Do the SafeSport Code and MAAPP apply to my league?

Q: Do the SafeSport Code and MAAPP apply to my league?

They apply if your league or club is part of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. That means the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the national governing bodies (NGBs) for each sport, such as USA Hockey, USA Swimming or USA Volleyball, and their local affiliated organizations such as member clubs and state associations. Two documents apply: Document Version What it covers SafeSport Code 2026, effective January 1, 2026 Misconduct rules and mandatory reporting for individuals Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) 2025, effective January 1, 2025 Training and limits on one-on-one contact with minors Your NGB adopts its own MAAPP, which must include the Center's mandatory components and may be stricter. Key terms: Minor athlete: under 18 and taking part in the program now or in the past 12 months. Adult participant: anyone 18 or older who is a member, employee or board member, or is authorized to have regular contact with or authority over minor athletes. That can include coaches, volunteers, chaperones, officials, medical staff and bus or van drivers. In-program contact: any sport-related contact, including practices, games, camps, team travel, team meals and outings, banquets, fundraising, and calls or messages. Not in an NGB? If your league is a school program or an independent recreation league, these rules don't bind it directly. Your state's child abuse reporting law applies to you either way.

Question

Accepted Answer

They apply if your league or club is part of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. That means the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the national governing bodies (NGBs) for each sport, such as USA Hockey, USA Swimming or USA Volleyball, and their local affiliated organizations such as member clubs and state associations.

Two documents apply:

Document	Version	What it covers
SafeSport Code	2026, effective January 1, 2026	Misconduct rules and mandatory reporting for individuals
Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP)	2025, effective January 1, 2025	Training and limits on one-on-one contact with minors

Your NGB adopts its own MAAPP, which must include the Center's mandatory components and may be stricter.

Key terms:

Minor athlete: under 18 and taking part in the program now or in the past 12 months.
Adult participant: anyone 18 or older who is a member, employee or board member, or is authorized to have regular contact with or authority over minor athletes. That can include coaches, volunteers, chaperones, officials, medical staff and bus or van drivers.
In-program contact: any sport-related contact, including practices, games, camps, team travel, team meals and outings, banquets, fundraising, and calls or messages.

Not in an NGB? If your league is a school program or an independent recreation league, these rules don't bind it directly. Your state's child abuse reporting law applies to you either way.