SafeSport

The Georgia Water Polo League prioritizes athlete safety.

What is SafeSport?

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is a non-profit, independent organization authorized by Congress to protect athletes from:

  • Sexual abuse

  • Emotional and physical abuse

  • Bullying and harassment

  • Misconduct by coaches, officials, or other adults in sports

It was created in response to major abuse scandals in U.S. Olympic sports and now oversees safety efforts across all U.S. Olympic & Paralympic sports organizations, including USA Water Polo.

At the GWPL, the safety and well‑being of our athletes is our top priority. As part of our affiliation with USA Water Polo, we embrace the rigorous safety protocols mandated by the U.S. Center for SafeSport and actively incorporate them into every facet of our operations—from youth clinics to league competitions.

USA Water Polo Membership requires SafeSport certification for all athletes above 18 years old, as well as all Coaches, team Admins, and any adults with regular contact to athletes. The GWPL upholds these requirements within our league.

Learn more

SafeSport Overview

Under the National Governing Body of USAWP, we are required to comply with their requirements for athlete safety, which includes following all SafeSport protocol.

Key Functions of SafeSport:

  1. Education & Training
    Coaches, officials, and volunteers complete mandatory SafeSport training that teaches:

    • How to recognize and prevent abuse

    • What appropriate boundaries look like

    • How to handle concerns or red flags

  2. Policies & Guidelines
    SafeSport enforces safety rules like:

    • Restrictions on adult and minor interaction

    • Restrictions on communication (texts, social media, etc.)

    • Education on effective methods of coaching

    • Locker room and travel protocols

  3. Reporting & Investigation
    The Center accepts reports of abuse or misconduct and investigates them independently of the sports organization. In serious cases, individuals can be banned from participating in any affiliated sport.

Why It Matters

SafeSport helps create safer, healthier environments for athletes by:

  • Holding adults accountable

  • Giving athletes a voice

  • Protecting minors from risk

  • Restoring trust in sports communities

  • Enlisting a third-party to manage investigation

Who Must Follow SafeSport Rules?

All individuals 18+ affiliated with USAWP (and therefore, GWPL) are required to comply if they have regular contact with minors, including:

  • Coaches

  • Officials

  • Team Admin

  • Athletes aged 18+ who interact with minors

Safety is our main concern. SafeSport rules inform all functions of operations, including deck access for adults.

Learn more

 FAQs

  • The U.S. Center for SafeSport is a non-profit, independent organization authorized by Congress to protect athletes from:

    • Sexual abuse

    • Emotional and physical abuse

    • Bullying and harassment

    • Misconduct by coaches, officials, or other adults in sports

    It was created in response to major abuse scandals in U.S. Olympic sports and now oversees safety efforts across all U.S. Olympic & Paralympic sports organizations, including USA Water Polo.

    At the GWPL, the safety and well‑being of our athletes is our top priority. As part of our affiliation with USA Water Polo, we embrace the rigorous safety protocols mandated by the U.S. Center for SafeSport and actively incorporate them into every facet of our operations—from youth clinics to league competitions.

  • The GWPL requires that any adult who has regular contact with minor athletes complete SafeSport training and certification. This includes:

    • Coaches

    • Team Admin

    • Photographers on deck

    • Athletes that are 18 or older in age

  • Parents and spectators do NOT have to be SafeSport certified. If you are a Team Admin, Coach, or 18+ Athlete and you are not SafeSport certified, you will not be permitted to participate in league-wide functions. This includes serving on a Team Board, Coaching, or playing in any tournaments or clinics.

  • The SafeSport training cost is included in the price to join USA Water Polo. When you sign up for membership, you will be directed to a portal called Sport80, which will populate all requirements for membership. If you meet the requirements for SafeSport certification, the Sport80 portal will notify you on the homepage. If you are having trouble with Sport80, please reference the Sport80 ZenDesk or email Contact@GeorgiaWaterPoloLeague.com.