Safesport and Screening

Why SafeSport Training Is Important for USA Hockey Members — Especially From a Team Manager’s Perspective:

As a team manager, you're the organizer, communicator, and often the first point of contact for parents, coaches, and volunteers. Here's why SafeSport matters for everyone involved:

1. It’s a USA Hockey Requirement — and the Law

• All adults with regular contact with minor athletes (coaches, volunteers, chaperones, etc.) are required to complete SafeSport training under:
• USA Hockey policies
• The SafeSport Code
• Federal law (Safe Sport Act of 2017)

Without this training, adults cannot participate in team activities. That includes coaching, helping on the bench, locker room monitoring, and traveling with the team.

2. It Protects the Safety and Well-being of Players

SafeSport training helps adults:

• Recognize abuse and misconduct (sexual, physical, emotional, verbal)
• Learn how to set and maintain proper boundaries
• Know how to respond to and report concerns

This keeps hockey a safe, respectful, and healthy environment for players — on and off the ice.

3. It Educates Adults on Situations They Might Not Realize Are Risky

For example:

• Private conversations with players
• Locker room supervision
• Overnight trips or travel situations

SafeSport gives practical guidelines to help prevent misunderstandings or boundary violations, protecting both the adult and the athlete.

4. It Builds Trust With Parents and the Community

When a team is fully SafeSport-compliant:

• Parents know their kids are in a safe environment
• Coaches and volunteers know what’s expected of them
• The organization shows it prioritizes character, safety, and integrity — not just winning

5. It Helps You Do Your Job as a Manager More Smoothly

When everyone is trained and cleared:

• You avoid last-minute issues with rostering or eligibility
• You have peace of mind that your team is protected and compliant
• You’re setting the tone for a safe, well-run program

Bottom Line for Team Managers:

SafeSport training isn’t just a box to check — it’s a key part of running a responsible, safe, and trusted hockey team.

As a manager, helping ensure your coaches, volunteers, and eligible players complete the training is one of the most important things you can do to protect:

• The players
• The adults involved
• The reputation and integrity of your team

Why Background Screening Is Important for USA Hockey Members — What Team Managers Need to Know

As a team manager, you're responsible for helping create a safe, organized, and compliant hockey environment. One of the most important safety measures in youth sports is background screening — and here's why it's critical:

1. It’s Required by USA Hockey and Federal Law

• All adults with regular contact with minor athletes are required to complete a background screen, including:
• Coaches and assistant coaches
• Team managers
• Locker room monitors
• Volunteers and chaperones
• Officials over age 18 working youth games

If they don’t pass or complete the background screen, they are not eligible to participate in team activities.

This is not optional — it’s part of compliance with:

• USA Hockey SafeSport policies
• The Safe Sport Authorization Act (federal law)

2. It Helps Keep Players Safe

The screening identifies:

• Criminal history
• Records of abuse or violence
• Sexual misconduct or other offenses

This process is designed to prevent known offenders from gaining access to youth players — protecting them from potential harm.

3. It Protects the Adults Involved, Too

• Background screening, combined with SafeSport training, helps set clear boundaries and expectations for adults.
• It reduces risk of false accusations or misunderstandings by ensuring that only vetted individuals are in trusted roles.

4. It Helps You Build a Compliant, Trustworthy Program

As a team manager:

• You are often asked to confirm that all staff and volunteers are properly screened.
• Keeping an accurate list of who has completed background checks helps you avoid last-minute eligibility issues before tournaments, games, or travel.
• It reassures parents that your team follows all required safety protocols.

5. It Reinforces a Culture of Safety and Integrity

Youth hockey isn’t just about developing players — it’s about building a culture of respect, responsibility, and safety.

When all adults are screened:

• Players feel more secure
• Parents feel more confident
• Your organization is doing the right thing — and showing that player safety is the top priority

Bottom Line for Team Managers:

Background screening is not just a policy — it’s a safety measure.

Your role in ensuring that every required adult has a completed, cleared screening helps:

• Protect kids
• Protect your team
• Protect your organization
• And make hockey a better place for everyone