Watch as Sonja Keating, General Counsel for US Equestrian, explains the USEF Safe Sport policy, training and reporting guidelines, and why it’s so important for every member to understand the Safe Sport resources available to them if participating in equestrian sport. (Part I of II)
About This Video
Athlete safety is a top priority for US Equestrian. That’s why understanding what the Safe Sport movement is all about, including training requirements that are now available to all competing members 18-years-old and above, is critical regardless of one’s role in the sport. US Equestrian General Counsel Sonja Keating explains how everyone has a responsibility to be aware of and contribute to the positive environment for participants, whether a competitor, parent, trainer, coach, or official. Keating describes why the U.S. Center for SafeSport was founded and how it operates, how Safe Sport guidelines impact US Equestrian members, provides examples of types of misconduct- especially sexual misconduct and, how it relates to minors under the age of 18, how Safe Sport policies compare to laws regarding criminal activity, and outlines a safe and confidential way for people to report concerns or file a complaint. In this video, Keating also explains how and where to find available resources on the US Equestrian and U.S. Center for SafeSport websites, including new training modules which are free to all members and are required for competition as of January 1, 2019. Watch the Safe Sport Part II video.
Key Principles:
- What is Safe Sport?
- Sexual Misconduct
- Reporting
- Support
- Training
Additional Information
- USEF Safe Sport Policy
- SafeSport Training FAQs
- SafeSport Training Instructions
- Take the SafeSport Training
- Report Sexual Misconduct
- In Crisis? Call the 24/7 SafeSport Helpline
- Optional SafeSport Training for Parents
- Safe Sport General FAQs
- Safe Sport Sanctions List
- U.S. Center for SafeSport Document: Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017
- U.S. Center for SafeSport Document: Resources for Victims of Sexual Misconduct
- USEF Safe Sport Directory
About The Expert
Sonja Keating serves as US Equestrian’s senior vice-president and general counsel. A graduate of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, she obtained her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1996. She also is a member of the Junior League of Lexington and served four terms on that organization’s Horse Show Board, which hosts the Lexington Junior League Horse Show, one of the nation’s most prestigious events for American Saddlebreds, Hackneys, roadster competitors, Friesians, and saddle seat riders.
