SDSSA Kidsafe Risk-Management Program
As our society's awareness increases about the risks associated with individuals working with children who abuse their authority by committing sexual, physical, mental and emotional abuse, there is a need to provide a means of protection. The South Dakota Soccer Association has implemented the US Youth Soccer-approved Kidsafe Program. Its purpose is simple: to protect and provide a safe and healthful environment to children participating in SDSSA's sanctioned soccer clubs, leagues, programs and tournaments.
Why do we have to submit Social Security Numbers?
The SD Soccer Board of Directors has decided that coaches/assistant coaches/refs, etc (anyone who is expected to have regular contact with youth players) must submit their social security number when doing the online Risk Management disclosure starting immediately. Without that, we are not able to do the complete background screenings that we do on everyone involved in our youth soccer programs.
Security Concerns?
Concerned with security? You should see a little yellow lock either at the top or bottom of the browser. If you do not have a lock...please log into Windows Update and make sure you have the latest security updates. The Risk Form page does have a Secure Certificate, which means your data is encrypted when transferred over the web. It is also a good idea to clear your cookies after entering any secure information. A free product called CCleaner does a nice job of cleaning your system.
Policy overview
All adults must file online Volunteer Disclosure Forms (VDF) before a volunteer is allowed to have any contact with players. Youth (volunteers under the age of 18) follow separate guidelines specified below. Every fall all volunteers will complete an online VDF. In the Spring and Winter, only new persons will file forms. We will have a complete new set of forms on file every year as designated by USYSA.
Youth
All youth volunteers under the age of 18 must have a current youth VOLUNTEER DISCLOSURE FORM (VDF) on file with their local association. Each local Risk Manager is responsible to collect and maintain the forms for local use. They are not to be forwarded to the State Risk Manager. It is recommended that the youth form be printed on a colored background to ease the collection and processing of the forms.
Teams in Bad Standing
In accordance with “South Dakota State Soccer Association Rules for Player and Team Eligibility and Registration”, updated November 8, 2003 (proposed update below, 2008);
Risk Management
25. All volunteers in direct contact with players must fill out an online Volunteer Disclosure Form. These forms are due to be submitted on April 10th or September 10th of the respective seasons. The SDSSA will contact the association president and/or mail a certified letter on the 11th of the respective month to those Associations that have not complied. This letter will inform the Association that if they are not in compliance by the 17th of that month, they will be placed in Bad Standing and fined $500.00 without any further notice. From that point, it will be the responsibility of the local Association to verify and correct their Bad Standing status with the SDSSA. Refer to information regarding bad standing status in #II.4. The Volunteer Disclosure Form requires a social security number and other information to facilitate a background check. Anyone with holding this information will not be allowed to be involved in the SDSSA or work with our players. Supervision of the disclosure forms, deadlines, etc. will be handled by the SDSSA Risk Manager and Administration. Once an Association is in bad standing, their teams will not be allowed to play until all volunteers are in compliance and all fines are received by the SDSSA.
Questions may be directed to:
Deb Becker
PO Box 33
Groton, SD 57445
phone 605-397-8685 or cell 605-228-5115 riskmanager@southdakotasoccer.com |
