LITTLE LEAGUE GUIDELINES ON REPORTING ABUSE

U.S. FEDERAL LAW 

The “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Act of 2017” mandates that all amateur sports organizations, which participate in an interstate or international amateur athletic competition and whose membership includes any adult who is in regular contact with an amateur athlete who is a minor must report suspected child abuse, including sexual abuse, within 24 hours to law enforcement. According to federal law:

• An individual who is required, but fails, to report suspected child sexual abuse is subject to criminal penalties.
• If an individual suspects a case of abuse within their league, they should report it to the appropriate child services organization and/or local law enforcement as well as, their League President and District Administrator.

*Additional information from Little League International on reporting possible instances of child abuse, including tips on knowing whether or not to report such cases, can be found HERE.