SafeSport & Athlete Safety

The Middlebury Ski & Snowboard Club (MSSC) is committed to providing a safe, positive, and supportive environment where young athletes can develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

As a U.S. Ski & Snowboard club, MSSC follows applicable U.S. Ski & Snowboard SafeSport policies and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) established by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Our Commitment to Athlete Safety

MSSC requires applicable coaches, program directors, and MSSC board members to complete required SafeSport education and comply with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and U.S. Center for SafeSport requirements appropriate to their roles.

These policies are designed to prevent abuse and misconduct while establishing clear expectations for appropriate interactions between adults and minor athletes.

MSSC is committed to maintaining an environment in which:

• Athletes are treated with dignity and respect.
• Coaches and other adult participants maintain appropriate professional boundaries with minor athletes.
• Required SafeSport training and education are kept current.
• Interactions with minor athletes follow applicable MAAPP requirements.
• Parents and guardians understand how MSSC approaches athlete safety.
• Concerns about athlete safety or misconduct are taken seriously and reported through the appropriate channels.

Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP)

The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies establish standards intended to reduce opportunities for abuse and misconduct involving minor athletes.

MAAPP addresses interactions between Adult Participants and Minor Athletes in situations that commonly occur in youth sports. These requirements include policies concerning:

One-on-one interactions

Interactions between an Adult Participant and a Minor Athlete must follow MAAPP requirements regarding observable and interruptible contact and applicable exceptions.

Electronic communications

Texts, emails, messaging apps, and other electronic communications involving minor athletes must follow MAAPP requirements, including applicable requirements for including a parent/guardian or another adult.

Transportation and travel

Transportation, lodging, and team travel involving minor athletes must comply with applicable MAAPP requirements and consent provisions.

Locker rooms and changing areas

Adult Participants must follow MAAPP requirements intended to protect athlete privacy and limit inappropriate one-on-one interactions.

Meetings and training sessions

Individual meetings, coaching sessions, and other interactions with minor athletes must be conducted in accordance with MAAPP requirements.

Athletic training and health-related interactions

Applicable MAAPP requirements govern situations involving athletic training, medical treatment, massage, and other health-related interactions with minor athletes.

Training and Screening

MSSC requires coaches and other individuals whose roles require it to maintain appropriate U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership, SafeSport training, background screening, and other certifications or requirements applicable to their position.

MSSC also expects its Board of Directors and program leadership to understand and uphold the athlete-safety policies governing the club.

Compliance with these requirements is part of our responsibility as an organization serving young athletes.

Creating a Safe Team Culture

SafeSport is more than completing an annual training course. MSSC expects coaches, volunteers, families, and athletes to help create a culture in which appropriate boundaries, good judgment, respectful behavior, and athlete well-being are part of everyday club activities.

Parents and athletes are encouraged to ask questions when something is unclear and to speak up when an interaction or situation causes concern.

Reporting a Concern

MSSC encourages athletes and families to report concerns about inappropriate behavior, misconduct, or athlete safety.

Depending on the nature of the concern, reports may need to be made to MSSC leadership, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, or law enforcement or child-protection authorities.

MSSC SafeSport Contact:

Alicia Butler, Director

middleburyskiclub@gmail.com

U.S. Center for SafeSport:

Report a Concern

U.S. Ski & Snowboard:

SafeSport & Athlete Safety Resources

In an emergency or when a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

SafeSport Resources

Families, athletes, coaches, and volunteers are encouraged to learn more about the policies that help protect young athletes.

• U.S. Ski & Snowboard SafeSport
• U.S. Ski & Snowboard Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP)
• U.S. Center for SafeSport
• 2025 Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies
• MAAPP Resources for Parents, Coaches, Athletes, and Volunteers

MSSC reviews its athlete-safety practices and requirements regularly and will update club procedures as U.S. Ski & Snowboard and U.S. Center for SafeSport requirements evolve.