Fort Lowell Soccer Club Risk Management

Fort Lowell Soccer Club Risk Management

PAPERWORK	FINGERPRINTS

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1. Risk Management

1. Pima County Junior Soccer League Policy Statement Pima County Junior Soccer League has adopted the following Risk Management and KidSafe Program, effective on the date of its adoption August 16, 1999, to comply with USSF/USYSA Rule 4043: Any person participating in a USYSA program or in any State or local association program who becomes involved as a defendant in litigation detrimental to the welfare of youth players or litigation based on activities detrimental to the welfare of youth players, shall be suspended from all soccer-related activities until completion of the litigation. The status of the person shall be reviewed by the suspending body at the completion of litigation. Suspensions under this rule shall be determined by the State Association. Matters detrimental to the welfare of youth players shall include crimes of moral turpitude and felonies. The person has a right to appeal whether the matter which is the substance of the accusation, if true, is detrimental to the welfare of youth players. And with the USYSA KidSafe Risk Management Program and its mission: To identify all coaches and program administrators, to develop and communicate the KidSafe guidelines to all coaches and program administrators and to monitor the implementation of these objectives. It is the intent of US Youth Soccer and its affiliated organizations to exclude from participation in US Youth Soccer activities, at a minimum, all persons who have been convicted of crimes of violence or crimes against persons.

2. The PCJSL Risk Management and KidSafe Program

1. Program Overview

1. PCJSL has adopted a KidSafe and Risk Management program and all coaches and program administrators must meet the conditions of this program.

1. Coaches and program administrators are defined as state, district, league and club officers and program directors, team managers, athletic trainers, coaches, assistant coaches and substitute coaches and anyone else who has an official capacity in the soccer program.

2. All coaches and/or program managers must fill out an employment/volunteer disclosure statement.

3. All coaches and program administrators must agree to be subject to a legally sensitive criminal history check, which may require fingerprinting before or during their participation in the PCJSL soccer program.

4. PCJSL will undertake a yearly program of random, legally sensitive criminal history checks beginning with the 1999-2000 season.

1. Any coach or program administrator, who, for any reason, may be thought to present a risk to the welfare of Pima County Junior Soccer League, its clubs and/or its players, may be the subject of a legally sensitive criminal history check at the discretion of the Risk Management and KidSafe Administrator at the league or state level.

5. PCJSL will establish a procedure for handling a complaint of child abuse against a currently-employed person or a current program volunteer, including identifying a point person and an alternate to receive such complaints and to follow the procedure outlined in the USYSA KidSafe program (7, a through f).

2. Registration Procedures for Coaches and Program Administrators

1. All coaches and program administrators must complete a Disclosure Statement as approved by the State, League and/or Club and register with the Arizona Youth Soccer Association in accordance with their registration policies.

1. Disclosure Statements will be good for a two year time period.

2. Disclosure Statements will be sent to the PCJSL Risk Management and KidSafe Program Administrator in a sealed envelope.

1. While the Disclosure Form may be submitted through a club, they will remain sealed and shall not be opened by any person other than the Risk Management and KidSafe Program Administrator or his or her alternate.

2. After verifying that the Disclosure Form is complete, the Risk Management and KidSafe Program Administrator will inform the league registrar that the coaches and/or administrator’s card may be delivered.

3. Program Administration The Vice President of PCJSL will be designated the Risk Management and KidSafe Program Administrator. The Vice President may, with full board approval, appoint an alternate to assist with program operation and to carry out the program in his or her absence.

1. Each club will appoint a Risk Management and KidSafe Program Coordinator whose primary responsibilities are:

1. Ensuring club compliance within the League.

2. Acting as the first line of contact for the club when Risk Management problems occur.

3. Reporting any incident of noncompliance to PCJSL.

2. The Risk Management and KidSafe Program Administrator will, subject to approval by the Pima County Board of Directors, appoint a Risk Management Committee (RMC) to consist of 3 to 7 persons. If possible, the majority of the RMC will be made up of members from outside the soccer community.

1. Members of the Risk Management Committee will be registered under the Registration Procedures for Coaches and Program Administrators

4. Denial, Suspension and Revocation of Coaching and/or Program Administrator Privileges

1. The Risk Management and KidSafe Program Administrator and the Risk Management Committee have the authority to suspend any employee’s, volunteer’s, coach’s or program administrator’s right to participate in PCJSL, its clubs and its team for Risk Management concerns or concerns for the well being of any club, team or player arising from the Risk Management and KidSafe policies pending a Risk Management Hearing by the AYSA Risk Management Committee.

2. PCJSL has adopted the following grounds as reasons for possible automatic exclusion from serving as a Coach or Program Administrator:

1. Any conviction for a crime of violence or crime against a person

2. Any felony conviction

3. Any report of child abuse appearing on the Child Abuse Index

4. An record of sexual offense and/or sexual misconduct

5. Use of illegal drugs within the past 10 years

6. Any conviction for use and/or sale of illegal drugs

7. Documented history of alcohol abuse (DUIs, etc.)

8. Refusal to fully complete the Risk Management Disclosure Form

9. Refusal to submit fingerprints when required by the PCJSL Risk Management and KidSafe Program

3. A coach and/or program administrator who is found, through his or her disclosure form or by any other means, to meet any reason(s) for possible automatic exclusion will be notified through regular mail.

1. Said coach and/or program administrator will have five days to request a hearing of consideration from the PCJSL Risk Management Committee.

1. A hearing will be scheduled within 14 days of receipt of the coach and/or program administrator’s request.

1. If information deemed necessary to conducting the hearing, such as a criminal history, take longer than 14 days to secure, a hearing may be postponed until such information is available.

2. If a hearing is not requested, the coach and/or program administrator’s right of participation within PCJSL will be automatically denied pending a hearing by the AYSA Risk Management Committee and denial of participation will be in effect.

3. It may be necessary for the coach and/or program administrator to undergo a legally sensitive criminal history, which may require fingerprinting, at the time a request for a Hearing of Consideration is made.

2. Once a coach’s or program administrator’s privilege to participate has been denied, suspended or revoked by PCJSL, it may not be restored except through the decision of the AYSA Risk Management Administrator and the AYSA Risk Management Committee or through the appeal process stated in 2.5, Appeal Procedures.

4. In accordance with USSF/USYSA Rule 4043, any person participating in a USYSA program or in any state or local association program who becomes involved as a defendant in litigation detrimental to the welfare of youth players or litigation based on activities detrimental to the welfare of youth players, shall be suspended from all soccer-related activities until completion of the litigation. Matters detrimental to the welfare of youth players shall include crimes of moral turpitude and felonies.

5. Appeal Procedures

1. All appeals will be held at the State level according to AYSA policies.

2. A coach and/or program administrator whose privileges are denied, revoked or suspended under USSF/USYSA Rule 4043 has a right to appeal on the basis of whether the matter which is the substance of the accusation, if true, is detrimental to the welfare of youth players.

6. Confidentiality and Ethics

1. The Disclosure Forms shall be used only for the purpose of registering coaches and program administrators in PCJSL, including denial, suspension and revocation of program administrator and/or coaching privileges. Information may be used in the hearing process for the denial, suspension or revocation of privileges by the Risk Management and KidSafe Administrator, the Risk Management Committee and any committees deemed necessary for the implementation and monitoring of the Risk Management and KidSafe Program at the AYSA level.

2. Record storage will be under lock and key and only accessible to the Risk Management and KidSafe Administrator and his or her duly appointed alternate.

3. Record reproduction will be limited to a single copy of the Disclosure Form and/or the results of the criminal history check (along with any supporting documents) to be filed by the PCJSL Risk Management and KidSafe Administrator. The original will be filed at the AYSA office.

4. Any record may be reproduced for use during a hearing and/or appeal of denial, suspension or revocation as needed.

1. Any record reproduced for such use will be collected and destroyed at the conclusion of the hearing and/or appeal.

5. The Risk Management and KidSafe Administrator and members of the Risk Management Committee will agree to abide by and sign the “Standards of Ethical Conduct Statement.”

1. The “Standard of Ethical Conduct Statement” is as follows: The purpose of this signed statement is to inform the Risk Management and KidSafe Administrator and all members of the Risk Management Committee of the security and confidentiality requirements of the information that they will be gathering. It is not meant to reflect negatively on their performance; nor does it imply that they are suspected of any wrongdoing. As part of the Risk Management and KidSafe programs, you have an obligation to safeguard the records entrusted to you and this document is to remind you of the security, confidentiality and ethics required. As a Risk Management and KidSafe Administrator and/or Committee Member, I will; A Represent the interests of all people served by this organization and not favor special interests inside or outside of this organization. A Not use my position for personal advantage or for the advantage of my friends or associates. A Keep confidential information confidential. A Do nothing to violate the trust of those who elected or appointed me to my position or of those we serve. A Never exercise authority as a Risk Management and KidSafe program member except when acting in that capacity, as I am delegated, by the organization which elected/appointed me. A Ensure that all disclosures are made only to those individuals having a legitimate need to know in the course of their official duties. A If I am uncertain whether contemplated action may violate privacy and confidentiality standards, consult with a higher authority, e.g., the AYSA Risk Management Administrator, prior to taking action.A Disclose personal information about an individual only with the written consent or at the written request of the individual to whom it pertains. The PCJSL Board of Directors will maintain a copy of this document. The signature below acknowledges that you understand the security and confidentiality pertaining to your responsibilities and that you were afforded the opportunity to obtain clarification regarding any of the requirements of the position which you did not fully understand.

6. Since criminal histories are a matter of public record, PCJSL cannot guarantee that no other person and/or entity will discover the circumstances of a denial, suspension or revocation.

3. Health and Safety Guidelines These health, safety and financial guidelines are provided for informational purposes only. PCJSL is not responsible for the implementation or administration of the following health, safety and financial guidelines.

1. CHILD ABUSE GUIDELINES

1. All coaches or program administrators should immediately report any suspected abuse to the local county child abuse authorities and the Risk Management and KidSafe Administrator.

2. There are four types of reportable child abuse:

1. Sexual: This involves improper touching of private parts, penetration, flashing, etc. This includes any type of improper behavior where there is a difference in power and control (adult-child, older child-younger child, and younger child-younger child). There are usually threats against the victim or members of the victim's family for telling. The use of pornography is included in this category.

2. Physical: Anything that leaves a mark is reportable, i.e., black eyes, swollen lips, finger marks on the face or other areas. Using anything other than the hands on the behind and not leaving any marks.

3. Neglect: Incapacitation by the caregivers. This could include not providing a home, food, water, clothing, supervision for long periods of time or while taking illicit drugs.

4. Emotional: Verbally abusing a child.

3. It is not the responsibility of the reporting parties to investigate the allegations. Once the report has been made the legal authorities will investigate. All information on the reporting parties will be kept in confidence by the legal authorities.

4. It is the responsibility of every coach or program administrator to avoid being in a situation with a minor that has the potential of being misunderstood or misinterpreted.

2. FIRST AID

1. In the event of a medical emergency, appropriate action must be taken immediately.

2. It is recommended that each coach and/or program administrator have a first aid kit on the field at all times. The first aid kit should include, but is not limited to: (a) Antiseptic wipes (b) Tweezers (c) Scissors (d) Band-Aids (e) Roll gauze (f) Triangular bandage (g) Instant cold packs (h) Eye pads (i) Feminine pad (for heavy bleeding) (j) Ace bandages and plastic bags (for ice) (k) Adhesive Tape (l) Latex Gloves (several pairs) (m) Plastic trash bags (n) Small bottles of Hydrogen Peroxide and Distilled Water (o) Tube of Antibiotic Ointment (p) Spray bottle containing a solution of 1:10 chlorine bleach to water

3. All Medical Release forms must be on the field at all times during practices and games. Make sure that emergency phone numbers are listed.

3. PROCEDURES FOR INJURIES PERTAINING TO BLOOD

1. The first concern is always to make sure the player is not seriously injured. Never move a player that may have internal injuries. If serious injury is suspected, clear the field and summon medical help. It is recommended that standby medical help be present at all tournaments.

2. If it will not hurt the player more, remove him/her from the field to the sidelines away from spectators.

3. Carry plastic bags at all times in the coach's bag. These bags should be large enough to carry a uniform and shoes. It is also recommended that rags be carried and a spray bottle containing a 1:10 solution of chlorine bleach and water for wiping up surrounding areas. All tainted grass should be sprayed with the solution. A separate bag should include all contaminated articles including bandages, rags, wipes, etc. This bag should be tied off and placed in a covered container.

4. Referees will not allow a player on the field with a uniform that has blood on it. It is recommended that extra clothing be carried as a precaution. Many referees will allow a T-shirt of the same color as the jersey to be worn should an accident happen.

4. COACHING GUIDELINES

1. It is the responsibility of the coach to set the standard of behavior on the field. It is also incumbent upon the coach to control the actions of the coaching staff, players and spectators. Some things that are not acceptable are:

1. Name calling or harassment of a player, referee or spectator by anyone.

2. Name calling or harassment of a player by a coach or parent of another player, or by another player, especially a teammate.

3. Name calling or harassment of the referee, assistant referee or 4th official by anyone.

4. Hitting or slapping a player, coach, referee or spectator by anyone.

5. Failure to control spectators (especially parents).

6. Failure to treat injuries.

7. Inadequate supervision, e.g. during travel, before practice (late arrival of coach),during practices, after practice (failure to wait for late parents). It is recommended that the coach have a procedure for this event and communicate this plan to the parents at the first team meeting.

8. Leaving player(s) unattended.

9. Failure to report signs of abuse.

10. Recognizing and dealing with dangerous field and weather conditions, e.g., heat, cold, lightning, high winds, etc.

2. The coach shall always have medical releases on the field and should carry a fully stocked first aid kit.

3. The coach should have proper pre-game warm-ups and conditioning.

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