Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League

SafeSport Reporting Guide

Player Safety & Misconduct Reporting

CJSL is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all players. This page explains what to report, how to report it, and what clubs should do when a coach, staff member, volunteer, or adult participant is accused.

Report to SafeSport Report to U.S. Soccer

CJSL Commitment to Player Safety

CJSL prioritizes the safety and well-being of every player. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and acting in the best interest of our community. Every concern is taken seriously — every child deserves to play in a safe environment.

If You Are Unsure, Report It.

You do not need proof to report a concern. If you witness, experience, or become aware of conduct that may place a player at risk, report the concern and allow the appropriate organization to review it.

When in doubt, report.
Emergency or immediate danger: Call 911 immediately.

Responsibilities of Coaches, Staff & Clubs

Coaches, Managers & Staff

  • Report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse, sexual misconduct, or grooming directly to the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
  • Report safeguarding concerns to U.S. Soccer when appropriate.
  • Protect player safety at all times.
  • Do not conduct your own investigation.
  • Do not delay reporting.

Club Responsibilities

  • Ensure the immediate safety of players.
  • Notify CJSL when a SafeSport or safeguarding concern has been reported.
  • Preserve emails, texts, social media messages, schedules, rosters, and witness information.
  • Cooperate with SafeSport, U.S. Soccer, ENYYSA, and CJSL.
  • Consider interim measures to protect players while a matter is pending.
Important: Clubs should not conduct their own SafeSport investigation before reporting. Report first, protect players, preserve information, and cooperate with the appropriate authorities.
U.S. Soccer SafeSport / Participant Safety Resource:
View U.S. Soccer Resource

Recognizing Warning Signs & Grooming Behaviors

Behavioral Warning Signs

  • Sudden changes in behavior or mood
  • Withdrawal from teammates, friends, or family
  • Excessive private communication with a coach
  • Unexplained gifts, money, or special privileges
  • Reluctance to be alone with a specific adult

Grooming Warning Signs

  • Adult insisting on one-on-one time with a child
  • Secret-keeping between the adult and child
  • Private app communication or late-night messages
  • Discouraging a child from telling parents

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, report it.

What Should Be Reported?

SafeSport / Abuse

  • Sexual misconduct
  • Child abuse
  • Grooming behavior
  • Sexual harassment
  • Sexual abuse allegations

Safeguarding Concerns

  • Bullying
  • Harassment
  • Physical misconduct
  • Emotional misconduct
  • Policy violations

Sideline Misconduct

  • Parent aggression
  • Coach misconduct
  • Referee abuse
  • Player abusive language

Discrimination

  • Racism or racial slurs
  • Gender-based harassment
  • Religious or cultural harassment
  • Threatening language

How to Report

U.S. Center for SafeSport

Use for:

  • Sexual misconduct
  • Child abuse
  • Grooming behavior
  • Sexual harassment
  • Sexual abuse allegations

Submit a SafeSport Report

U.S. Soccer Safeguarding

Use for:

  • Bullying
  • Harassment
  • Physical misconduct
  • Emotional misconduct
  • Policy violations
  • Other safeguarding concerns

Submit a U.S. Soccer Report

CJSL Game Incident Report

Use for:

  • Referee abuse
  • Spectator misconduct
  • Discrimination
  • Threats
  • Match-related incidents
  • League rule violations

Use CJSL Game Incident Report

Found on the CJSL Forms page under Game Forms.

Real Examples

Grooming Behavior

A coach offers private training alone with a player and gives gifts.

Report directly to SafeSport.

Late-Night Private Messages

A coach privately texts a player late at night or through social media.

Report to SafeSport and/or U.S. Soccer and notify the club/CJSL as appropriate.

Sideline Abuse

A parent repeatedly yells aggressively at players, coaches, or referees.

Report through the CJSL Game Incident Report. If child safety concerns exist, also report to SafeSport or U.S. Soccer.

Racial Slur

A player, coach, or spectator uses a racial slur during a game.

Report to CJSL/ENYYSA. If abuse or safety concerns exist, also report to SafeSport or U.S. Soccer.

What Happens After You Report?

1

Report Received

The report is logged and reviewed by the appropriate organization.

2

Triage & Escalation

The matter is reviewed to determine whether SafeSport, U.S. Soccer, CJSL, ENYYSA, law enforcement, or another body should handle it.

3

Safety Measures

Interim safety measures may be applied to protect players while the matter is pending.

4

Review / Investigation

A formal review or investigation may be conducted where applicable.

5

Resolution

Outcomes and any disciplinary actions are documented and communicated as appropriate.

Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith is prohibited.

Quick Reference Contacts

ContactWhen to UseHow to Reach
U.S. Center for SafeSport Sexual misconduct, child abuse, grooming, sexual harassment, sexual abuse allegations, or SafeSport jurisdiction concerns. Submit a SafeSport Report
U.S. Soccer Safeguarding Bullying, harassment, physical misconduct, emotional misconduct, policy violations, or other safeguarding concerns. Submit a U.S. Soccer Report
CJSL / ENYYSA Discipline Game misconduct, sideline behavior, referee abuse, discrimination, threats, or league policy violations. Use CJSL Game Incident Report
Emergency / 911 Immediate physical danger or active harm to a child. Call 911 immediately.
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