Safe Soccer Clearance
U.S. Soccer is proud to announce the official launch of the Safe Soccer Clearance program – a major step forward in our commitment to proactive, comprehensive safeguarding across the game. This innovative program will strengthen safeguarding by providing an option for “green-lighting” eligible participants, in addition to “red-lighting” bad actors after an incident has occurred.
Following extensive beta testing and iteration, the Safe Soccer Clearance Program is now ready for full implementation across our membership. Our goal is simple: to provide a trusted, consistent, and scalable program that works for everyone.
KEY BENEFITS AND FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM
- All-in-One Safeguarding Solution: A centralized, easy-to-use program that brings together SafeSport core training, safeguarding education, annual contact verification, and a USOPC-compliant background check
- Simplified and Integrated Platform: A robust, intuitive platform that enhances the user experience with seamless single sign-on and integration with major registration systems
- Easy Administrative Management: Customizable dashboards that give administrators real-time visibility into participant status and compliance, and bulk payment functionality offering flexibility in managing background check costs across the organization
- Purpose-Built Training: Interactive, streamlined modules reinforce essential safeguarding principles through clear, consistent, and impactful education—empowering all participants to contribute to a safe, inclusive soccer environment
- Member Onboarding: A hands-on support model that will guide member organizations through a structured onboarding process, along with a comprehensive toolkit to help organizations implement the program and communicate effectively with their members
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Adopt the Safe Soccer Clearance Program
The Safe Soccer Clearance Program is live and ready to use for all participants and organizations. If you are an individual and want to be Safe Soccer Cleared, get started here.
If your organization is ready to adopt the Safe Soccer Clearance Program, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you are an organization administrator, check out our Administrator Guide that will walk you through how to set up a group, invite participants, set up payment functionality, and monitor your organization. You can also the materials in our toolkit to promote the program to your participants.
If you need additional assistance, including integrations with your registration platform, please complete our onboarding form to allow us to assist you in your transition to the Safe Soccer Clearance Program. Also you can reach out to us at safesoccerclearance@ussoccer.org with any questions or for direct assistance.
FAQS
How do I create a Learning Center Account?
Creating an account is free and easy, please follow this Link to create one. Make sure that you provide your name, address, and email address.
Do I need a background check to be ‘Safe Soccer Cleared’?
To obtain the complete Safe Soccer Clearance, you must have a clear background check (or have successfully completed the background check appeals process) and complete all the tasks in Phase 1 and Phase 2.
How much does a background check cost?
U.S. Soccer’s USOPC background check costs $23 and is valid for 2 years.
How can I find out if my coach has been cleared?
The status of a coach or any participant can be found by searching the directory here.
Do I need Safe Soccer Clearance to coach, referee, work at a club, etc.?
No. The Safe Soccer Clearance is currently a voluntary program; however, your club and/or member organization may require you to obtain a clearance as a condition of participation or registration.
I have already done SafeSport Training; Do I need to do it again?
No. You can import your certificate if you have completed SafeSport Training on another platform. Please see: Profile is Missing my SafeSport Certificate
Why can’t I launch SafeSport?
Troubleshooting support can be found here.
If someone receives a USSF Safe Soccer Clearance, do we have to let them participate?
No. Our members may evaluate participants against their risk management criteria and determine whether they can register with that member.
My Background Check has been flagged; how do I appeal?
If you’d like to request a copy of your report to determine why you were flagged, you may do so by contacting JDP directly or locating the pre-adverse action letter emailed to you by JDP.
- JDP Contact Information for Disputes: disputes@jdp.com
- JDP Customer Service: rapidresponse@jdp.com; 800-300-1821
After rereviewing your pre-adverse action letter, you may appeal this decision by completing the questionnaire here within 10 days.
If you have any additional information or documents, in addition to completing the questionnaire you may send them to safesoccerclearance@ussoccer.org. The questionnaire must be completed in its entirety with substantive responses to each question or the appeal may be denied.
If you were previously approved through this appeals process and received a flagged result on a subsequent check, you must still submit an appeal request here. Please indicate that you have previously been approved. We will review your new report to confirm that there are no new charges or offenses, and then you will be approved. If there are any new charges or offenses on your most recent background check report, you will be required to submit the questionnaire again.
U.S. Soccer may be required to report certain background check findings, namely charges or offenses involving sexual misconduct or child abuse, to the U.S. Center for SafeSport ("the Center”). In these cases, you will be notified about this report and U.S. Soccer’s appeals process will be suspended pending the Center’s investigation. Once the Center’s process has concluded, you may still be required to complete U.S. Soccer’s process.
Please note, if you choose to appeal this decision and the appeals committee denies your appeal, you will not receive your Safe Soccer Clearance. If your appeal is upheld, you will continue to be flagged on subsequent background check reports, but you will not be required to complete the appeals process if there are no new charges or convictions on your report. In this case, you must follow the process outlined about to be approved for your Safe Soccer Clearance.