SMART FY25 Keep Young Athletes Safe Continuation – Invited to Apply

Background
The U.S Center for SafeSport (SafeSport) is dedicated to safeguarding amateur athletes from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse within athletic programs. This grant opportunity aims to continue the Keep Young Athletes Safe (KYAS) program, which focuses on the prevention of abuse in the athletic programs of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and national governing bodies (NGB). The goal of this grant is to design and implement effective measures that protect young athletes.

Grant Details
The grantee will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive program that includes the development of educational materials, training programs, and policies aimed at preventing and addressing abuse. Key tasks include:

1) Developing background screening policies for new and existing USOPC and NGB staff, including coaches, instructors, and volunteers;

2) Conducting regular and random audits to ensure compliance with implemented policies;

3) Establishing a reporting mechanism for allegations of sexual and physical abuse in accordance with applicable state and federal reporting requirements.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include organizations that can demonstrate experience in safeguarding practices within athletic environments. Preference may be given to those with established relationships with USOPC or NGBs.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for this grant will span multiple years, continuing from previous funding cycles to ensure sustained efforts in athlete protection.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant opportunity has not been specified; however, individual grant awards may vary based on the scope of proposed activities.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed across various locations where USOPC and NGB programs are implemented throughout the United States.