West University Softball Association Child Protection Program 

The safety and well-being of all West University Softball Association (WUSA) players is paramount. WUSA provides a softball environment where young girls grow up happy, healthy, and, above all, safe. WUSA does not tolerate any type of abuse against a minor, including, but not limited to, sexual, physical, mental, and emotional (as well as any type of bullying, hazing, or harassment). WUSA ’s goal is to prevent child abuse from occurring through required background screenings, mandatory training and education, awareness, and mandated reporting of abuse by our volunteers. WUSA maintains a zero-tolerance culture that does not allow any type of activity that promotes or allows any form of misconduct or abuse (mental, physical, emotional, or sexual) between players, coaches, parents/guardians/caretakers, spectators, volunteers, and/or any other individual. 

WUSA’s CHILD PROTECTION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

  1. WUSA COMPLETES BACKGROUND CHECKS ON ALL VOLUNTEERS: WUSA will complete background checks using the Protect Youth Sports (PYS) system on every volunteer application at no charge to the volunteer. WUSA uses this process to screen out persons with histories of crimes or other activities revealed by background checks that indicate that they may put children at risk and/or are not suitable for interaction with youth sports programs. Anyone who fails to complete and submit the required check will not be allowed to participate as a manager or coach or volunteer with the team. WUSA will not approve volunteers with felony criminal convictions or convictions of crimes of moral turpitude.
  2. WUSA REQUIRES THE REVIEW OF MANDATORY TRAINING & CONTINUING EDUCATION MATERIALS BY ALL VOLUNTEERS: All volunteers must review WUSA’s Abuse Awareness materials and indicate their understanding annually when submitting for the PYS background check. See reference materials below.
  3. WUSA MANDATES REPORTING: All WUSA volunteers understand they must Report Child Abuse, including sexual abuse involving a minor, to the proper authorities within 24 hours. 
  4. WUSA MAINTAINS A NON-RETALIATION POLICY FOR REPORTING: WUSA prohibits retaliation against “good faith” reports of child abuse, even if the allegation is later determined to be unsubstantiated. 
  5. WUSA PROHIBITS ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONS: WUSA maintains a policy that limits one-on-one contact with minors without being in an observable and interruptible distance from another adult. By reducing such interactions between players and adult volunteers, WUSA reduces the risk of child abuse. Volunteers are prohibited from contacting players directly through social media or electronic communication unless another adult volunteer or the player’s parent/legal guardian is copied. Volunteers are discouraged from interacting one-on-one with unrelated minor athletes in settings outside of local league program and activities (such as the volunteer’s home, a restaurant, a vehicle, personal communication including electronic communication). 

WUSA places the safety and well-being of its players above all else and is the very first value in our league mission. WUSA Parents/Guardians play a critical role in assuring the safety of their players. For a more detailed description of WUSA’s Child Protection Program click here.  

Abuse Awareness Resources