Iowa Safe Soccer is a comprehensive approach, guided by institutional policy and organizational commitment.

There are additional and more specific requirements for several categories of youth sports providers listed as “Applicable Entity” within the law.  Those listed under this category include:

• National Governing Body (NGB) – U.S. Soccer, as an example
• Amateur Sports Organizations sanctioned by a NGB – Iowa Soccer and its organizational members, as an example
• Amateur Sports Organizations not sanctioned by a NGB – YMCA, Church Leagues, Municipal Leagues, Independent Leagues, Camps, all others
• From the U.S. Center for SafeSport
  • Fact Sheet: Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act

Safesport Act: Training Requirements

• Prevention Training – Under U.S. Soccer’s SafeSoccer Framework, all Amateur Sports Associations (Iowa Soccer) sanctioned by a NGB (U.S. Soccer) must provide consistent training to adult-age members who are in contact with amateur athletes who are minors.
  • Per U.S. Soccer, starting September 1, 2019,  adults involved in youth soccer must take an initial Abuse Prevention Training course and then within the next calendar year, an annual refresher each year of participation. 
  • The course is offered online at no cost through the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Safesport Act: Reporting Requirements, Prohibiting Retaliation

• Reporting – a mechanism that allows a complaint to be easily reported for a  reasonable suspicion of Sexual or Physical abuse/neglect, within a 24 hour period of awareness.
  • Federal regulations require reports should be made to all below:
    • local law enforcement
    • Iowa Soccer (submit here)
    • the U.S. Center for SafeSport
  • EVERYONE is a MANDATORY REPORTER.
• All associated policies must make clear it is prohibited to retaliate against those who report.

Risk management is a method for identifying risks, and developing and implementing a plan to protect an organization with the goal of preventing/minimizing loss.  One of the single-most important operations for Iowa Soccer and your organization alike is managing risk.  Through policies, recommendations, education and checklists, Iowa Soccer is committed to helping all participants have a safe soccer experience.

Iowa Soccer’s Policy

The purpose of the Iowa Soccer Association Safe Soccer Plan is to communicate methods of minimizing/preventing risk to players, volunteers, paid personnel, spectators, clubs and leagues. This Plan does not provide professional legal or tax advice and may not be relied upon for that purpose.  While this program may require time and effort, there is no higher priority than the protection of the soccer players and volunteers within our organization.

• Iowa Soccer’s Safe Soccer Policy

Risk-Management Coordinator 

Each club is required to identify a Risk Management Coordinator (RMC) that Iowa Soccer will use as a point of contact to communicate updates, educational resources, issues, etc.

• To report and update your club’s Risk Management Coordinator’s contact information, please contact Casey, cbetting@iowasoccer.org.
• RMC Checklist

In order to be approved to coach and/or do work in a club, all coaches and any club personnel that has interaction with youth players must

• Every year
  • Successfully complete SafeSport Abuse Awareness Training
• Every two years
  • Complete and pass a background check
  • Successfully complete Concussion Awareness Training

Governing Policies

• Iowa Soccer’s Safe Soccer Policy
• Background Check Clearance and Credential Policy
  • Background Check Result Appeals Process
• Concussion Management Policy

In recent years, research has revealed the depth of the impact concussions have both in the short- and long-term and on athletes of all ages.  As a result, there’s been an improvement in how head injuries are handled from the time of injury.  Arguably, the single most important step is to collectively change the culture around head injuries.
 
Here are the basics you should know about head injuries:

• All concussions are serious
• Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
• Third, recognition and proper response to concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death

Iowa Soccer’s Policy & Notification Form:

Our policy includes mandatory coach education and testing, and a return to play protocol that involves coaches, clubs, referees, parents, medical personnel, and Iowa Soccer.  The policy details the expectations of everyone involved, the requirements to be in compliance, and the processes to implement policy.

• Concussion Management Policy
• Possible Concussion Notification Process
  • Report via email to Membership Operations & Compliance Director Casey Betting, cbetting@iowasoccer.org