by PMAC Team June 26, 2019 PMAC News

Princeton, NJ (June 26, 2019) – Princeton Martial Arts (PMAC), a local martial arts studio teaching taekwondo for students of all ages, announced today it has achieved certification under the United States Center for SafeSport (USCSS).

The staff of Princeton Martial Arts Center (PMAC) has taken advantage of their national affiliation with the U. S. Center for SafeSport (USCSS) through the ATA Worldwide. The training is designed for coach, team volunteer, official or team staff members in sports that are part of the U.S. Olympic or Paralympic movement.

Specifically, the training addresses the avoidance and reporting of abuse and harassment among athletes (from Pre-K through High School age) and staff. According to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, “education and awareness are the most critical components to creating safe and respectful sport environments.”

In addition to avoidance and reporting strategies, PMAC has made it a matter of best practice to follow USCSS suggestions for staff behavior and safety. Recognizing that bullying, emotional, physical and sexual harassment are counter-productive to the successful development of athletes and the athletic environment in general, PMAC will make a point of keeping the do-jahng safe for all athletes and families.

Federal law requires that certain adults within national governing bodies and amateur sport organizations report suspected child abuse within 24 hours to law enforcement. National Governing Bodies (like the ATA Worldwide) are also required to report sexual abuse to the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Per ATA requirements, all instructors are also subject to periodic background checks through a third-party authority.

Princeton Martial Arts Center is an individually owned and operated member of the ATA worldwide. Any further questions about PMAC or their policies can be directed to Susan R. Winter, owner, Nationally Certified Instructor, International Judge and 7th Degree Black Belt at srwinter@princetonata.com, by visiting https://princetonata.com or call 609-430-0200.

If you have personally experienced sexual abuse and need help, please contact the RAINN national sexual abuse hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit http://rainn.org.