Player Safety & Misconduct Reporting
ENYYSA and its member leagues are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all players. This page explains what to report, how to report it, and what clubs should do when a coach, staff member, volunteer, or adult participant is accused.
If You Are Unsure, Report It.
You do not need proof to report a concern. If you witness, experience, or become aware of conduct that may place a player at risk, report the concern and allow the appropriate organization to review it.
When in doubt, report.
Emergency or immediate danger. Call 911 immediately.
Responsibilities of Coaches, Staff & Clubs
Responsibility of Coaches, Staff & Clubs
- Report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse, sexual misconduct, or grooming directly to the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
- Report safeguarding concerns to U.S. Soccer when appropriate.
- Protect player safety at all times.
- Do not conduct your own investigation.
- Do not delay reporting.
Club Responsibilities
- Ensure the immediate safety of players.
- Notify your member league when a SafeSport or safeguarding concern has been reported.
- Preserve emails, texts, social media messages, schedules, rosters, and witness information.
- Cooperate with SafeSport, U.S. Soccer, ENYYSA, and your member league.
- Consider interim measures to protect players while a matter is pending.
Important: Clubs should not conduct their own SafeSport investigation before reporting. Report first, protect players, preserve information, and cooperate with the appropriate authorities.
US Soccer SafeSport/Participant Safety Resource
View US Soccer Resources>
Recognizing Warning Signs & Grooming Behaviors
Behavioral Warning Signs
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Withdrawal from teammates, friends, or family
- Excessive private communication with a coach
- Unexplained gifts, money, or special privileges
- Reluctance to be alone with a specific adult
Grooming Warning Signs
- Adult insisting on one-on-one time with a child
- Secret-keeping between the adult and child
- Private app communication or late-night messages
- Discouraging a child from telling parents
Trust Your Instincts. If something feels wrong, report it.
What Should Be Reported?
SafeSport Abuse
- Sexual misconduct
- Child abuse
- Grooming behavior
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual abuse allegations
Safeguarding Concerns
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Physical misconduct
- Emotional misconduct
- Policy violations
Sideline Misconduct
- Parent aggression
- Coach misconduct
- Referee abuse
- Player abusive language
Discrimination
- Racism or racial slurs
- Gender-based harassment
- Religious or cultural harassment
- Threatening language
How to Report
US Center for SafeSport
Use for:
- Sexual misconduct
- Child abuse
- Grooming behavior
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual abuse allegations
US Soccer Safeguarding
Use for:
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Physical misconduct
- Emotional misconduct
- Policy violations
- Other safeguarding concerns
Real Examples
Grooming Behavior
A coach offers private training alone with a player and gives gifts.
Report directly to SafeSport.
Late-Night Private Messages
A coach privately texts a player late at night or through social media.
Report to SafeSport and/or U.S. Soccer and notify the club/member league as appropriate.
Sideline Abuse
A parent repeatedly yells aggressively at players, coaches, or referees.
Report through the Member League Incident Report. If child safety concerns exist, also report to SafeSport or U.S. Soccer.
Racial Slur
A player, coach, or spectator uses a racial slur during a game.
Report to Member League/ENYYSA. If abuse or safety concerns exist, also report to SafeSport or U.S. Soccer.
What Happens After You Report?
- Report Received:
The report is logged and reviewed by the appropriate organization. - Triage & Escalation:
The matter is reviewed to determine whether SafeSport, U.S. Soccer, ENYYSA, Member League, law enforcement, or another body should handle it. - Safety Measures:
Interim safety measures may be applied to protect players while the matter is pending. - Review / Investigation:
A formal review or investigation may be conducted where applicable. - Resolution:
Outcomes and any disciplinary actions are documented and communicated as appropriate.
Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith is prohibited.
Quick Reference Contacts
| Contact | When To Use | How To Reach |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Center for SafeSport | Sexual misconduct, child abuse, grooming, sexual harassment, sexual abuse allegations, or SafeSport jurisdiction concerns. | Submit a SafeSport Report |
| U.S. Soccer Safeguarding | Bullying, harassment, physical misconduct, emotional misconduct, policy violations, or other safeguarding concerns. | Submit a U.S. Soccer Report |
| Emergency / 911 | Immediate physical danger or active harm to a child. | Call 911 immediately. |