(Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017) was signed and immediately put into effect on February 14, 2018. The new law requires all National Governing Bodies (i.e. U.S. Soccer Federation) and its members, including State Associations, to immediately report suspected child abuse, including sexual abuse, within 24 hours to all adults who are authorized to interact with minors or amateur athletes. Any individual who is required, but fails, to report suspected child abuse will now be subject to criminal penalties.The legislation also includes establishing reasonable procedures to limit one-on-one interactions, policies, and procedures to prevent emotional, physical and child abuse of amateur athletes, and to provide consistent training to all members who are in regular contact with amateur athletes who are minors. In addition, the legislation calls for regular and random audits to ensure compliance.

Alaska Youth Soccer Association: Implemented the Adult Verification Policy in August of 2017. The policy requires each adult to submit an AYSA annual background check, review the AYSA Code of Conduct, and complete the Abuse Prevention Training. If an affiliate member is found to be not in compliance with the Adult Verification Policy; they will be referred to the AYSA Compliance and Disciplinary Committee. The Committee can place the member on a probationary period to correct the non-compliance issue. Continued non-compliance with AYSA Policies and Procedures may result in the members suspension or removal as a member.The new legislation is certainly a step in the right direction and AYSA will continue to ensure that we access the available resources, education, and procedures to follow the appropriate requirements which are critical to holding individuals that work with youth in the state of Alaska accountable for protecting the youth athletes. The U.S. Center for SafeSport Fact Sheet

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 states a) local law enforcement and b) local/state child protective services c) US Soccer, and d) the US Center for SafeSport. EVERYONE is a MANDATORY REPORTER. Reporting: Everyone listed below MUST be contacted when physical or sexual abuse is suspected;

• Local Law Enforcement Numbers; Alaska State Troopers
• Local Child Protective Services Number (1-800-478-4444)
• State of Alaska Office of Children's Services (OCF); Mandatory Reporting Guidelines
• Club Risk Manager Contact Information (every club should have a point person for reporting)
• Alaska Youth Soccer State Main Office (907-887-6550, alaskayouthsoccer@gmail.com)
• National Governing Body (NGB)
• US Soccer Integrity Hotline Number: 312-528 -7004
• US Soccer: https://www.ussoccer.com/integrity-hotline
• US Center for SafeSport: https://www.safesport.org/report-a-concern