We take the safety of our athletes seriously. Precautions are taken on the field to prevent physical injuries, and precautions are taken off the field to ensure children and volunteers are safe in their interactions with each other.

AYSO’s Safe Haven program has been put in place to protect AYSO players and the volunteers who serve them. It requires that each AYSO volunteer complete and eSign a volunteer application every year, agreeing to background checks and to abide by the philosophies and policies of AYSO.

Every AYSO volunteer must apply and be accepted as a volunteer. Volunteers are also asked to complete Safe Haven and job specific training in order to become trained and certified. AYSO in-person or online training focuses on the best ways to work with children and important safety protocols. Becoming Safe Haven certified takes 20-30 minutes, but AYSO volunteers know it’s worth it.

Also, did you know that every AYSO Region is required to designate a volunteer to act as the Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA)? A CVPA helps implement Safe Haven policies at the local level. Our local CVPA, is Kelsey Bozler.  Stop and say hello when you see her at the field!

AYSO is so proud of our Safe Haven program – it was the first of its kind in youth sports, most notably in soccer. It creates a safe environment for players and volunteers to have a happy and healthy soccer experience.