Leadership and Life Balance
How Do I Choose a Safe Sports Club for My Child in the USA?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Ask whether the club belongs to a national governing body, and how it follows the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies, which limit one-on-one adult and child contact. Ask whether coaches are background checked and trained, and how to report a concern. Seek professional advice if unsure.
The answer
- Ask whether the club belongs to a national governing body (NGB) in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. Those organisations must follow the U.S. Center for SafeSport's Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP).
- Ask how the club puts the MAAPP into practice. The policies limit one-on-one interactions between adults and minors and set standards for training and sport settings.
- Ask whether coaches and volunteers are background checked. The pages checked for this answer do not state what checks apply, so ask the club what it does.
- Ask what abuse-prevention training coaches and volunteers have completed.
- Ask how to report a concern and who receives it. The U.S. Center for SafeSport has a "Report a Concern" option on its website.
- Look at the free parent resources. The Center offers live virtual MAAPP training for parents.
- If you are unsure, ask your sport's governing body or a qualified sports professional. Parents can always seek professional advice.
Last checked 2026-10-16 against the official page(s) listed below. Rules and wording change, so check the club's own policy and the official pages again before you act.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 16 October 2026.