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USL Safe Space

Safe Space is the USL's comprehensive safeguarding program to prevent abusive behavior within the USL community. It is designed to inform our community about safeguarding programs and provide clear procedures for reporting and responding to allegations of abuse, harassment, discrimination, and other misconduct. 

The USL champions a culture of safety and respect. We encourage open communication in which all athletes, coaches, staff members, and fans feel empowered to report concerns, whether the concerns involve suspected abuse, misconduct, or violations of the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (“MAAPP”). 

Click here for more information about the USL Safeguarding Policy: (English | Français | Español).

The USL prohibits retaliatory action being taken against anyone who reports concerns in good faith.

If you have an immediate concern regarding imminent risk of harm to someone, please contact 911 or local law enforcement.

Reporting a Concern

Report an Incident

Report Online

Call the Hotline

1 (888) 896-4835

The USL safeguarding reporting channels are operated by a 3rd party and are available 24/7. 

Click here for more information about the USL Safeguarding Policy: (English | Français | Español).

If you are unsure whether you should report a concern or want to talk about your concern before making a report, please contact us at safeguarding@uslsoccer.com.

Sexual Misconduct or SafeSport Prohibitive Conduct Violations must be reported to the U.S Center for SafeSport via secure online form or by contacting 835-587-7233.

To make a report to U.S. Soccer, contact their Integrity Hotline 312-528-7008 or by secure online form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “safeguarding”?

Safeguarding is the set of policies, procedures, and practices a sports organization implements to protect players, coaches, staff, and others within the organization’s environment from abuse (sexual and otherwise), harassment, discrimination, and other misconduct. 

What is involved in the USL’s safeguarding program, known as “Safe Space”?

The USL’s “Safe Space” program is designed to reduce the risk of misconduct, inform the USL community about safeguarding, and provide clear procedures for reporting and responding to allegations of abusive behavior and misconduct. The program centers on two pillars: Prevention and Response.  

Prevention  

  • Policies that align with the SafeSport Act and U.S. Soccer’s “Safe Soccer Framework” 

  • Mandatory “SafeSport Training” and “Preventing Harassment and Discrimination Training” for all adults, including players, in the USL ecosystem 

  • Recommended youth-designed SafeSport Training for minor athletes 

  • Modern reporting tools, including phone hotline, web-based referral system, and a dedicated email 

Response 

  • Commitment to responding to all concerns and acting upon them in a timely manner 

  • Commitment to taking appropriate and proportionate action when there is a safeguarding breach 

  • Partnership with U.S. Soccer and the U.S. Center for SafeSport to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place as needed  

  • Streamlined tools for efficient and effective case management. 

Who can make a report about a safeguarding issue or misconduct?

  • Anyone involved in USL activities and may have been harmed or treated in a manner that violates the USL’s Safeguarding and/or Anti-Harassment Policy can make a report.  

  • Anyone concerned that someone else involved in USL activities may have been harmed or treated in a manner that violates the USL’s Safeguarding and/or Anti-Harassment Policy can make a report. 

How do I make a report?

The USL has set up multiple ways for people to report a safeguarding issue. All reports can be made anonymously, if so chosen. 

What if I am unsure about making a report or whether my concern violates policy?

If you are unsure whether you should report a concern or want to talk about your concern before making a report, please contact the USL’s Safeguarding Team at Safeguarding@uslsoccer.com. 

What happens after I make a report?

The USL takes all reports seriously. The USL will review the concerns and consider whether they violate either the USL’s Safeguarding Policy or Anti-Harassment Policy. Depending on the circumstances and level and type of misconduct involved, the USL may be required to share concerns with U.S Center for SafeSport and with U.S Soccer.   

Can I make a report anonymously?

Yes. You can make a report anonymously through the web-based reporting system or the phone hotline. However, the USL may need to contact you for further information, and an anonymous report can sometimes limit the USL’s ability to investigate a complaint fully.  

Can I get in trouble for reporting a concern?

The USL prohibits any form of discipline, reprisal, intimidation, or retaliation for good faith reporting of incidents of abuse and harassment or for cooperating in a related investigation. Anyone who believes that they have been retaliated against for making or assisting in the investigation of a complaint should contact the USL Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@uslsoccer.com.

What other, non-USL avenues exist to report a concern?

If you are concerned that someone has acted in an abusive manner and may have violated either the USL Safeguarding Policy or Anti -Harassment Policy, you can report your concerns directly to the U.S. Center for SafeSport or U.S. Soccer: 

 

U.S. Center for SafeSport  

U.S. Soccer   

  • Website

  • Integrity Hotline: (312) 528-7004 

Additional Resources

USL Safeguarding Policy: English | Français | Español

U.S Center for SafeSport: SafeSport Code

U.S. Center for SafeSport: MAAPP

U.S. Soccer: Safe Soccer Framework

 

For child protection resources and referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States or Canada, contact nonprofit organization Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.

Crisis Text Line (any crisis) Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime.

Teen Helpline CALL 866-465-0083 Nationwide 6 PM - 10 PM PST Every Night or TEXT TEEN to 839863 6-9 PM PST

National Sexual Assault Hotline: Confidential Help 24/7: Online Chat: https://hotline.rainn.org/online or 1(800) 656- 4673