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USA Softball is committed to creating and upholding traditions of excellence in softball by building and maintaining a supportive and nurturing environment in which youth may grow, develop, and prosper.  Simply put – USA Softball will not tolerate ANY abuse whether it is physical, mental, emotional or sexual.

Pursuant to federal law, all adults authorized to interact with minor or amateur athletes who learn of facts that give reason to suspect that a child has suffered an incident of child abuse, including but not limited to sexual abuse, shall make a report of the suspected abuse to law enforcement and/or your state’s designated agency within 24 hours. Reports of abuse not involving a minor may and should also be reported to local authorities.

Examples of Non-Sexual Misconduct: Physical Misconduct, Verbal/Emotional Misconduct, Bullying, Hazing, or Harassment (this is not a complete list, please see the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code for more detail)

Examples of Sexual Misconduct: Sexual harassment, Child sexual abuse, Non-consensual sexual conduct, or Intimate relationships involving an imbalance of power (this is not a complete list, please see the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code for more detail)

Will my report be confidential?
To the extent permitted by law, and as appropriate, USA Softball shall on request from the complainant keep the complainant’s name confidential, 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.

Is there a fee for reporting?
No, there is no fee.

Can I report anonymously?
Anonymous reporting may make it difficult for USA Softball to investigate or properly address misconduct or abuse. However, USA Softball 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 Softball to support the complainant(s) and his or her right to express concerns in good faith. USA Softball will not encourage, allow or tolerate attempts from any individual, group or organization to retaliate, punish, or in any way harm any individual(s) who reports a concern in good faith or otherwise participates in an investigation (e.g., a witness). Such actions against a complainant, witness or other complainant will be considered a violation of the USA Softball Safe Sport Program and grounds for disciplinary action, and may also be subject to civil or criminal proceedings.

Bad-Faith Allegations?
A report of abuse, misconduct or policy violation that is malicious, frivolous or made in bad faith is prohibited. Such reports will be considered a violation of the USA Softball Safe Sport 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.

Will my report be handled without bias?
Any person or organization that may have a conflict of interest because they are named in a complaint, are a witness to an allegation, are closely affiliated with the person accused of misconduct, or who may have other potential bias, are considered to have a conflict of interest in the investigation or outcome of the complaint, and shall be recused from participating in an investigation or other disciplinary process. The investigation and hearing process shall be handled by persons that are reasonably disinterested and impartial to the matter and all other persons and the program involved.