Child Safeguarding
Safety Comes
Before Everything
The well-being of every child in our programs is the highest priority of this organization — ahead of athletic performance, program growth, and funding. This is our Youth Protection & Child Safeguarding Policy, modeled on U.S. Center for SafeSport standards and California child-protection law.
Screened Adults
Every coach, mentor, and volunteer completes a signed policy acknowledgment, a national and California criminal background check (repeated at least every two years), and reference checks for staff and head coaches — before any unsupervised contact with youth. Anyone on a sex-offender registry, or with a finding involving violence, abuse, or child endangerment, is disqualified.
SafeSport-Aligned Training
All covered adults complete abuse-prevention training modeled on U.S. Center for SafeSport standards before working with youth, and annually thereafter — covering how to recognize abuse, mandatory reporting, and appropriate boundaries.
Two-Deep Leadership
No adult is ever alone, one-on-one and out of sight, with a child who is not their own. At least two screened adults are present for activities, and any meeting with a single youth happens in an observable, interruptible setting.
Clear Boundaries
No private one-on-one electronic contact (parents and a second adult are always copied), no solo transport except in a documented emergency, no shared lodging, and physical contact limited to what is appropriate, in the open, and welcomed by the youth.
Mandatory Reporting
Any adult who observes, suspects, or receives a report of abuse must report it — to the proper authorities and to FSL's leadership. Reporting is mandatory, never discretionary, and cannot be delayed by internal review. An adult subject to a report is immediately suspended from contact with youth pending the outcome.
No Retaliation
Anyone who reports a concern in good faith is protected from retaliation. Records of acknowledgments, background checks, training, and incidents are maintained confidentially, and the policy is reviewed at least annually and after any incident.
How to Report a Concern
You do not need to be certain — recognizing a sign is enough to make a report. Reporting is the right thing to do, and it is always protected.
Immediate danger
Always call first if a child is in danger right now.
Suspected abuse / neglect (CA)
L.A. County DCFS 24-hour Child Protection Hotline.
Sexual misconduct in sport
uscenterforsafesport.org · (720) 531-0340
You can also reach FSL's Designated Safeguarding Lead at Info@fundamentalsportslabs.org or (323) 886-4616 — after you have contacted the authorities above.
Fundamental Sports Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 39-4190687). This policy applies to every FSL practice, tournament, clinic, and activity, and is overseen by our Executive Director and Board of Directors. Questions about our safeguarding standards are always welcome.