How to Report
USA Hockey’s Reporting Policy is a vital part of its Safe Sport Program, and an effective reporting policy is crucial to preventing abuse. Section IV of the Safe Sport Handbook contains specifics on the Reporting Policy – for more information on making a report, please also see: www.usahockey.com/makingareport.
The Center has exclusive jurisdiction to investigate and resolve allegations of sexual misconduct within USA Hockey programs. The Center also has the discretion to accept jurisdiction over other types of misconduct, but for the most part allegations of other types of misconduct, including emotional or physical abuse, bullying, hazing, threats or harassment, or violations of the MAAPP, are investigated and resolved by USA Hockey and its regional Affiliates.
Reports to U.S. Center for SafeSport
If an Adult Participant reasonably suspects that an incident(s) of Child Abuse or Sexual Misconduct has occurred, they must immediately report the incident(s) to the Center as well as applicable law enforcement authorities.
Reports to the Center may be made by:
Reports to USA Hockey
Reports of any allegation of misconduct or other inappropriate behavior that may violate Safe Sport Policies other than Sexual Misconduct or Child Abuse, should be made immediately to USA Hockey or the applicable Affiliate Safe Sport Coordinator, or may also be made to the Center. Reports to USA Hockey may be made by:
Changes to Training Requirements
In addition to the above changes, the Center now requires renewal of SafeSport Training to be completed within 12 months of the prior training. This may mean that some participants will be within the 12 month period and eligible at the beginning of the season, but will have their training expire and become ineligible during the season unless new training is completed.
Confidentiality
To the extent permitted by law, and as appropriate, USA Hockey, MAHA and all Member Programs shall keep confidential the complainant’s name on request, not make public the names of potential victims, the accused perpetrator or the people who made a report of child physical and sexual abuse to the authorities.
Anonymous Reporting
Anonymous reporting may make it difficult for USA Hockey or MAHA to investigate or properly address misconduct or abuse. However, MAHA recognizes it can be difficult for an athlete, teammate, friend or family member to report an allegation of misconduct and strives to remove as many barriers to reporting as possible. Anonymous reports may be made without the formality of completing a Report Form:
“Whistleblower” Protection
Regardless of outcome, it is the policy of USA Hockey, MAHA and all USA Hockey Member Programs to support the complainant(s) and his or her right to express concerns in good faith. Neither USA Hockey, MAHA nor any USA Hockey Member Program will encourage, allow or tolerate attempts from any individual, group or organization to retaliate, punish, allow or in any way harm any individual(s) who reports a concern in good faith. Such actions against a complainant will be considered a violation of the USA Hockey SafeSport Program and grounds for disciplinary action.
Bad-Faith Allegations
A report of abuse, misconduct or policy violations that is malicious, frivolous or made in bad faith is prohibited. Such reports will be considered a violation of the USA Hockey SafeSport Program and grounds for disciplinary action. Depending on the nature of the allegation, a person making a malicious, frivolous or bad-faith report may also be subject to civil or criminal proceedings.
Questions?
MAHA SafeSport Coordinator
Phone: 734-748-3707