S. Center for Safe Sport and law enforcement. A USA Hockey member or parent of any member who violates any of the Safe Sport Program policies may be denied eligibility within any USA Hockey program and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, permanent suspension, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities. If you become aware of any issues that should be reported, or would like more information on the Safe Sport program, please see U S A H O C K E Y. C O M / S A F E S P O R T P R O G R A M .

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