Participation in lacrosse should take place in an environment that respects the safety, dignity, and well-being of all athletes.

USA Lacrosse’s Athlete Protection & Safety program establishes policies, training and background screening requirements, reporting procedures, and other measures addressing athlete protection and the prevention of abuse and misconduct within sport. 

As the National Governing Body (NGB) recognized by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), USA Lacrosse’s Athlete Protection & Safety program operates within the applicable federal requirements, the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s SafeSport Code and standards, and recognized best practices for athlete and youth safety.

 

USA Lacrosse Member Responsibilities

Athlete protection and safety is a shared responsibility across the sport. Athletes, parents and guardians, coaches, officials, administrators, volunteers, and other participants should understand the requirements that apply to them and the resources available for raising safety concerns. 

USA Lacrosse provides information and resources to help participants understand the applicable athlete protection and safety requirements, including policies, education and training requirements, background screening information, reporting information, and other available resources.

 

Abuse, on any level and in any form, cannot be tolerated in lacrosse or any sport. This is the paramount principle behind USA Lacrosse's Athlete Protection & Safety Program with guidance from SafeSport.

USA Lacrosse

• Athlete Protection & Safety Policy
• Minor Athlete Protection & Safety Policies (MAAPP)

U.S. Center for SafeSport

• SafeSport Code
   

We understand that coming forward with a concern about abuse or misconduct can be difficult, and knowing where to turn or what to do next may feel overwhelming. If you have a concern, we encourage you to report it to USA Lacrosse.

Mandatory Reporting Requirement

Any Adult Participant is considered a Mandatory Reporter and is required to report any suspicions or allegations of child abuse, including sexual or physical abuse, to law enforcement and/or your state’s designated child protection agency and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. All sexual misconduct, regardless of victim age, must be reported to the U.S. Center for SafeSport. 

Reporting with the U.S. Center for SafeSport

The Center has exclusive jurisdiction over sexual misconduct and other prohibited conduct outlined in the SafeSport Code and must be reported to the Center. File a report online with the Center or call: 822-5US-SAFE (587-7233).

File SafeSport Report

Reporting with USA Lacrosse

Reports of emotional or physical misconduct or violations of the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) may be submitted to USA Lacrosse or the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Reports involving violations of USA Lacrosse's Athlete Protection & Safety policies, Code of Conduct, or criminal conduct of a non-sexual nature, may also be submitted to USA Lacrosse. 

File USA Lacrosse Report

For guidance on reporting to law enforcement or your state’s child protection agency, visit www.childwelfare.gov or contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678.

Individuals whose USA Lacrosse membership has been suspended may be eligible to appeal the suspension in accordance with applicable USAL policies and procedures. 

To submit an appeal, individuals should review the applicable requirements and submit the required information using the link below. Appeals will be processed in accordance with USA Lacrosse’s established appeal procedures.

Submit Appeal

The resources below provide additional information and guidance related to athlete protection, safety, reporting, and compliance. These materials are provided for informational purposes and are not intended to be an exhaustive list or recommendation of any particular resource, organization, or service. 

USA Lacrosse Sample Consent Forms

• Athletic Training Consent Form
• Individual Training Consent Form
• Transportation Consent Form

U.S. Center for SafeSport

• U.S. Center for SafeSport Homepage
• SafeSport Code of Conduct
• Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP)
• Additional Resources from the Center

Additional Advocacy Resources

• #WeRideTogether
• Courage First Athlete Helpline
• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

For questions or concerns related to athlete protection and safety policies, processes, or other non-emergency matters, please contact athleteprotection@usalacrosse.com.

If this is an emergency or someone is at imminent risk of harm, call 911 immediately. Do not wait to submit a report through USA Lacrosse or another reporting system when immediate assistance is needed.