Why Training is Required
The safety of players and adult volunteers is the highest priority of SWM Rec. SWM Rec abides by the policies set forth by federal, state, and organizational laws that ensure the safety and security of all those who play in our recreational soccer program or attend the fields as a spectator.
Background Screening
Pursuant to U.S. Soccer Policy 212-3, the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association has put in place a Background Screening Policy to set forth requirements pertaining to appropriate background screening. This Background Screening Policy does not apply to individuals under 18 years of age.
Any individual aged 18 or older who is a coach, assistant coach, team manager, assistant team manager, team trainer, team official, MSYSA employee, MSYSA board member, MSYSA committee member, MSYSA independent contractor, Club or League President, Club or League Delegate, Club or League Official, Club or League Representative, Club or League Administrator, Club or League Volunteer, or Referee, or any other individual aged 18 or older seeking affiliation with MSYSA or MSYSA affiliated member organizations, who has regular contact with or authority over an amateur athlete who is a minor, shall be known collectively as “Adult Applicant” for the purposes of this Background Screening Policy.
For more information on MSYSA’s Background Screening Policy, please click here.
HeadsUp
All member leagues of the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association should be aware of the symptoms and signs of a concussion as well as preventive measures and return to play procedures. All MSYSA member leagues/clubs must be in compliance with Michigan Public Act 137 of 2017 regarding sports concussions. These acts require all youth athletic participants to sign a form acknowledging they have received concussion education materials. Youth coaches must also complete an online concussion training program.
The free HeadsUp Course will help coaches understand the following:
- Understand a concussion and the potential consequences of this injury,
- Recognize concussion signs and symptoms and how to respond,
- Learn about steps for returning to activity (play and school) after a concussion, and
- Focus on prevention and preparedness to help keep athletes safe season-to-season.
To learn more about the Headsup Course by the Center for Disease Control, please click here.
SafeSport Certification
Michigan State Youth Soccer Association has developed this Athlete and Participant Safety Program as part of the MSYSA Risk Management Program. The Athlete and Participant Safety Program was developed in order to meet requirements set forth by 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.
Michigan State Youth Soccer Association has zero-tolerance for abuse or misconduct. All participants in the soccer community must play an active role in creating an environment that is free from emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. This program was developed to implement policies and processes to help participants detect and report abuse, respond to it, and prevent future occurrences.
In order to maintain compliance with USSF Policy 212-3, MSYSA’s Athlete and Participant Safety Program includes six key components: Background Screening Policy, Mandatory Reporting Policy, Training and Education Policy, Prohibited Conduct Policy, Policy to Limit One-on-One Interactions, and Policy on Monitoring and Enforcement. Also included is a list of definitions for key terms mentioned within these six policies.
To learn more about MSYSA’s guidelines regarding Mandatory Reporting, please click here.