Don't Get Left In The Lodge!
Winter is here and you don't want to be left in the lodge! So it's time to learn or refresh yourself, about athlete SafeSport training and background check requirements so you can make the most of your-on-snow competition time this winter. Don't forget, all athletes 18 and older must complete SafeSport training and background checks on or before their 18th birthday. Read on for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Athlete SafeSport training highlights:
Are athletes required to complete SafeSport training? Almost all adult U.S. Ski & Snowboard members (athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers) are required to complete SafeSport training. Short Term Athlete Members due to their limited participation and Master Athletes who do not i) have regular contact with minor athletes or ii) have authority over minor athletes are exempt from training.
What happens if an athlete’s SafeSport training is not completed prior to turning 18? All athletes must complete SafeSport training no later than their 18th birthday to be eligible for participation/competition in U.S. Ski & Snowboard events and training with your club. Pending members are ineligible to participate.
If I’m turning 18, can I complete SafeSport training now? Yes, you may complete SafeSport training now if you have parental consent. The consent is built into the SafeSport policy in online registration. Member Services will provide instructions once you’ve registered for membership.
Does U.S. Ski & Snowboard recommend 17-year-old athletes complete SafeSport training prior to their 18th birthday? Yes. Training must be completed no later than your 18th birthday to avoid being placed on pending status and ineligible from participating in U.S. Ski & Snowboard events. We encourage athletes and their parents to have 17 year old athletes complete training prior to their 18th birthday to avoid any delay in participation/competition. However, you may delay training until closer to your birthday by calling or emailing Member Services.
How will U.S. Ski & Snowboard know I’ve completed training? It’s important that all those who take SafeSport training include their 7-digit U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership number/ID and add U.S. Ski & Snowboard as your membership affiliation when creating your SafeSport account. U.S. Ski & Snowboard will be notified of your course completion automatically when your account includes these two items. In this case, there would be no need to remit your completion certificate.
Athlete background screening highlights:
As an athlete, am I required to undergo background screening? Much like SafeSport training, almost all adult U.S. Ski & Snowboard members (athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers) are now required to undergo periodic criminal background screening. Short Term Athlete Members due to their limited participation and Master Athletes who do not i) have regular contact with minor athletes or ii) have authority over minor athletes are exempt from the background screening requirement.
What happens if I don’t complete the background screening prior to turning 18? All affected athletes will have 45 days from their 18th birthday to complete screening. On day 46, the athlete will be placed on pending status and ineligible to compete.
If I’m turning 18, can I register for background screening now? Yes, you may register for screening once you’ve registered for membership. Parental consent will be captured within the screening company’s registration process and is required for all those under the age of 18. Member Services will provide instructions once you’ve registered for membership
Does U.S. Ski & Snowboard recommend 17-year-old athletes complete background screening prior to their 18th birthday? Yes. Background screening can take several weeks. We want to avoid the potential for athletes being placed on pending status and prohibited from participating in U.S. Ski & Snowboard events. We encourage athletes and their parents to have 17-year-old athletes complete screening prior to their 18th birthday to avoid any delay in participation/competition. Athletes will have a maximum of 45 days from their 18th birthday to complete the screening process.