Trust
Built to follow SafeSport's communication rules.
SafeSport's Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) require every electronic communication between an adult and a minor athlete to be open and transparent. At Gradus, every design decision we make starts with MAAPP.
How Gradus follows MAAPP
A parent sees every message.
There are no private channels between a coach and an athlete under 18. Every message and plan a coach sends goes to the athlete's connected parent or guardian too.
No photos or video of athletes.
Gradus doesn't collect photographs or video from or about athletes.
Parents control the account.
Athletes under 18 can't join without a parent or guardian's verified email address. Parents can see, correct or delete their athlete's information at any time.
A clear way to raise a concern.
Report a concern in the app or email support@gradussports.com. We review every report within 1 business day. To report abuse or misconduct in sport, contact the U.S. Center for SafeSport at 833-5US-SAFE (833-587-7233) or uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern. Telling Gradus doesn't replace reporting to SafeSport or law enforcement.
Verified coaches in our marketplace.
Before our plan marketplace opens, every coach who sells plans will undergo a background check, upload their training and credentials, and be screened against the SafeSport Centralized Disciplinary Database.
Questions
Is Gradus certified or endorsed by SafeSport?
No. Gradus isn't certified or endorsed by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. We built it to follow MAAPP's rules for electronic communication, so coaches don't have to work around the app to stay within them.
Does using Gradus make my club MAAPP-compliant?
No single tool can. MAAPP also covers one-on-one interactions, travel, locker rooms and training. Gradus handles coach-athlete communication inside the app, and your club remains responsible for its own policies.
Can a coach message a minor athlete privately?
No. MAAPP allows a parent, another adult family member or another adult participant to be included on communications. Gradus always includes a minor athlete's listed parent or guardian email and/or Gradus account in communications.
Does Gradus check coaches' SafeSport training?
Clubs and governing bodies remain responsible for screening and training. However, in addition, Gradus does screen against the SafeSport Centralized Disciplinary Database and require a background check before allowing coaches to sell plans on our marketplace.
What happens when I report a concern to Gradus?
We review every report within 1 business day and follow up with you. If the concern involves possible abuse or misconduct, please also report it to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and to law enforcement if a person may be in danger.