Policies & Resources

What is Safe Sport?

Safe Sport is the nationwide athlete-safety program that USA Hockey follows. It combines mandatory background checks, abuse-prevention training, clear locker-room and communication rules, and a confidential reporting system—all overseen by the independent U.S. Center for SafeSport. The goal is simple: keep every player’s experience positive, respectful, and free from bullying, harassment, or abuse.

Why it matters

• Protects kids first: It builds a zero-tolerance shield around physical, emotional, and sexual misconduct.
• Gives parents a voice: You get clear steps to report concerns and know they’ll be taken seriously.
• Creates better teams: Safe, respectful locker rooms let players focus on growth, fun, and sportsmanship.

Every coach, volunteer, and official in our association completes Safe Sport training each year before they can work with your child.

USA Hockey is the national governing body for the sport, setting the rules, safety standards, and coaching certifications that every affiliated program in the country follows, SLVYHA included.

For your family, USA Hockey membership is what makes your child eligible to play, and it's billed separately from SLVYHA registration because it's set nationally, not locally. It covers player insurance wherever your kid plays, not just here. It's also where the safety requirements come from, the Code of Conduct, SafeSport training, and background checks every coach and volunteer completes are USA Hockey standards.

CAHA (Colorado Amateur Hockey Association) is USA Hockey's state-level affiliate for Colorado. SLVYHA is a member program under CAHA.

CAHA is most visible around state championship tournaments and state-level development camps, both open to players across Colorado's youth programs.

CRHL (Colorado Recreational Hockey League), under USA Hockey, is the actual league SLVYHA's teams compete in day to day, this is where the regular-season schedule, standings, and opponents come from. Member clubs span Colorado and reach into parts of Wyoming, which is part of why away games often mean real travel.