Player Safety & SafeSport

• Every coach, staff member and regular volunteer who works with players must pass a background check and complete SafeSport training before working with players, and must keep both current.
• Coaches must also complete the concussion awareness training required by our governing bodies.
• NextGen follows the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) and the safeguarding rules of VYSA, US Youth Soccer and U.S. Soccer.

• One-on-one time between an adult and a player happens only where others can see and hear, such as on the field during a practice.
• Messages, texts and emails from coaches to players include a parent or guardian, or go through team messaging in PlayMetrics. Coaches do not have private social media or direct-message contact with players.
• Coaches do not drive a player alone unless the parent has given written permission for that trip. Players do not share hotel rooms with unrelated adults at events.
• Physical contact is limited to what is appropriate for coaching, safety and celebration.

NextGen does not tolerate bullying, hazing, harassment or discrimination of any kind, in person or online. This applies to players, parents, coaches and spectators. Reports are taken seriously and handled under the Code of Conduct.

• Any player with a suspected concussion is removed from play straight away and does not return that day. Parents are told the same day.
• A player returns only after written clearance from a licensed health care provider.
• NextGen follows the U.S. Soccer and VYSA heading rules: no heading in practices or games at U11 and younger, and limited heading practice at U12 and U13 (no more than 30 minutes a week, and 15 to 20 headers per player per week).
• Heading rules follow a player's real age, not the age group they play in. A player who plays up still follows the rules for their own age.
• From U14, heading is allowed, and NextGen keeps heading practice limited and focused on technique.

• When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, everyone leaves the field for shelter. Play resumes 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning.
• Coaches adjust or cancel sessions in extreme heat or cold and give regular water breaks.
• Coaches carry emergency contact information for their players at every practice and game.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

Anyone can report a concern. You do not need proof, and you can report without telling NextGen first. NextGen does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who reports in good faith.

• Sexual misconduct or MAAPP violations: U.S. Center for SafeSport, (720) 531-0340, or uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern
• Other misconduct in soccer: U.S. Soccer's report a concern page
• Suspected child abuse or neglect: Virginia Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-552-7096 (24 hours)
• Any concern about NextGen: info@nextgensportsclub.org

NextGen staff report suspected abuse to the authorities as the law and our governing bodies require. A staff member under investigation can be removed from coaching while the matter is reviewed.