Safe Haven^®

Child & Volunteer Protection

Volunteers are the lifeblood of AYSO. To ensure the safety of both children and volunteers, each volunteer is required to take a short in-person or online training session called AYSO Safe Haven^®. 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 AYSO Safe Haven^®certified is free and may take a little time, but AYSO families know their children's safety is worth it. To get your certification, register as a volunteer, click on the "AYSOU" tab in the top of this screen, log on using your username and password you use on this site.

AYSO 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, screen and train volunteers. It includes proactive steps that promote a positive, healthy environment for children.

Volunteer protection is the result of job specific 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.