Participant Safety Home

New Jersey Youth Soccer is committed to creating the safest possible environment for all of its participants by taking a variety of safety measures and implementing programs that put the best interest of the players at the forefront. NJ Youth Soccer continues to develop its Athlete and Participant Safety Program as part of its Risk Management program. he Athlete and Participant Safety Program is designed to meet requirements set forth by Federal Legislation in the Public Law 115-126 Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 (the “SafeSport Act”) as well as U.S. Soccer Federation Policy 212-3. All organizations affiliated with US Soccer (e.g., US Club Soccer, SAY Soccer, AYSO, MLSNext, etc.) must comply with US Soccer Policy.

Report a Concern

Reports that involve potential child abuse or sexual misconduct must be reported to the US Center for SafeSport. A report to both NJYS and the US Center for SafeSport is Mandatory.

All Adult Participants of NJYS are mandatory reporters of any known or suspected child abuse or neglect.  Reports of child abuse and neglect must be made to the appropriate law enforcement authorities within 24 hours.  The abuse does not need to be confirmed.  Adult Participants should never seek to conduct their own investigations. 

NJYS does not tolerate retaliation of any kind. Any Adult Participant or Minor Athlete who makes a good faith report will not be subject to retaliation, including harassment, as a result of making a report.  The SafeSport Act also includes qualified immunity for good faith reports.  The obligation to report is not always satisfied by making an initial report and an Adult Participant is required to report supplemental information of which he/she becomes aware that may be relevant in a pending investigation.

NJYS is required to have a mechanism for all individuals (adults and minors) to report abuse (not just abuse in sexual nature as abuse can be defined as any of the prohibited behaviors outlined under Prohibited Conduct in the NJYS Safe Soccer Policy), all are encouraged to report abuse through NJYS digital compliance platform(s) above. 

US Soccer List of Disciplined Individuals

U.S. Soccer has published a list of all individuals in soccer who are currently in the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s centralized disciplinary database as currently under a disciplinary decision, suspended, or banned by SafeSport, U.S. Soccer, and Organization Members (that have reported) for actions that would violate the SafeSport Code. This list is accessible to anyone publicly, including all clubs, players, and families around the country.

For a list of soccer individuals subject to measures imposed by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, including individuals on probation, suspended, or ruled ineligible, click here.

For a list of all individuals in the Olympic movement subject to measures imposed by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, click here.

Recognize to Recover

• Injury Prevention
• Injury Recovery
• Head & Brain Conditions
• Emergency Action Plans
• Cardiac Conditions
• Environmental Conditions
• Medication Resources
• Nutrition & Hydration
• Hydration
• Sleep

SafeSport Training

On February 14th, 2018, the President signed the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 which is aimed at protecting amateur athletes* from sexual abuse. The law has a three-prong approach, where (1) any adult interacting with amateur athletes in the program has a duty to report abuse and or suspected abuse, (2) the statute of limitations is extended for up to 10 years after a victim realizes he or she was abused, and (3) limits an athlete under the age of 18 from being alone with an adult who is not their parent.

In summary, the US Center for SafeSport created a comprehensive training program to educate Covered Adults on their federally mandated, legal obligation, to report abuse and/or suspected abuse. The following populations (non-exhaustive list) of Covered Adults must comply and take the trainings on an annual basis:

Course Access Information

Player Requirement: Based on the seasonal year calendar, players that are currently 18 years of age and/or will be 18 years of age by the end of the seasonal year must complete the SafeSport trained course prior to team assignment and card printing. This avoids a lapse of compliance in mid-competition. To fulfill this requirement, please see the instructions here. 

Goal Safety

Goal Safety Policy Statement

New Jersey Youth Soccer recommends use of these guidelines regarding the installation, use and storage of soccer goals by all of its members. As advocates for the healthy development of children, we need to be concerned with the soccer goal post safety. New Jersey Youth Soccer urges all of its organizations to review their policies and procedures and to implement and enforce a program of goal post safety.

While these guidelines should be effective in reducing the risk of goal-related injuries, they should not be construed as the only methods to minimize injuries associated with soccer goals. Please contact us if you have questions or would like additional information on this subject.

Anchoring Soccer Goals

There are several different ways to properly anchor soccer goals. The number and type of anchors used will depend on factors such as soil type and goal weight. Anchor types include:

• Auger-style anchors that are screwed into the ground
• Semi-permanent anchors, which require a permanently secured base buried underground with the use of tethers or bolts to secure the goal
• Peg, stake or j-hook style anchors that are driven into the ground
• Sandbags or counterweights for indoor facilities

Goal Storage

The CPSC reports most accidents occurred when the goal was unattended. When goals are not being used always:

• Remove the net

Take appropriate steps to secure goals such as:

• 1. Place the goal frames face to face and secure them at each goalpost with a lock and chain.
• 2. Lock and chain to a suitable fixed structure such as a permanent fence.
• 3. Lock unused portable goals in a secure storage room after each use.
• 4. Fully disassemble the goals for seasonal storage.

Lightning Safety

NJ Youth Soccer direction and policy adheres to US Soccer’s Recognize to Recover (R2R) approach.  For specifics and detailed information, see U.S Soccer’s Comprehensive Player Health and Safety Program. It is imperative to follow the guidelines outlined by US Soccer Recognize to Recover to ensure safety during these situations:

• Consult the National Weather Service, the Storm Prediction Center or local media outlets for severe weather watches and warnings before all events. Alerts can be sent directly to your mobile device while you are on the field.
• No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. All activity should be suspended, even if lightning or thunder has not yet been observed, and everyone should get indoors. Communicate this information completely and quickly to all participants.
• If it has been half an hour since thunder, it’s safe to go outdoors. Outdoor activity may resume 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder or flash of lightning. The 30-minute clock restarts every time lightning flashes or thunder sounds.

If someone is injured by a lightning strike, follow these emergency management steps:

• Call 911 and alert emergency medical responders (EMS).
• Establish that the area is safe before moving to help victim. If there is more than one victim, first assist those who appear in the most severe condition.
• Move individual(s) carefully to a safe location (victims of lightning strikes are safe to touch and do not carry an electric charge).
• Initiate CPR on victims who are unconscious, not breathing or have no pulse. Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available.
• Evaluate the individual(s) for additional injuries, such as broken bones or dislocations. Notify EMS of the potential injuries when they arrive on the scene.