NEDO Soccer Club is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where every child can grow as an athlete and as a person. This policy sets clear standards for conduct, safety, and accountability. It applies to all NEDO employees, board members, coaches, volunteers, players, parents, and anyone participating in or attending NEDO activities.

1. Prohibited Conduct

NEDO adopts and enforces U.S. Soccer’s Model Prohibited Conduct Policy, which prohibits:

• Bullying
• Hazing
• Harassment (including sexual harassment)
• Emotional misconduct
• Physical misconduct
• Sexual misconduct

This applies to:

• All NEDO staff, board members, and volunteers
• All NEDO members and athletes
• All referees and players who are minors
• All adults with regular contact or authority over minor athletes

NEDO strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports misconduct.

2. Background Screening

All adults who have regular contact with or authority over minor athletes must complete background checks before contact begins or within 45 days of starting their role. Screening will include:

• State sex offender registries
• U.S. Soccer disqualification list
• U.S. Center for SafeSport disciplinary records

NEDO reserves the right to set stricter standards than the national minimum.

3. Education and Training

To keep kids safe and ensure adults understand their responsibilities:

• All staff, board members, and coaches must complete SafeSport Core Training before working with athletes and must complete annual refresher courses.
• Minor Athletes (with parental consent) will be offered SafeSport’s Minor Athlete Training annually.
• Parents will be offered SafeSport’s Parent Training annually.
• NEDO will track and record all training completions.

4. Reporting Misconduct

NEDO maintains a clear, confidential, and accessible process for reporting misconduct:

• Reports may be made directly to NEDO leadership, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, or law enforcement as required.
• Reports can be submitted anonymously.
• There are no fees or costs for submitting a report.
• Retaliation against individuals making reports in good faith is strictly prohibited.

Reporting contacts will be posted on the NEDO website and at training locations.

5. Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP)

NEDO adopts the U.S. Soccer Model MAAPP to protect minors. This includes rules for:

• One-on-one interactions (in-person and virtual)
• Individual training sessions
• Locker rooms and changing areas
• Electronic communications
• Transportation and lodging

Athletes who turn 18 while still playing must complete SafeSport training and follow MAAPP policies.

6. Enforcement and Resolution

NEDO enforces this policy through a grievance and resolution process that is:

• Free of bias or conflict of interest
• Designed to address allegations fairly and promptly
• Provides opportunity for review by an independent party
• Allows appeals of final decisions

Violations of this policy may result in suspension, removal from activities, or permanent dismissal from the club.

Commitment
NEDO is more than a soccer club. We are a safe haven for kids from every background. By adopting this Personal Conduct and Safety Policy, we affirm that safety, respect, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.