Coach & Player Interaction, Safe Sport & Athlete Protection Policy

Coach & Player Interaction, Safe Sport & Athlete Protection Policy

Adopted by Mayes County Soccer Association (MCSA)

1. Purpose and Governing Authority

MCSA is committed to providing a safe, professional, and developmentally appropriate environment for all youth athletes.

As an affiliated member organization of the Oklahoma Soccer Association (OSA), which operates under the authority of the U.S. Soccer Federation, MCSA adopts and enforces:

• OSA Risk Management policies

• U.S. Soccer Safe Sport and Participant Safety Standards

• The Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017

• Applicable Oklahoma child protection and mandatory reporting laws

Where OSA, U.S. Soccer, or SafeSport policies impose stricter standards than this document, the stricter standard shall govern.

2. Applicability

This policy applies to all:

• Coaches (head and assistant

• Team managers

• Board members

• Referees

• Trainers

• Volunteers

• Any adult participating in MCSA programs, activities, or events

This includes recreational, competitive, tournament, camp, travel, and clinic environments sanctioned by MCSA or OSA.

3. Risk Management & Background Screening (OSA Compliance)

In accordance with OSA Risk Management requirements:

• All coaches and applicable volunteers must complete OSA-approved background screening.

• All required individuals must complete SafeSport training as mandated by OSA and U.S. Soccer.

• No adult may participate in any official capacity until properly cleared through OSA registration and risk management systems.

Failure to maintain current clearance results in immediate suspension from all activities.

4. Prohibited Physical Contact

MCSA enforces a strict boundary policy regarding adult-minor interaction.

The following conduct is strictly prohibited:

• A minor sitting on the lap of a coach or club-affiliated adult

• Cuddling, prolonged hugging, or affectionate physical contact

• Carrying a player except in a medical emergency

• Physical discipline of any kind

• Any physical interaction that could reasonably be interpreted as intimate, secretive, or unnecessary

• One-on-one isolated physical contact

5. Permitted Physical Contact

Permissible contact must be:

• Instructionally necessary and conducted in open, observable settings

• Brief and professional

• Required for safety or medical care

All interactions must be observable and interruptible consistent with SafeSport standards.

6. One-on-One Interaction & Communication Standards

In alignment with OSA and U.S. Soccer Safe Sport policies:

• One-on-one meetings must occur in observable and interruptible environments.

• Private closed-door meetings without a parent/guardian present are prohibited.

• Electronic communication with minors must comply with SafeSport requirements, including parental inclusion where mandated.

• Adults may not transport a single unrelated minor alone without written parental consent except in emergencies.
  
  

7. Prior Misconduct & Eligibility Restrictions

To protect athletes and maintain compliance with OSA standards:

Any adult who has previously been:

• Removed, terminated, or reassigned from a youth-serving role

• Restricted from working with minors

• Asked to resign during an investigation

• Subject to substantiated allegations of abuse, grooming, or boundary violations

— may be denied eligibility or removed from participation in MCSA programs.

This applies regardless of:

• Whether criminal charges were filed

• Whether charges were dismissed

• Whether the matter was resolved privately

MCSA reserves the right to deny participation based on credible prior allegations that resulted in removal from youth-serving positions.

Failure to disclose prior investigations or removals is grounds for immediate termination and referral to OSA.

8. Mandatory Reporting Requirements

Under Oklahoma law and Safe Sport regulations, all adults are mandatory reporters.

Suspected abuse, misconduct, grooming, or sexual misconduct must be reported immediately to:

1. Local law enforcement or Oklahoma Department of Human Services (as required by law)

2. MCSA President or designated Safety Officer

3. The U.S. Center for SafeSport when the allegation involves sexual misconduct within a sport setting

4. The Oklahoma Soccer Association Risk Management Office, when required under OSA reporting rules

Reporting to MCSA alone does not satisfy mandatory reporting obligations.

Failure to report may result in removal and potential legal consequences.

9. Interim Measures & Cooperation with Governing Bodies

Upon receiving allegations of serious misconduct, MCSA may:

• Immediately suspend the accused individual

• Restrict access to players and facilities

• Notify OSA Risk Management

• Cooperate fully with investigations conducted by:

  • OSA

  • U.S. Soccer

  • SafeSport

  • Law enforcement
    
    

MCSA acknowledges that SafeSport has exclusive jurisdiction over sexual misconduct matters within Olympic and Paralympic sport structures, including U.S. Soccer.

10. Anti-Retaliation

Retaliation against any person making a good-faith report is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

11. Annual Certification

All covered adults must annually:

• Complete OSA registration and background screening

• Complete required SafeSport training

• Sign acknowledgment of this policy

• Disclose prior investigations, removals, or restrictions
  
  

12. Commitment to Athlete Safety

MCSA prioritizes athlete safety above competitive success, reputation, or convenience. As an affiliated member of OSA and U.S. Soccer, MCSA commits to upholding the highest standards of athlete protection and professional conduct.