U.S Center for SafeSport
Preventing and Addressing Abuse
The U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center) and USA Weightlifting are committed to building a sport community where Participants can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit organization responsible for responding to and preventing emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct and abuse in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. The Center also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational sports organizations to professional leagues.
Understanding Where to Report
USA Weightlifting works closely with the U.S. Center for SafeSport to ensure concerns are reviewed by the appropriate organization.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport has exclusive jurisdiction over reports involving sexual misconduct and abuse involving a minor. These matters should be reported directly to the Center. In cases involving suspected child abuse, reports must also be made to law enforcement, as required by law.
USA Weightlifting generally handles other forms of misconduct, including:
- Emotional misconduct
- Physical misconduct
- Bullying, harassment, or hazing
- Ethical or Code of Conduct violations
Reports within USA Weightlifting’s jurisdiction are reviewed and addressed in accordance with USAW's policies, which are linked on below.
Athlete and Participant Safety Policy
Athlete and Participant Safety Response and Resolution Policy
Complaint Resolution and Hearing Procedures
In some situations, individuals may report concerns to the U.S. Center for SafeSport even if they do not involve sexual misconduct. The Center will determine whether it will retain jurisdiction or refer the matter to USA Weightlifting for resolution.
If you are unsure where to report, you may submit a report to either USA Weightlifting or the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and the appropriate organization will determine jurisdiction.
USAW Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy 2025 (MAAPP)
Click to view, opens in a new tab2026 SafeSport Code
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If you are an "Adult Participant" you will need to take the SafeSport Core Training or Refresher Core Training on an annual basis. Furthermore, parents who wish to access the backroom at a National Event who are not a registered coach must have a current SafeSport Core Training.
1. A member of USA Weightlifting;
2. An employee or board member of USA Weightlifting or a USAW Club, to include a USAW Club Director or USAW Club Coach;
3. Within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of USA Weightlifting or a USAW Club; or
4. Authorized, approved, or appointed by USA Weightlifting, or a USAW Club to have regular contact with or authority over minor athletes.
Additionally: This term shall also include any minor who participates in, or participated within the previous 12 months in, a non-athlete role partially or fully under the jurisdiction of an NGB, USOPC, or LAO. Examples include, but are not limited to: officials, coaches, or volunteers. This may include volunteers, medical staff, trainers, chaperones, monitors, contract personnel, bus/van drivers, officials, adult athletes, staff, board members, and any other individual who meets the Adult Participant definition
SafeSport partners with USA Weightlifting to prevent misconduct in the sport of weightlifting. SafeSport provides educational materials, investigates cases and works with National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to keep the Olympic and Paralympic Movement free from abuse of any type.
To add any prior trainings or SafeSport certifications submit a request here and SafeSport will add it to your USAW profile.