Colorado United

Colorado United Soccer Sexual Abuse or Misconduct Policy

In conjunction with U.S. Soccer and the Safe Soccer Framework, Colorado United/Littleton Soccer prohibits and does not tolerate sexual abuse or misconduct during any organization-related activity. Colorado United/Littleton Soccer provides procedures for employees, volunteers, board members, or any other victims of sexual abuse or misconduct to report such acts. Those reasonably suspected or believed to have committed sexual abuse or misconduct will be appropriately disciplined, up to and including termination of employment or membership, as well as criminally prosecuted. No employee, volunteer, board member, or other people, regardless of his or her title or position has the authority to commit or allow sexual abuse or misconduct.

Definitions and Examples: The following definitions or examples of sexual abuse, misconduct, or harassment, may apply to any and/or all of the following persons – employees, volunteers, or other third parties.

Sexual abuse or misconduct may include, but is not limited to:
Child sexual abuse – any sexual activity, involvement, or attempt of sexual contact with a person who is a minor (under 18 years old) where consent is not or cannot be given.
Sexual activity with another who is legally incompetent or otherwise unable to give consent.
Physical assaults or violence, such as rape, sexual battery, abuse, molestation, or any attempt to commit such acts.
Unwanted and intentional physical conduct that is sexual in nature
Material such as pornographic or sexually explicit images, posters, calendars, or objects.
Unwelcome and inappropriate sexual activities, advances, comments, innuendoes, bullying, jokes, gestures, electronic communications or messages (e.g. email, text, social media, voicemail), exploitation, exposure, leering, stalking, or invasion of sexual privacy.
A sexually hostile environment characterized as comments or conduct that unreasonably interferes with one’s work performance or ability to do the job or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
Direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances will be a condition of employment or affiliation with the organization.

Reporting Procedure: Immediately report suspected sexual abuse or misconduct to Colorado United/Littleton Soccer and Safe Sport. It is not required to directly confront the person who is the source of the report, question, or complaint before notifying any of the individuals listed. Colorado United/Littleton Soccer will take every reasonable measure to ensure that those named in a complaint of misconduct, or are too closely associated with those involved in the complaint will not be part of the investigative team. The message is clear: if you suspect child abuse, report it to law enforcement immediately.

Anti-retaliation and False Allegations: Colorado United/Littleton Soccer prohibits retaliation made against any employee, volunteer, board member, or other people who lodges a good faith complaint of sexual abuse or misconduct or who participates in any related investigation. Making knowingly false or malicious accusations of sexual abuse or misconduct can have serious consequences for those who are wrongly accused. Colorado United/Littleton Soccer prohibits making false or malicious sexual misconduct allegations, as well as deliberately providing false information during an investigation. Anyone who violates this rule is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or membership, and criminal prosecution.

Investigation and Follow-up: Colorado United/Littleton Soccer will take all allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct seriously and will promptly, thoroughly, and equitably investigate whether misconduct has taken place. Colorado United/Littleton Soccer will cooperate fully with any investigation conducted by law enforcement or other regulatory/protective services agencies.

Reporting to Law Enforcement or Appropriate Child or Adult Protective Services: Colorado United/Littleton Soccer is committed to following the state and federal legal requirements for reporting allegations or incidents of sexual abuse or misconduct to appropriate law enforcement and child or adult protective services organizations. It is the policy of Colorado United/Littleton Soccer not to attempt to investigate or assess the validity or credibility of an allegation of sexual or physical abuse as a condition before IMMEDIATELY reporting the allegation to proper law enforcement authorities or protective services organizations.

Reporting Information:

U.S. Soccer Integrity Hotline: 312-528-7004

Center for Safe Sport: 833-587-7233 or https://uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern

U.S. Soccer – Safe Soccer Website