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Parent Resources

U.S. Center for SafeSport provides parent resources that can help better equip parents to spot emerging problems before they worsen in order to create a safer sport culture. Resources include free online training, a parent toolkit, newsletters featuring athlete safety news, ideas, and resources, parent FAQs, and podcasts on a variety of topics useful to parents.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport also provides MAAPP specific resources for parents. Resources include 2022 MAAPP Need to Know: For Parents, the eight key points parents should know about MAAPP, MAAPP At-A-Glance, the full MAAPP, and training opportunities.

Policies At-A-Glance

  • Safe Sport General Info Sheet
  • MAAPP At-A-Glance
  • One-on-One Interaction Policy
  • Electronic Communications Policy
  • In-Program Contact Policy
  • Transportation Policy
  • Lodging Policy
  • Meetings and Training Sessions Policy
  • Locker Room Policy 
  • Massage Policy

Signs of Misconduct

  • Bullying Info Sheet
  • Harassment Info Sheet  
  • Hazing Info Sheet
  • Emotional Abuse Info Sheet
  • Physical Abuse Info Sheet
  • Sexual Misconduct Info Sheet
  • Grooming Info Sheet

Reporting

It is important for parents to be able to recognize signs of abuse or misconduct. If you observe abuse or miscondcut, learn of allegations, or have a reasonable suspicion that child sexual abuse or neglect has occurred, a report must be made to the appropriate organization and/or law enforcement. To learn more about reporting a Safe Sport Complaint, go to Reporting a Safe Sport Complaint. There you will find: where to start with your concern, whom to report, how to report, and what to expect after reporting your concern.

 

What Should I do and not do if I suspect child abuse?*

What Should I do and not do if I suspect child abuse?*

Do report to local law enforcement and to the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Don’t doubt your child or ignore their feelings.

What Should I do and not do if I suspect child abuse?*

Do make open communication with the child a priority.

Don’t model inappropriate behavior by yelling at a coach, another child, or another parent.

What Should I do and not do if I suspect child abuse?*

Do remain calm if a child confides abuse. Your initial response to their disclosure has a significant impact on what happens next. Make sure to document emotional abuse, so if a pattern develops you can report all the incidents.

Don’t assume your child just wants to quit the sport.

What Should I do and not do if I suspect child abuse?*

Do use broad, open-ended questions to listen to their concerns.

Don’t question whether your child “deserved” such treatement.

What Should I do and not do if I suspect child abuse?*

Do tell the child you’re glad they shared the information with you, that their safety is your first priority, and encourage them to come to you whenever a boundary has been crossed.

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What Should I do and not do if I suspect child abuse?*

Do reach out to support providers for assistance and resources.

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What Should I do and not do if I suspect child abuse?*

Do reach out to support providers for assistance and resources.

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Source: U.S. Center for SafeSport

*For age-specific recommendations and advice, download the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s Parent Toolkit.

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