ESOGA

Esports & Online Gaming Association

 

The Esports & Online Gaming Association, Inc. (“ESOGA”, “we,” “our” or “us”) is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all youth. This Abuse Prevention Policy outlines the obligations, requirements, and guidelines that all individuals interacting with youth—such as coaches, contractors, volunteers, and staff—must follow to create a safe environment for youth. This policy aligns with the standards set forth by the U.S. Center for SafeSport and applicable laws.

 

Mandatory Reporting

 

1.1 Reporting Obligations
All individuals contracted or employed by ESOGA -- including but not limited to coaches, contractors, volunteers, and staff -- are required to report any suspected or known incidents of sexual misconduct, abuse, or any other form of harm involving youth. Reports must be made immediately upon gaining knowledge or reasonable suspicion of such incidents.

1.2 Mandatory Reporters

This requirement applies to all coaches, contractors, volunteers, and any other adults who interact with youth participants. Mandatory reporting is a legal obligation under federal and state laws, and non-compliance may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination and legal consequences.
 

1.3 How to Report
Reports should be made both to local law enforcement or child protective services and directly to ESOGA through the following channels:

 

• Email: contact@esoga.gg

• Phone: (833) 463-7642

1.4 Confidentiality
We respect the confidentiality of all individuals involved in the reporting process. The identity of the reporter and the victim will be protected to the extent possible, except where disclosure is necessary to protect the victim or as required by applicable laws.

Investigation & Response

2.1 Investigation Process
Upon receiving a report, ESOGA will initiate an immediate investigation. This process may involve collaboration with law enforcement and other relevant authorities. The investigation will be conducted in a fair, thorough, and impartial manner.

 

2.2 Interim Protective Measures
During the investigation, we may implement interim measures to ensure the safety of the youth involved. These measures could include temporarily suspending the accused from their duties, restricting access to certain areas, or any other necessary actions.

 

2.3 Decision & Disciplinary Actions
Following the investigation, if misconduct is confirmed, ESOGA will take appropriate disciplinary actions. These actions may include warnings, mandatory training, suspension, or permanent removal from the organization. Legal action may also be pursued where applicable.

Prevention Policies

3.1 Limiting 1:1 Interactions
To minimize risk, all adults interacting with youth must adhere to the following guidelines:

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• No Private Meetings: One-on-one interactions between adults and youth should occur in open, observable environments. If a private meeting is unavoidable, it must be held in a space with visibility, such as an office with a window, and another adult should be informed beforehand.
   

• Digital Communications: Private and personal communications with youth participants, unrelated to the program, are strictly prohibited. All digital communications should be professional and, where possible, involve a parent or guardian.

 

3.2 Background Checks
All individuals contracted or employed by ESOGA, who interact with youth, must undergo a comprehensive background check before beginning their roles. Background checks must be renewed annually to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

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3.3 Education & Training
All individuals contracted or employed by ESOGA, who interact with youth, are required to complete a mandatory training on abuse prevention, recognizing signs of abuse, and understanding reporting obligations. Training must be completed upon onboarding and renewed annually with the U.S. Center for SafeSport. 

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Support for Victims

4.1 Access to Resources
We are committed to providing support for victims of abuse and will help identify applicable resources. We will work closely with the victim and their family to ensure they receive the care and protection they need.

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4.2 Privacy & Confidentiality
We respect the privacy and confidentiality of victims and their families. We will handle all information related to the report, investigation, and resolution with the utmost care to protect the identities of those involved, except where disclosure is necessary to protect the victim or as required by applicable laws.
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Third-Party Organizations

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5.1 Policies & Laws

Organizations that have contracted our services or licensed our products are required to maintain their own Abuse Prevention Policies and adhere to any laws in which they are governed. It is the duty of these organizations to determine and set forth their policies and follow any requirements consistent with applicable laws and regulations.

5.2 Indemnification
By contracting with ESOGA or using any of ESOGA's services or products, third-party organizations agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless ESOGA and its subsidiaries, agents, licensors, managers, and other affiliated companies, and their employees, contractors, agents, officers and directors, from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or debt, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees) arising from any actions, omissions, liabilities, or violations committed by a third-party organization and by any of its own employees, agents, coaches, contractors, volunteers, affiliates, and any other individuals interacting with youth through a third-party organization. This includes any failure to comply with the mandatory reporting, investigation, prevention, or support provisions of this policy or applicable laws.

8. Changes to this Abuse Prevention Policy
ESOGA reserves the right to amend this policy at any time. Please check this page periodically for changes. We will post a date of when this policy changes to alert users that a new policy is in place. 
 

9. Contact Us
If you have questions, comments, or concerns about any of our policies, you may contact us at:

 

ESOGA
Esports & Online Gaming Association, Inc.
16200 SW PACIFIC HWY, STE H503
PORTLAND, OR 97224
1-(833) 436-7642
contact@esoga.gg

 

This Abuse Prevention Policy was last modified 9/05/2024.