What background check, SafeSport and ACE requirements do coaches have?
Rule- USA
- USA Softball
- Junior Olympic Fast Pitch
- 14U
- Girls
- Championship play
- 2026 rules
- Coaches
For USA Softball Junior Olympic (youth) play:
- Background check: every adult with regular contact with or authority over athletes must pass a USA Softball background check before starting the role, and again at least every year. In championship play, adults must show proof of a current-year check.
- SafeSport training: adults with regular contact with or authority over minor athletes must complete the SafeSport Trained Core Course within 45 days of joining or before regular contact begins, whichever comes first. After that, they must take a refresher every 12 months and repeat the Core Course every four years.
- ACE coach: each team in championship play must have at least one current-year ACE-certified coach on the field or in the dugout during games.
- Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP): coaches must follow USA Softball's mandatory policies on one-on-one interactions, electronic communications, locker rooms, massages and rubdowns, and local and team travel.
Under federal law, coaches must report suspected child abuse to law enforcement or child protective services within 24 hours.
Added 21 Oct 2026