Safe Haven is a program instituted by AYSO to comply with the Child Protection Act of 1993. Each team must have a certified coach that has taken this class. AYSO requires all volunteers be certified through the Safe Haven Program. It focuses on safety and appropriate behavior with children as well as other on-field issues. Agreeing to a background check is also required for each volunteer.

Becoming Safe Haven^® certified may take a little time, but AYSO families know their children's safety is worth it.

Safe Haven^® is both a child and volunteer protection program. It was the first of its kind in youth sports.

The child protection aspect is intended to prevent child abuse, promote education and awareness, enforce policies and screen and train volunteers. It includes proactive steps that promote a positive, healthy environment for children.

Volunteer protection is the result of volunteer training, certification and continuing education. The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 provides certain legal protections for volunteers who have been trained and certified and act in accordance with a written job description and AYSO's policies and guidelines. 

The class for volunteers is available by following this link.  Want to know more?  Visit the Safe Haven FAQ.

Not volunteering, but still interested in what Safe Haven does for our program?  Check out the new Safe Haven Information for Parents by following this link.  Note that Safe Haven Information for Parents is not sufficient training for volunteers.