Why is Abuse Prevention important?
Training, on its own, does not prevent abuse. But a key component of developing this policy is to convey MAPA's commitment to creating a culture of safety and equipping all within our organization to understand and identify the problem. When everyone has the facts, we can all protect the young people in our care.

Why is MAPA making this training mandatory?
Child sexual abuse is a prevalent health problem young people face, with the most serious consequences. One way to prevent abuse is through effective abuse prevention training. As stewards of young people who participate in MAPA, protection from all forms of abuse is central to our mission.

What is the the required abuse prevention training course, and where can we access the course?
The "SafeSport™ Trained" Abuse Prevention course has been adopted by MAPA as the required training for all adult instructional and administrative staff having regular contact with or authority over participants. The U.S. Center for SafeSport created this 90-minute, interactive course entirely online and is required training for all sports in the Olympic movement.

MAPA already has a mandatory background check policy. Why make this training required?
Due to gaps and inaccuracies in database information and the high rate of unreported predators, background checks are a good start, but alone they are insufficient to protect the vulnerable population MAPA serves. The powerful combination of background checks and mandatory abuse prevention training teaches how offenders operate, recognize signs of abuse, teach strategies for abuse prevention, and familiarize leaders with appropriate response mechanisms.

Who must take the “SafeSport™ Trained” Abuse Prevention course?
All adult instructional and administrative staff having regular contact with or authority over participants must complete the training.

We encourage ensembles to consider extending this training to other individuals in your organization not required by this policy including participants over 18, captains, section leaders, chaperones, drivers, and others who have regular interaction with participants.

What does the the “SafeSport™ Trained” Abuse Prevention course cover?
To see the online training course outline, click here.

When does training have to be complete?
All those required to complete this training should do so before regular contact with participants begin or within the first 45 days of starting a new role subjecting the adult to this policy.

How much does the training cost?
MAPA is using WGI’s negotiated special rate of $17 to take the required 90-minute online "SafeSport™ Trained" Abuse Prevention course.

Can individuals share the course?
No. All individuals required to take the training will receive a personalized certificate of completion. MAPA will access these certificates of completion and reach out about any individual not having completed the training.

My school district already requires different abuse prevention training. Will this count towards fulfilling the MAPA requirement?
No. It is difficult to find a universal approach to this sensitive subject, and we respect the efforts of some school districts in this area. However, as each district has its specific requirements, scholastic ensembles participating in MAPA should understand we have adopted this requirement so everyone in our community has the same information. We are confident the required training will provide that baseline for everyone participating in MAPA.

Our ensemble has someone under 18 instructing our ensemble. Would they need to fulfill the abuse prevention training requirement?
Yes. Anyone in an instructional position of authority over participants would still be subject to this policy.

What is the U.S. Center for SafeSport?
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent 501c(3) non-profit organization focused on ending all forms of abuse in sport through abuse prevention, education, and accountability.

The Center opened its doors in Denver, Colorado, in March 2017, and soon after became federally-authorized under the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 (which became Public Law No: 115-126 on February 14, 2018). The law entrusts the Center as the exclusive authority to respond to reports of allegations of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct within the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and their recognized National Governing Bodies (NGBs).

The Center is a trusted educational resource for all sports entities, from grassroots amateur sports organizations to professional leagues.

Why is the expense of taking this mandatory training the responsibility of the participating ensemble?
MAPA echoes WGI’s belief that abuse prevention training is as essential as insurance, eligibility, and other requirements ensembles must follow to participate. All ensembles should invest in a culture of safety at their organization as much as travel, instruction, equipment, and costumes to protect participants during all their group activities, not just MAPA events.