In consideration of the services of Alaska Pacific University, its agents, employees, trustees, and officers (hereinafter “APU”), and being permitted to participate in the above program for educational/recreational purposes I acknowledge and agree as follows:

1. Activities

The activities of the program for which I am to participate in have risks, including risks that cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the activities. The following are some, but not all of the activities you may experience if participating in an outdoor recreational activity: sea kayaking; rock climbing; swimming; mountaineering; hiking; tree climbing; snorkeling; free diving; compressed air diving; skiing; snowshoeing; pack rafting; hot spring soaks; ice climbing; fishing; river kayaking; rafting; travel by automobile, boat, plane, and/or animal; wildlife viewing; travel on off-trail uneven terrain; loading and unloading gear; river crossings; and exploration of urban and/or remote areas of foreign countries.

2. Description of Potential Risks

APU does not want to reduce your enthusiasm for these activities, but it is important to know in advance what to expect and to be informed of the potential risks, both inherent and otherwise, associated with these activities. The enjoyment and excitement of the program is derived in part from the risks of these activities. The same elements that contribute to the unique character of the activities can cause loss, injury, illness, disability, or death. Some, but not all of the possible risks, include: drowning; prolonged exposure to cold water; being struck by or falling against a rock or sharp object; slippery surfaces; intense cold, heat, sun, snow, rain, fog, and wind; student/instructor misjudgment; crevasses; contact with poisonous insects and wild animals; negative reaction from air or waterborne bacteria or virus; delayed communication or inability to communicate due to remote or foreign settings; hypothermia; accidents due to alcohol and drug use; prolonged delay in medical assistance or ineffective medical treatment due to remote or foreign settings; transportation/equipment failure; vehicle/transportation collision and accidents; risks associated with foreign countries and travel; forces of nature such as rock falls, avalanches, ice falls, and flash floods; exposure to animals, diseases and infections not common to the United States; dangerous road, plane, train, boat, animal or automobile travel; political unrest; riot, demonstrations, and thievery; acts of terrorism; and civil unrest.

Some APU programs may require decisions made by instructors and/or students, and may include student-led outings without instructors. The nature of these activities allow for a variety of perceptions and evaluations, which by their nature are subject to risks and reasonable errors in judgment.
Some APU program outings allow for student operated vehicles, boats, and other methods of transportation. Although students operating such means of transportation are required to undergo training and to abide by certain University policies, the attendant risks include the student’s capabilities, environment, terrain, and weather.

Some APU programs also allow for unsupervised free time. Free time activities are not part of the APU program and are at the sole risk of the student/participant. Free time activities include consumption of alcohol for persons of legal age, and APU has no responsibility for such activities. APU staff and employees may provide assistance or even accompany students/participants in these free time activities, but in doing so, they are acting in their own individual capacity and not at the direction or on behalf of APU.

3. Voluntary Assumption of Risks

The description of activities and attendant risks noted above is not complete and other unknown or unanticipated risks may result in loss, injury, illness, disability or death. I agree to assume the risks of the activities of the program, inherent and otherwise. I agree to assume responsibility for the risks identified above and those risks not specifically mentioned. My participation in the program is purely voluntary; no one is forcing me to participate and I elect to participate in spite of and with knowledge of the risks.

4. Ability to Participate and Agreement to Follow Instructions

I certify that I am physically and mentally able to participate in the program. I understand that APU reserves the right to refuse my participation if it appears that I am incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of the activities, or if it determines that my participation poses a danger to myself and/or others. I further agree to abide by all instructions of APU staff and instructors, and all applicable rules and regulations of the University, and the laws of the governmental jurisdictions at the place or places of program offering. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless APU from all claims or losses resulting from the failure to abide by such instructions, rules and laws.

5. Independent Contractors and Third Parties

APU sometimes employs independent contractors for services including, but not limited to, transportation, educational instruction, and lodging. APU does not retain control over these contractors and is not liable for any acts, negligent or willful, or failure to act of any such contractors.

6. Insurance and Authorization for Medical Treatment

I understand that APU does not provide health, liability, property or other insurance for me. I understand that APU is not responsible for any medical expenses incurred by me while participating in the program. I understand that I should obtain medical insurance coverage or other appropriate insurance for the term of my participation in the program. I understand that APU is not responsible for my health, safety, or well-being during the program. If I become ill or incapacitated, APU may take any action deemed necessary for my safety and well-being, including securing medical treatment, at my own expense and transporting me home at my own expense.

7. Binding Indemnification

I agree that this Agreement shall be legally binding upon me personally, all members of my family and all minors on whose behalf I am signing, my and their heirs, successors, assigns, and legal representatives. I further agree to defend, hold harmless and indemnify APU from any claim, liability, loss, damages or expenses resulting from a claim brought by a fellow participant/student, rescuer, or any other person for loss, injury, illness, disability or death caused by my conduct.

8. Mediation/Arbitration and Venue

I agree that if any dispute arising from or relating to my participation in the program cannot be resolved through informal discussions between the parties, I will attempt to settle the dispute through mediation before a mutually acceptable mediator in the state of Alaska. To the extent mediation does not result in a resolution, I agree to arbitrate the matter before a mutually agreeable arbitrator in the state of Alaska. I further agree to pay all costs and attorneys fees incurred by APU in defending a claim or suit, if the claim or suit is withdrawn or to the extent a court or arbitrator determines that APU is not responsible for the loss. I agree that any dispute between APU and my parents/guardian and or me shall be governed by the substantive laws of the state of Alaska, and shall be resolved exclusively in the Third Judicial District of the state of Alaska.

9. Release of Liability

I acknowledge having read and understood this Participant Agreement: Release of Liability, Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks. I agree and assume all risks of the program, whether those risks are known or unknown, inherent or otherwise. I AGREE TO RELEASE AND DISCHARGE APU FROM ALL CLAIMS, LIABILITIES, AND LOSSES ASSTERED BY OR ON BEHALF OF ME IN ANY WAY ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO MY PARTICIPATION IN THE APU PROGRAM NOTED ABOVE (including transportation and occurrences to and from the activity or the use of APU equipment or facilities). THIS RELEASE INCLUDES LOSS, INJURY, ILLNESS, DISABILITY OR DEATH CLAIMED TO BE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF APU, PROPERTY DAMAGE, WRONGFUL DEATH, PRODUCTS LIABILITY, BREACH OF CONTRACT OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, EXCEPT IN CASES OF THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF APU.

10. Severability

If any part of this agreement is deemed unenforceable, all other parts shall be given full force and effect.

Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP)
For U.S. Ski & Snowboard and its membership, including national member
organizations, local affiliated organizations and member clubs
Publication Date: December 1, 2021
Effective Date: January 1, 2022
2
INTRODUCTION
The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) has three primary components:
1. Education & Training for certain Adult Participants;
2. Required Prevention Policies, focused on limiting one-on-one interactions between
Adult Participants and Minor Athletes, that must be implemented to prevent abuse;
and
3. Recommended Prevention Policies.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard recommends that parents first complete training on abuse prevention
to be informed about potential boundary violations and concerns before consenting to any
one-on-one interaction. The training can be found at safesporttrained.org.
The MAAPP should be implemented alongside the SafeSport Code.
How Does the U.S. Center for SafeSport (Center) Ensure Compliance with the MAAPP?
Federal law requires the Center to conduct regular and random audits of the NGBs to ensure
compliance with the MAAPP. Adult Participants also have an independent responsibility to comply
with the MAAPP. Violations of the MAAPP can result in sanctions under the SafeSport Code.
Application and Implementation: U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to building a sport
community where participants can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of emotional,
physical, and sexual misconduct. Where the policy is indicated as “Required,” the policy must be
followed. Where the policy is indicated as “Recommended,” the policy is recommended and
considered optional for Member Clubs and may be followed or required when it is appropriate for the
situation.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard requires that its Member Clubs implement the MAAPP in full. The
MAAPP must be reviewed and agreed to in writing by all athletes, parents, coaches and other nonathlete members of Member Clubs on an annual basis with such written agreement to be retained by
the Member Club.
MAAPP Violations. U.S. Ski & Snowboard accepts reports that an Adult Participant is violating the
MAAPP. Anyone may submit a report directly and anonymously on U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s
website. All reports will be investigated and resolved by U.S. Ski & Snowboard and, when necessary,
Member Clubs must assist with the investigation and resolution, unless the violation is reported to
the Center and it exercises jurisdiction over the report.
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SCOPE
The MAAPP Applies to “In-Program Contact” Within the Olympic & Paralympic Movement
The MAAPP is required for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), National
Governing Bodies (NGB), Member Clubs (also known as Local Affiliated Organizations (LAO)),
and Paralympic Sport Organizations (PSO) within the Olympic & Paralympic Movement (each an
“Organization”).
The MAAPP applies to:
• All U.S. Ski & Snowboard employees, contractors, athletes, officials, and members;
• Participating non-members (e.g., foreign officials, timers, volunteers); and
• Any Adult Participant (as defined herein).
Some policies impose requirements on Organizations at sanctioned events and facilities partially
or fully under the Organization’s jurisdiction. For example, Organizations must monitor locker
rooms at their facilities and sanctioned events. Other policies impose certain requirements on Adult
Participants under the Organization’s jurisdiction when the Adult Participant is having “InProgram Contact.” For example, Adult Participants cannot have one-on-one electronic
communications with Minor Athletes that they coach.
Who is a Minor Athlete?
A Minor Athlete is an amateur athlete under 18 years of age who currently participates or
participated within the previous 12 months in, an event, program, activity, or competition that is
part of, or partially or fully under the jurisdiction of, U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club.
Partial or Full Jurisdiction: Includes any sanctioned event (including all travel and
lodging in connection with the event) by U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club, or any
facility that U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club owns, leases, or rents for practice,
training, or competition.
Who is an Adult Participant?
An Adult Participant is any adult (18 years of age or older) who is:
1. A member or license holder of U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club;
2. An employee or board member of U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club;
3. Within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of U.S. Ski & Snowboard or
a Member Club; or
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4. Authorized, approved, or appointed by U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member
Club to have regular contact with or authority over Minor Athletes.
1
For the purpose of clarity, an Adult Participant does not include2
:
• Board members of 501(c)(3) Foundation or Booster Clubs that are separate from Member
Clubs and would not be considered an LAO because they do not have any role in managing
or delivering programs or have any In-Program Contact (as defined below).
• Educators at schools, colleges, and universities where their roles are independent of athletic
programs associated with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and/or a Member Club and do not have any
In-Program Contact (as defined below).
• Management/Leadership over resort operations where their roles are independent of athletic
competition programs with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Member Clubs and do not have any
In-Program Contact (as defined below).
• Board members of Multi-sport community recreational clubs/programs that have a small
competition program. In this case, at least three (3) Board members must be identified as
leading or having authority over the ski and snowboard activities of the club and must form
an athlete safety committee and they must be members of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and they
will be considered Adult Participants.3
What is In-Program Contact?
In-Program Contact includes sanctioned events and facilities, but it also applies more broadly to
sport-related interactions. The MAAPP defines “In-Program Contact” as:
Any contact (including communications, interactions, or activities) between an Adult
Participant and any Minor Athlete(s) related to participation in sport.
Examples of in-program contact include, but are not limited to: competition, practices,
camps/clinics, training/instructional sessions, pre/post game meals or outings, team travel, review
of game film, team- or sport-related relationship building activities, celebrations, award
ceremonies, banquets, team- or sport-related fundraising or community service, sport education,
or competition site visits.
1 This may include volunteers, medical staff, trainers, chaperones, monitors, contract personnel, bus/van drivers, officials,
adult athletes, staff, board members, and any other individual who meets the Adult Participant definition. 2 An individual in one of these positions could be considered an Adult Participant based on a separate affiliation or role
with U.S. Ski & Snowboard, including holding a membership.
3 For mulit-sport community recreational clubs/programs, the three (3) identified Board members on the athlete safety
committee will be responsible for reviewing and implementing the MAAPP for the club and such Board members must
be members of U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
5
Does the MAAPP Have Any Exceptions?
Yes. Exceptions are addressed in each policy and include:
1. A Close-in-Age Exception
This exception applies to certain policies and allows for In-Program Contact between an
Adult Participant and a Minor Athlete if:
a. The Adult Participant has no authority over the Minor Athlete; and
b. The Adult Participant is not more than four years older than the Minor Athlete.
Note: This exception is different than the close-in-age exception in the SafeSport Code
pertaining to misconduct.
2. Exceptions for Personal Care Assistants Working with a Minor Athlete (see requirements
below on page 15).
3. Exceptions for Dual Relationships
This exception applies to certain policies when the Adult Participant has a dual role or
relationship with a Minor Athlete. The exception requires written consent of the Minor
Athlete’s parent/guardian at least annually.
Many of the exceptions require parent/guardian consent. Parents should take training on child
abuse prevention before providing consent under the MAAPP. The Center offers a free Parent
Course at www.athletesafety.org.
6
PART I
EDUCATION & TRAINING POLICY
Education about child abuse, athlete abuse and bullying, helps everyone become more aware of
unsafe situations and encourages discussions about methods to provide a safe environment for all
athletes. U.S. Ski & Snowboard encourages all members and all parents to participate in the
SafeSport training.
A. Mandatory Child Abuse Prevention Training for Adult Participants
1. Adult Participants Required to Complete Training
a. U.S. Ski & Snowboard requires the following Adult Participants to complete the
SafeSport Trained Core either through the Center’s online training or the Center’s
approved, in-person training:
i. Adult Participants who have regular contact with any amateur athlete(s) who
is a minor;
ii. Adult Participants who have authority over any amateur athlete(s) who is a
minor;
iii. Adult Participants who are an employee, contractor, or board member of an
U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club.
iv. Adult Participants who are athletes of U.S. Ski & Snowboard that will
become 18 years of age during the upcoming membership year either on or
before their 18th birthday, provided that such athlete under 18 has the consent
of their parent or legal guardian.
b. 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:
a. Before regular contact with an amateur athlete who is a minor; and
b. Within the first 45 days of either initial membership or upon beginning a new
role subjecting the adult to this policy.
3. Refresher Training
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).
7
B. Minor Athlete Training
1. On an annual basis, U.S. Ski & Snowboard will offer, subject to parental consent, training
to Minor Athletes on the prevention and reporting of child abuse.
2. The Center offers youth courses, located at safesporttrained.org.
C. Parent Training
1. On an annual basis, U.S. Ski & Snowboard will offer training to parents on the prevention
and reporting of child abuse.
2. The Center offers a parent course, located at safesporttrained.org.
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).
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 U.S. Ski & Snowboard on appropriate accommodations for
persons with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency to satisfy these
training requirements. U.S. Ski & Snowboard will provide reasonable accommodations
and track any exemptions for individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited
English proficiency.
8
PART II
ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATION & TRAINING
AND PREVENTION POLICIES
A. Organizational Requirements for Education & Training
1. U.S. Ski & Snowboard will track whether Adult Participants under U.S. Ski &
Snowboard’s jurisdiction complete the required training listed in Part I.
2. On an annual basis, U.S. Ski & Snowboard will offer, subject to parental consent,
training to Minor Athletes on the prevention and reporting of child abuse. U.S. Ski &
Snowboard will track the training, including a description of the training and how it
was offered.
3. On an annual basis, U.S. Ski & Snowboard will offer training to parents on the
prevention and reporting of child abuse.
B. Required Prevention Policies and Implementation
1. U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s MAAPP contains the mandatory components of the Center’s
model policies. These model policies cover:
a. One-on-one interactions
b. Meetings and training sessions
c. Athletic training modalities, massages, and rubdowns
d. Locker rooms and changing areas
e. Electronic communications
f. Transportation
g. Lodging
2. The policies must be approved by the Center as described in subsection (C) below. The
policies may include the recommended components in Part III and the recommended
policies in Part IV. Given the uniqueness of each sport, however, some recommended
components or policies may not be feasible or appropriate. An Organization may choose
to implement stricter standards than the model policies.
3. U.S. Ski & Snowboard requires that its LAOs (Member Clubs) implement the MAAPP.
4. The MAAPP must be implemented for all In-Program Contact.
a. At sanctioned events and facilities partially or fully under U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s
or a Member Club’s jurisdiction, U.S. Ski & Snowboard or the Member Club must
take steps to ensure the policies are implemented and followed.
9
b. For In-Program Contact that occurs outside U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s or a Member
Club’s sanctioned event or facilities, implementing these policies means:
i. Communicating the policies to individuals under U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s
or a Member Club’s jurisdiction;
ii. Establishing a reporting mechanism for violations of the policies; and
iii. Investigating and enforcing violations of the policies.
5. U.S. Ski & Snowboard has a reporting mechanism to accept reports that an Adult
Participant is violating U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s MAAPP. Reports may be made directly
to U.S. Ski & Snowboard at www.usskiandsnowboard.org/safesport-athlete-safety. U.S.
Ski & Snowboard will appropriately investigate and resolve any reports received, unless
the violation is reported to the Center and it exercises jurisdiction over the report. This
requirement is in addition to requirements to report abuse under the SafeSport Code.
C. Policy Approval and Submission Process
1. Each NGB, PSO, and the USOPC may adopt the MAAPP as-is or adapt it to fit their needs.
Regardless, each Organization must submit their policies to the Center at
compliance@safesport.org for review and approval by January 31, 2021. The Center will
approve, approve with modifications, or deny the policies. If the Center denies the proposed
policy, the mandatory components of Part III become the default policy until the Center
approves the policy.
2. NGBs must require their LAOs to incorporate the mandatory components of Part III. NGBs
may require that their LAOs implement the NGB’s policies, which may be more stringent than
the policies in Part III.
3. An NGB may, in its discretion, require its National Member Organizations (NMO) to
implement these policies.
• An NGB that chooses to require its NMOs to implement the Education & Training
Policy must obtain advanced, written approval from the Center to expand the training
access to additional persons. Requests must be submitted to ngbservices@safesport.org.
4. The mandatory components of Part III will serve as the default policy for any organization that
fails to develop its own policy as required by this section.
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PART III
REQUIRED POLICIES FOR ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONS
ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONS
1. Observable and Interruptible
a. All one-on-one In-Program Contact between an Adult Participant and a Minor
Athlete must be observable and interruptible, except in emergency circumstances.
b. Limited Exceptions:
i. When a Dual Relationship exists; or
ii. When the Close-in-Age Exception applies; or
iii. A Minor Athlete needs a Personal Care Assistant (subject to the requirements
listed below on page 15).
MEETINGS AND TRAINING SESSIONS
1. Observable and Interruptible
Adult Participants must follow the one-on-one interaction policy in all meetings and
training sessions where Minor Athletes are present.
2. Individual Training Sessions
a. One-on-one, In-Program, individual training sessions must be observable and
interruptible except if:
i. A Dual Relationship exists; or
ii. The Close-in-Age Exception applies; or
iii. A Minor Athlete needs a Personal Care Assistant (subject to the requirements
listed below on page 15).
b. The Adult Participant providing the individual training session must receive
advance, written consent from the Minor Athlete’s parent/guardian at least
annually, which can be withdrawn at any time; and
c. Parents/guardians must be allowed to observe the individual training session.
3. Meetings with licensed mental health care professionals and health care providers
(other than athletic trainers4
)
If a licensed mental health care professional or licensed health care provider meets oneon-one with a Minor Athlete at a sanctioned event or a facility, which is partially or
4 Athletic trainers who are covered under these policies must follow the “Athletic Training Modalities, Massages, and
Rubdowns” policy.
11
fully under U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s or a Member Club’s jurisdiction, the meeting must
be observable and interruptible except:
a. If the door remains unlocked; and
b. Another adult is present at the facility and notified that a meeting is
occurring, although the Minor Athlete’s identity need not be disclosed; and
c. U.S. Ski & Snowboard or the Member Club is notified that the provider will be
meeting with a Minor Athlete; and
d. The provider obtains consent consistent with applicable laws and ethical
standards, which can be withdrawn at any time.
4. Monitoring
Another Adult Participant must monitor each meeting or training session. Monitoring
includes reviewing the consent forms, knowing the approximate planned duration of
the session, and the ability to drop in on the session.
ATHLETIC TRAINING MODALITIES, MASSAGES, AND RUBDOWNS
1. Athletic training modality, massage, or rubdown
All In-Program athletic training modalities, massages, or rubdowns of a Minor Athlete
must:
a. Be observable and interruptible; and
b. Have another Adult Participant physically present for the athletic training
modality, massage, or rubdown; and
c. Have documented consent as explained in subsection (2) below; and
d. Be performed with the Minor Athlete fully or partially clothed, ensuring that the
breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals are always covered; and
e. Allow parents/guardians in the room as an observer, except for competition or
training venues that limit credentialing.
2. Consent
a. Providers of athletic training modalities, massages, and rubdowns or U.S. Ski &
Snowboard or the Member club, must obtain consent at least annually from Minor
Athletes’ parents/guardians before providing any athletic training modalities,
massages, or rubdowns.
b. Minor Athletes or their parents/guardians can withdraw consent at any time.
3. Parent Training
Parents/guardians may receive the U.S. Center for SafeSport education and training on
child abuse prevention before providing consent.
12
4. The provider must narrate the steps before taking them, seeking assent of the Minor
Athlete throughout the process.
5. When possible, techniques should be used to reduce physical touch of Minor Athletes.
6. Only licensed providers may administer a massage, rubdown, or athletic training modality.
7. Coaches, regardless of whether they are licensed massage therapists, may not massage
Minor Athletes.
LOCKER ROOMS AND CHANGING AREAS
1. Observable and Interruptible
Adult Participants must ensure that all one-on-one In-Program Contact with Minor Athletes
in a locker room, changing area, or similar space where Minor Athletes are present is
observable and interruptible, except if:
a. A Dual Relationship exists; or
b. The Close-in-Age Exception applies; or
c. A Minor Athlete needs a Personal Care Assistant (subject to the requirements listed
below on page 15).
2. Conduct in Locker Rooms, Changing Areas, and Similar Spaces
a. No Adult Participant or Minor Athlete can use the photographic or recording
capabilities of any device in locker rooms, changing areas, or any other area
designated as a place for changing clothes or undressing.
b. Adult Participants must not change clothes or behave in a manner that intentionally
or recklessly exposes their breasts, buttocks, groins, or genitals to a Minor Athlete.
c. Adult Participants must not shower with Minor Athletes unless:
i. The Adult Participant meets the Close-in-Age Exception; or
ii. The shower is part of a pre- or post-activity rinse while wearing swimwear.
d. Parents/guardians may request in writing that their Minor Athlete(s) not change or
shower with Adult Participant(s) during In-Program Contact. U.S. Ski &
Snowboard or a Member Club and the Adult Participant(s) must abide by this
request.
3. Media and Championship Celebrations in Locker Rooms
No recording or photography is permitted in locker rooms and there is no exception for
media or celebrations.
4. Personal Care Assistants
Personal Care Assistants are permitted to be with and assist Minor Athlete(s) in locker
rooms, changing areas, and similar spaces where other Minor Athletes are present, if they
meet the requirements below on page 15.
13
5. Availability and Monitoring of Locker Rooms, Changing Areas, and Similar Spaces
a. U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club must provide a private or semi-private
place for Minor Athletes that need to change clothes or undress at sanctioned events
or facilities partially or fully under their respective jurisdiction.
b. U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club must monitor the use of locker rooms,
changing areas, and similar spaces to ensure compliance with these policies at
sanctioned events or facilities partially or fully under their respective jurisdiction.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS5
1. Open and Transparent
a. All one-on-one electronic communications between an Adult Participant and a
Minor Athlete must be Open and Transparent except:
i. When a Dual Relationship exists; or
ii. When the Close-in-Age Exception applies; or
iii. If a Minor Athlete needs a Personal Care Assistant (subject to the requirements
listed below).
b. Open and Transparent means that the Adult Participant copies or includes the Minor
Athlete’s parent/guardian, another adult family member of the Minor Athlete, or
another Adult Participant.
• If a Minor Athlete communicates with the Adult Participant first, the Adult
Participant must follow this policy if the Adult Participant responds.
c. Only platforms that allow for Open and Transparent communication may be used
to communicate with Minor Athletes.
2. Team Communication
When an Adult Participant communicates electronically to the entire team or any number
of Minor Athletes on the team, the Adult Participant must copy or include another Adult
Participant or the Minor Athletes’ parents/guardians.
3. Content
All electronic communication originating from an Adult Participant to a Minor Athlete
must be professional in nature unless an exception in (1)(a) exists.
4. Requests to discontinue
Parents/guardians may request in writing that U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club or an
Adult Participant subject to this policy not contact their Minor Athlete through any form of
electronic communication. The respective party must abide by any request to discontinue,
absent emergency circumstances.
5 Electronic communications include, but are not limited to: phone calls, videoconferencing, video coaching, texting, and
social media.
14
5. Hours
Electronic communications should generally be sent only between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
local time for the location of the Minor Athlete.
6. Social Media Connections
Adult Participants, except those with a Dual Relationship or who meet the Close-in-Age
Exception, are not permitted to maintain private social media connections with Minor
Athletes and should discontinue existing social media connections with Minor Athletes.
TRANSPORTATION
1. Transportation
a. An Adult Participant cannot transport a Minor Athlete one-on-one during In-Program
travel, except if:
i. A Dual Relationship exists; or
ii. The Close-in-Age Exception applies; or
iii. A Minor Athlete needs a Personal Care Assistant (subject to the requirements
listed below); or
iv. The Adult Participant has advance, written consent to transport the Minor
Athlete one-on-one obtained at least annually from the Minor Athlete’s
parent/guardian.
b. Minor Athlete(s) or their parent/guardian can withdraw consent at any time.
c. An Adult Participant meets the In-Program transportation requirements if the Adult
Participant is accompanied by another Adult Participant or at least two minors.
d. Written consent from a Minor Athlete’s parent/guardian is required for all transportation
sanctioned by U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club at least annually.
2. Shared or Carpool Travel Arrangement
Parents/guardians are encouraged to pick up their Minor Athlete first and drop off their
Minor Athlete last in any shared or carpool travel arrangement.
3. Parent Training
Parents/guardians may receive the U.S. Center for SafeSport education and training on
child abuse prevention before providing consent.
LODGING
1. Hotel Rooms and Other Sleeping Arrangements
All In-Program Contact at a hotel or lodging site between an Adult Participant and a Minor
Athlete must be observable and interruptible, and an Adult Participant cannot share a hotel
room or otherwise sleep in the same room with a Minor Athlete, except if the Minor
Athlete’s parent/guardian has provided U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club with
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advance, written consent at least annually for the lodging arrangement and one of the
following applies:
i. A Dual Relationship Exists;
ii. The Close-in-Age Exception applies; or
iii. The Minor Athlete needs a Personal Care Assistant (subject to the requirements
listed below).
2. Consent
Written consent from a Minor Athlete’s parent/guardian must be obtained for all In-Program
lodging at least once annually.
3. Monitoring or Room Checks During In-Program Travel
If U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club performs room checks during In-Program
lodging, the one-on-one interaction policy must be followed and at least two adults must
be present for the room checks.
4. Additional Requirements for Lodging Authorized or Funded by the Organization
a. Adult Participants traveling with U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club must agree
to and sign the lodging policy at least annually.
b. Adult Participants that travel overnight with Minor Athletes are assumed to have
Authority over Minor Athletes and thus must comply with U.S Ski & Snowboard’s
Education & Training Policy (see Appendix A).
5. Parent Training
Parents/guardians may receive the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s education and training on
child abuse prevention before providing consent.
PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANTS (PCA) REQUIREMENTS: for all one-one-one
interactions above where a Minor Athlete needs an Adult Participant PCA, the following is
required:
(1) the Minor Athlete’s parent/guardian has provided written consent to U.S. Ski &
Snowboard or the Member Club for the Adult Participant PCA to work with the
Minor Athlete; and
(2) the Adult Participant PCA has complied with the Education & Training Policy; and
(3) the Adult Participant PCA has complied with U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s screening
policy.
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PART IV
RECOMMENDED POLICIES FOR KEEPING YOUNG ATHLETES SAFE
A. Out-of-Program Contact
Adult Participants, who do not meet the Close-in-Age Exception nor have a Dual
Relationship with a Minor Athlete, should not have out-of-program contact with Minor
Athletes without legal/parent guardian consent, even if the out-of-program contact is not
one-on-one.
B. Gifting
1. Adult Participants, who do not meet the Close-in-Age Exception nor have a Dual
Relationship with a Minor Athlete, should not give personal gifts to Minor Athletes.
2. Gifts that are equally distributed to all athletes and serve a motivational or education
purpose are permitted.
C. Photography/Video
1. Photographs or videos of athletes may only be taken in public view and must
observe generally accepted standards of decency.
2. Adult Participants should not publicly share or post photos or videos of Minor Athletes if
the Adult Participant has not obtained the Parent/Guardian and Minor Athlete’s consent.
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TERMINOLOGY
Adult Participant: Any adult (18 years of age or older) who is:
a. A member or license holder of U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club;
b. An employee or board member of U.S Ski & Snowboard or a Member Club;
c. Within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of U.S. Ski & Snowboard or a Member
Club; or
d. Authorized, approved, or appointed by U.S. Ski & Snowboard or Member Club, to have
regular contact with or authority over Minor Athletes.6
Amateur Athlete: An athlete who meets the eligibility standards established by the National
Governing Body or paralympic sports organization for the sport in which the athlete competes.
Authority: When one person’s position over another person is such that, based on the totality of
the circumstances, they have the power or right to direct, control, give orders to, or make decisions
for that person. Also see the Power Imbalance definition in the SafeSport Code.
7
Close-in-Age Exception: An exception applicable to certain policies when an Adult Participant
does not have authority over a Minor Athlete and is not more than four years older than the Minor
Athlete (e.g., a 19-year-old and a 16-year-old). Note: this exception only applies within the
prevention policies and not regarding conduct defined in the SafeSport Code.
Dual Relationships: An exception applicable to certain policies when an Adult Participant has a
dual role or relationship with a Minor Athlete and the Minor Athlete’s parent/guardian has
provided written consent at least annually authorizing the exception.
In-Program Contact: Any contact (including communications, interactions, or activities)
between an Adult Participant and any Minor Athlete related to participation in sport.
Examples of In-Program Contact include, but are not limited to: competition, practices,
camps/clinics, training/instructional sessions, pre/post game meals or outings, team travel,
review of film, team- or sport-related relationship building activities, celebrations, award
ceremonies, banquets, team- or sport-related fundraising or community service, sport
education, or competition site visits.
Local Affiliated Organization (LAO): A regional, state, or local club or organization that is
directly affiliated with an NGB or that is affiliated with an NGB by its direct affiliation with a
regional or state affiliate of an NGB. LAO does not include a regional, state, or local club or
6 This may include volunteers, medical staff, trainers, chaperones, monitors, contract personnel, bus/van drivers, officials,
adult athletes, staff, board members, and any other individual who meets the Adult Participant definition.
7 This includes coaches, medical staff, trainers, chaperones, contract personnel, officials, adult athletes, staff, board
members, and any other individual who meets the Adult Participant definition.
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organization that is only a member of a National Member Organization of U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard deems its member clubs (“Member Clubs”) to be LAOs.8
Member Clubs: For the purposes of the MAAPP, whenever the term Member Club is used, it
includes LAOs.
Minor Athlete: An Amateur Athlete under 18 years of age who participates in, or participated
within the previous 12 months in, an event, program, activity, or competition that is part of, or
partially or fully under the jurisdiction of, an NGB, PSO, USOPC, or LAO.
Partial or Full Jurisdiction: Includes any sanctioned event (including all travel and
lodging in connection with the event) by the NGB, PSO, USOPC, or LAO, or any facility
that the NGB, PSO, USOPC, or LAO owns, leases, or rents for practice, training or
competition.
National Governing Body (NGB): A U.S. Olympic National Governing Body, Pan American
Sport Organization, or Paralympic Sport Organization recognized by the U.S. Olympic &
Paralympic Committee pursuant to the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, 36 U.S.C.
§§ 220501, et seq. This definition shall also apply to the USOPC, or other sports entity approved
by the USOPC, when they have assumed responsibility for the management or governance of a
sport included on the program of the Olympic, Paralympic, or Pan-American Games. U.S. Ski &
Snowboard is an NGB.
National Member Organization (NMO): A national or regional organization that is directly
affiliated with U.S. Ski & Snowboard, over which U.S. Ski & Snowboard has jurisdiction (without
respect to whether U.S. Ski & Snowboard has disciplinary authority over individual members of
that national or regional organization) and is an amateur sports organization requesting sanction
from U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
Adult Personal Care Assistant: An Adult Participant who assists an athlete requiring help with
activities of daily living (ADL) and preparation for athletic participation. This support can be
provided by a Guide for Blind or visually impaired athletes or can include assistance with transfer,
dressing, showering, medication administration, and toileting. Personal Care Assistants are
different for every athlete and should be individualized to fit their specific needs. When assisting
a Minor Athlete, PCAs must be authorized by the athlete’s parent/guardian.
8 LAOs specifically exclude schools, colleges, and universities (only the athletic programs associated with U.S. Ski &
Snowboard would be LAOs); all mountain and ski resort management/leadership over resort operations where their roles
are independent of athletic competition programs; and multi-sport community recreational clubs/programs (only the
athletic program associated with U.S. Ski & Snowboard would be an LAO).
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Paralympic Sport Organization (PSO): an amateur sports organization recognized and certified
as an NGB by the USOPC.
Regular Contact: Ongoing interactions during a 12-month period wherein an Adult Participant is
in a role of direct and active engagement with any Minor Athlete.9
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC): A federally chartered nonprofit corporation
that serves as the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United
States.
9 This includes coaches, medical staff, trainers, chaperones, contract personnel, officials, adult athletes, staff, board
members, and any other individual who meets the Adult Participant definition.