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Youth Athlete Protection & Abuse Prevention Policy
Statement of Intent & Zero-Tolerance Commitment
The safety, physical integrity, and emotional well-being of youth participants are paramount. The organization enforces a strict Zero-Tolerance Policy toward all forms of child physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, harassment, emotional abuse, and boundary violations. Any violation of this policy is grounds for immediate suspension, revocation of participation, and referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
The "Rule of Two" & Prohibited One-on-One Contact
Unsupervised, one-on-one contact between an adult and an unrelated minor athlete is strictly prohibited.
The Rule of Two: Every interaction between a Covered Individual and a minor participant must take place within sight and hearing of at least one other screened adult or the minor's parent/guardian.- Observable and Interruptible: All training sessions, basketball skill clinics, practices, meetings, and drills must occur in settings that are open, observable, and interruptible by others.
- Individual Instruction: If a coach conducts individual basketball instruction, it must occur in an open gym setting where other authorized adults or parents are present in the immediate vicinity.
- Exceptions: The only exception is an urgent medical emergency where immediate life-safety action is required.
Boundary Violations & Grooming Behaviors
Grooming is defined as any deliberate act or pattern of behavior intended to establish emotional connection, lower boundaries, and build undue trust with a minor (or the minor’s parents) to facilitate abuse.
The following behaviors are explicit boundary violations and are strictly prohibited:
• Direct, private one-on-one digital messaging (DMs, text messages, private chats, Snapchat, etc.) with minor athletes.
• Following, friending, or interacting privately with minor participants on personal social media accounts.
• Giving personal gifts, money, special privileges, or athletic gear to an individual minor that is not provided to the team as a whole.
• Singling out an athlete for special affection, secrets, or exclusionary attention.
• Transporting an unrelated minor athlete alone in a private vehicle.
• If carpooling is necessary due to extraordinary circumstances, written advance consent from the parent/guardian is required, and at least two minors or another adult must be present in the vehicle.
• Covered Individuals may not be alone in a restroom, changing area, or locker room with an unrelated minor athlete.
• Adults must remain outside the facility while minors change/use facilities, stepping in only if safety concerns arise, in which case two adults must enter together.
• Any physical contact that is non-sport-specific, unnecessary, or invasive.
• Inviting or hosting minor athletes at private residences, sleepovers, or non-sanctioned social outings without parents present.
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