SafeSport is the program that went into effect in 2018 as a result of the Federal Government's "Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017." Reporting suspected or known child abuse is Federally Mandated.

Beginning immediately, Little League International and all local Little League programs must adhere to the following requirements from the SafeSport Act:

1- Reporting of Child Abuse, including sexual abuse involving a minor, to the proper authorities. Contact one of your state/county/local law enforcement agencies or Child Services Department within 24 hours.

• All volunteers of a local league are now mandated reporters and could face criminal charges if the league chooses to ignore, or not report to the proper authorities, any reason to suspect an act of child abuse, including sexual abuse, within 24 hours.
• Local leagues must be aware of the proper procedures to report sexual abuse in their state. Please reference LittleLeague.org/ChildAbuse

2- Leagues must adopt a policy that prohibits retaliation on "good faith" reports of child abuse.

3- Leagues must adopt a policy that limits one-one-one contact with minors.

4- Leagues are highly encouraged to complete the Abuse Awareness training provided by USA Baseball and SafeSport.

Passage of Senate Bill 534, known as the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, has made it a federal crime to "mind your own business," in matters of child abuse or neglect.

All youth sports volunteers operating in the United States, including Little League volunteers, are obligated to notify authorities of any first-hand accounts of abuse or neglect of a minor. This information has been updated and reflected in Little League's Child Protection Program.

In summary, the new law requires that suspected child abuse must be reported within 24 hours to local law enforcement. If an individual suspects a case of abuse within their league, they should report it to the appropriate child services organization and/or law enforcement as well as their League President and District Administrator. The Little League Guidelines on Reporting Child Abuse are included in the program's Child Protection program.

The following points should also be highlighted to all Little League volunteers:

1. Federal legislation sets minimum standards to define child abuse and neglect: "(1) Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or (2) an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm." The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. § 5106g). However, the definition of child abuse and neglect varies by state and we strongly suggest your league consult with an attorney to determine what laws govern your reporting obligations.

2. Who is required to report suspected abuse? Any adult individual involved in their league. Coaches, managers, board members, concessions workers, field and maintenance workers, umpires, scorekeepers, team-moms, etc.

3. Any individual who fails to report suspected child abuse may be subject to criminal penalties.

4. Reporters are immune from liability even when a good faith report of abuse turns out to be unsubstantiated. Little League policy prohibits any kind of retaliation when a good faith report of child abuse is made.

5. There are training materials provided on the LL website about recognizing signs of abuse and child abuse reporting.

6. Additional Resources:
• Read more on ChildWelfare.gov about mandatory reporting, with a summary of state reporting laws
• State (toll-free) child abuse reporting numbers
• Search the definitions of child maltreatment by state
• For crisis assistance, counseling, and referral services:
• Childhelp is a national organization that provides crisis assistance and other counseling and referral services. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with professional crisis counselors. All calls are anonymous. Contact them at (800) 4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453), or visit ChildHelp.org.

7. Child Protection Program information available on LittleLeague.org:
• Little League Child Protection Program | PDF Download
• Little League Player Safety
• Guidelines to Reporting Abuse
• State Specific Information on Child Abuse
• State Background Check Laws
• SafeSport Parents' Training Resources 05/21/2018

Additional Resource: Download the Stewards of Children® Prevention Toolkit Mobile App and learn about how to protect the children in your life.