Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP)

UPDATED: December 22, 2021

The MAAPP applies to Adult Participants and their interactions with Minor Athletes in conjunction with USA Cycling activities. USA Cycling LAs and Clubs must adhere to MAAPP.

Establishing clear boundaries reduces the risk of physical, sexual, and emotional misconduct as well as opportunities for bullying, harassment, and hazing. Furthermore, the majority of child sexual abuse is perpetrated in isolated, one-on-one situations. By reducing such interaction between children and adults, programs reduce the risk of child sexual abuse. However, one-on-one time with trusted adults is also healthy and valuable for a child. Policies concerning one-on-one interactions protect children while allowing for these beneficial relationships. 

The U.S. Center for SafeSport and USAC recognize that youth-adult relationships can be healthy and valuable for development. Policies on one-on-one interactions protect children while allowing for these beneficial relationships. As child sexual abuse is often perpetrated in isolated, one-on-one situations, it is critical that organizations limit such interactions between youth and adults and implement programs that reduce the risk of sexual abuse.

The following policies have been adopted by USA Cycling (USAC) to establish clearly defined boundaries between participants in cycling and to reduce isolated one-on-one interactions between children and adults in cycling.

Part I: Education & Training Policy

A. Mandatory Child Abuse Prevention Training for Adult Participants

1. Adult Participants Required to Complete Training
   1. The following Adult Participants must complete the SafeSport Trained Core either through the Center’s online training or the Center’s approved, in-person training:
      1. Adult Participants who have regular contact with any amateur athlete(s) who is a minor;
      2. Adult Participants who have authority over any amateur athlete(s) who is a minor;
      3. Adult Participants who are an employee or board member of USAC, an LA, or a Club
   2. Adult Participants who are medical providers required to take training under Section (a) can take the Health Professionals Course in lieu of the SafeSport Trained Core.
2. Timing of Training Adult Participants must complete this training:
   1. Before regular contact with a Minor Athlete(s) begins; and
   2. Within the first 45 days of either initial membership or upon beginning a new role subjecting the adult to this policy.
3. Refresher Training
   The above listed Adult Participants must complete a refresher course on an annual basis, within 12 months after completing the SafeSport Trained Core. Every four years, Adult Participants will complete the SafeSport Trained Core training. Medical providers can take the Health Professionals Course in lieu of the SafeSport Trained Core and are required to take the refresher courses on an annual basis if they meet the criteria for A (1).

B. Minor Athlete Training Must Be Offered

1. USAC, LAs, and Clubs, on an annual basis, must offer and, subject to parental consent, give training to Minor Athletes on the prevention and reporting of child abuse.
2. The Center offers youth courses, located at www.safesporttrained.org, that meet this requirement.

C. Parent Training Must Be Offered

1. USAC, LAs, and Clubs, on an annual basis, must offer training to parents on the prevention and reporting of child abuse.
2. The Center offers a parent course, located at www.safesporttrained.org, that meets this requirement.

D. Optional Training

1. Adult Participants serving in a volunteer capacity, who will not have regular contact with or authority over Minor Athletes, should take the Center’s brief Volunteer Course (or SafeSport Trained Core) before engaging or interacting with any Minor Athlete(s).
2. USAC, LAs and Clubs may provide training in addition to the SafeSport Trained Core, although they cannot refer to this training as “SafeSport” training. Training other than the SafeSport Trained Core or Refresher does not satisfy this policy.
3. Parents of Minor Athletes are provided free online access to the Center’s parent course and are encouraged to take the training.

E. Exemptions and Accommodations

1. Exemptions from this Education & Training Policy may be made on a case-by-case basis for victims/survivors. Requests may be made directly to the U.S. Center for SafeSport at exemptions@safesport.org.
2. The Center will work with USAC, LAs and Clubs on appropriate accommodations for persons with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency to satisfy these training requirements. USAC, LAs and Clubs must provide reasonable accommodations and track any exemptions for individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency.