Mandated Reporting

(2) Covered individual is defined as “an adult who is authorized, by a national governing body, a member of a national governing body, or an amateur sports organization that participates in interstate or international amateur athletic competition, to interact with a minor or amateur athlete at an amateur sports organization facility or at any event sanctioned by a national governing body, a member of a national governing body, or such an amateur sports organization.” 69

 The term “event includes “travel, lodging, practice, competition, and health or medical treatment” 70  The term “amateur athlete” means “an athlete who meets the eligibility standards established by the national governing body or Paralympic sports organization for the sport in which the athlete competes.”  The term “amateur athletic competition” means “a contest, game, meet, match, tournament, regatta, or other event in which amateur athletes compete.”  The term “amateur sports organization” means “a not-for-profit corporation, association, or other group organized in the United States that sponsors or arranges an amateur athletic competition.”  The term “national governing body” means “an amateur sports organization that is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee.” 71

An “applicable amateur sports organization” must comply with reporting requirements established under the Victims of Child Abuse Act. It must also provide consistent training regarding the reporting and prevention of child abuse, prohibit retaliation, and establish reasonable procedures to limit one-on-one interactions between a minor amateur athlete and an adult at the amateur sports organization’s facility. 72 The Act applies to an amateur sports organization that,

 Participates in an interstate or international amateur athletic competition; and  Has a membership that includes any adult who is in regular contact with an amateur athlete who is a minor.” 73

Under this law, all covered individuals and organizations must report child abuse, defined as physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, or negligent treatment. 74 Like the California law, there is immunity for reporters who act in good faith and a penalty for failure to report. 75 Compliance with California state reporting laws is considered sufficient, so if a reporter is following California law, that reporter is also complying with the federal law. This likely also applies to other programs run on the school’s campus, such as a summer camp. If the school becomes aware of abuse involving a camper, it should report the abuse.

Mandated Reporting ©2020 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore 18