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Are there any limitations on the SSA’s jurisdiction? NSAA 2018
es—the SSA only extends to amateur athletic organiza- The requirement to develop procedures and
Ytions involved in interstate competitions and events (e.g., policies to limit opportunities for abuse is
a New Hampshire competitor involved in a Vermont race or
event). Generally speaking, since Congress passed this federal especially impactful for ski areas and their
law, there must be a component of interstate activity to give athletic programs, especially in lodging, travel, FALL
Congress jurisdiction to legislate in this manner. Many youth
amateur athletic events will likely involve out-of-state partic- and changing facilities.
ipants. As a result, if a state high school group holds a race
like the Colorado High School Skiing Championship (which
does not allow competitors living in or attending Utah high the “abuse” training extends not only to sexual abuse, but
schools), technically such an event is not covered by the physical and emotional abuse training for anyone in regular EDUCATION
law. Still, out of an abundance of caution, we anticipate contact with amateur athletes who are minors. Moreover,
many state events and competitions will incorporate similar this will require training of any minors involved with youth
requirements. To be sure, the reach of this federal law tech- athletes (think teenagers assisting in coaching or officiating),
nically only applies to sports organizations that travels across as long as those minors have parental consent for such train-
state or international lines (Canada, for example). However, ing. Importantly, the training must include “preventative” SEMINARS
even if non-intrastate competitions, the SSA is dramatically measures—in addition to training on mandatory reporting,
expanding the overall standard of care for youth athletic it will also need to include identifying such abuse, warning
events everywhere. signs, prevention techniques, and understanding the
abusive, predatory “grooming” practices used by abusers
Would the SSA cover a Dew Tour or related and pedophiles.
sponsored events? Much of this training is likely to already exist, or will be Plan to attend an NSAA Fall Education Seminar August 19-22 Boyne Highlands Resort, Michigan
rguably, yes, especially if there are minor athletes developed by organizations like USSA, state and local scho- (with MSAA Summer Meetings & Tradeshow)
Ainvolved, including athletes from outside the state lastic athletic organizations, and insurance companies. Also, near you to learn about timely risk management
(interstate travel is a key component of the law). The law is the US Department of Health and Human Services has September 11-13 Sunday River Resort, Maine
especially broad, and covers “amateur sports competitions,” developed manuals for childcare providers to address their issues, innovations, and the evolving legal and (with the New England Summit Tradeshow & Educational Conference)
which are defined by the law as “a contest, game, meet, role in preventing and responding to child abuse. regulatory landscape that will help your resort
match, tournament, regatta, or other event in which amateur September 17-19 Peek ‘n Peak Resort, New York
athletes compete.” What new policies will be required? prepare for the 2018-19 season. (with the ISKINY-PSAA EXPO)
As a result, the SSA would cover the hosting facility he SSA will require national governing bodies for sports,
(e.g., a ski area), the event organizers, the coaches, the race Torganizations, teams, athletic groups, and venue/hosting September 21 Bryce Resort, Virginia
and event officials, the medical providers, and so on. This facilities to develop procedures and rules to limit one-on-one Sponsored by MountainGuard, these one-day (with the Southeast Ski Areas Association)
would also cover ESPN’s X Games, the Burton Tour, Tough interactions between adults and minor athletes. The SSA
Mudders or Spartan Runs, mountain biking races and events, specifically requires organizations to develop procedures to workshops are a great way to pick up essential October 2 Hood River, Oregon
and other events that allow minors to be involved in organized prevent interactions with a minor athlete and an adult operational strategies, network with your peers,
competitions. Even your resort’s end-of-season pond skim “without being in an observable and interruptible distance October 4 Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows, California
could be covered, if there are minors and participants from from another adult, except in emergency circumstances.” and help minimize your area’s exposure to claims
out of state. In addition to mandatory reporting and training require- October 11 Brighton Ski Resort, Utah
As a result, hosting facilities like a ski area would be ments, the requirement to develop procedures and policies and lawsuits.
wise to include compliance with the SSA—as well as indem- to limit opportunities for abuse is especially impactful for ski
nification and additional insured status in claims for non- areas and their athletic programs, especially in lodging, travel, October 23 Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
compliance—as part of their contracts and hosting agreements and changing facilities. This may encourage more resorts to Visit nsaa.org for more information and to regis-
in a wide variety of events involving amateur youth athletes. consider background checks as one tool (see below). October 25 Copper Mountain Resort, Colorado
In addition, seeking higher insurance coverage levels may be But covered entities should also develop oversight pro- ter. Onsite registration is also available.
part of this equation as well. cedures, including auditing protocols for ensuring adherence
and enforcement of these rules, as well as confidentiality and
What kind of training is required? anti-retaliation rules protecting those reporting abuse from
he SSA requires covered entities to provide ongoing any sort of discipline or negative consequence for reporting Sponsored by:
Tand consistent training in “abuse prevention.” In fact, suspicions of abuse.

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