Safe Soccer Policies
USSF
Summary
his suite of policies is designed to ensure the safety, protection, and wellbeing of all participants in soccer. They cover critical areas including abuse prevention, misconduct reporting, codes of conduct, and broader wellbeing initiatives.
These policies are shared to support clubs, leagues, and state associations to align with national standards of safety and accountability, and to increase safeguarding across the soccer ecosystem.
HOW AND WHEN IT CAN HELP
- To guide organizations in establishing clear safeguarding policies and codes of conduct.
- For educating coaches, referees, players, and parents about expectations and reporting pathways.
- To ensure compliance with national standards and legal requirements for safety in sport.
- As a reference when updating or creating local safeguarding frameworks.
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THIS RESOURCE
The policies offer any organization a starting point to develop comprehensive safeguarding approach, covering both prevention and response. And because they are centralized and publicly available, they provide a shared reference point for all stakeholders who want to make the game safe for all.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING THIS RESOURCE
- Clubs and leagues must actively train staff and volunteers on these policies, not just adopt them.
- Reporting systems should be accessible, well-communicated, and trusted by participants.
- Safeguarding is an ongoing responsibility requiring reinforcement and review, not a one-time adoption.
- An important part of safeguarding is connecting with other agencies that can offer specialist support. Make sure your club or organization is well networked in this area.
- If you have a Safeguarding concern, please visit the USSF Safeguarding Hub for additional information about how to make a report. If you or someone you know is at an immediate risk, please contact your local emergency services.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
As the governing body of soccer in all its forms in the United States. U.S. Soccer exists in service to soccer. Our ambition is to ignite a national passion for soccer. We believe soccer is more than a sport, it is a force for good.’ To learn more visit USSoccer.com.
These resources are hosted on the US Soccer Safeguarding Hub where you can find a range of other information and resources designed to support safeguarding in soccer.
CREDITING CONTRIBUTORS
The Resource Hub is made possible by the generosity of contributors. It demonstrates the rich expertise and collective team spirit that exists across our soccer community.
All resources that have been contributed to the Resource Hub are free for users of the Hub to learn from, adapt and implement in their own organization and community.
Where relevant, we encourage users of the resources to formally or informally credit the resource creator, to acknowledge their expertise and generosity.