Horizon Youth Sports Policies/Procedures

The policies and procedures outlined in the Horizon Youth Sports Program are to be followed by all Staff Members, Coaches, and Volunteers that are serving within our Sports Program ministry.

Welcome to the team!  Thank you for helping us partner with parents to further develop the character and integrity of their children based on Christian values.

1. Becoming a Coach

• Apply and Interview
•  Complete and submit an Adult Horizon Sports Volunteer Application.
• Background Screening and Security Interview
• Complete online Ministry Safe course.

1. Becoming an Assistant Coach

• Apply and Interview
• Complete and submit an Adult Horizon Sports Volunteer Application.
• Background Screening and Security Interview
• Complete online Ministry Safe course.

Showing Gratitude

At the end of every game, we want both teams to show good sportsmanship and appreciation.

• Opponent – “good game” high five line.
• Referee – “Thank you” high five.
• GOD – Prayer circle in conjunction with opponent. 2-3 players from each team will share something the other team did well prior to praying together.

Practice Maximums

Recreational teams have one 1-hour practice and competitive teams have one 1.5-hour practice per week.  Teams are not allowed to add additional practice time, on or off site.

Roster Integrity

Horizon Youth Sports program players are not allowed to play in a younger division than their registered school grade.

Multiple Teams

Horizon Youth Sports program athletes are not allowed to be rostered for more than one Horizon Sports program team in the same sport and season.  Any temporary or borrowed player exceptions must be approved by the Program Director.

Disciplinary Action

Failure to comply with any of these policies could result in:

• Coaches: Warning, suspension, or removal
• Players: Removal from team without refund.

Uniforms and Coaching Tips

Game uniforms must be worn as received with no modifications

Game uniforms will be bundled by team and distributed by the coach.

Coaching the Sport

Coaches and their teams are required to remain on their assigned portion of the field/court.

• General Coaching Guidelines
• Have as many kids active as possible during practice
• Be positive and encouraging; nothing sarcastic or rhetorical
• Feedback should be constructive and specific
• Establish coaching roles to avoid having multiple voices during games.

General Rules

Please help keep our families safe and secure:

• Service animals only
• Bicycles, scooters, roller blades, and skateboards are not permitted
• Secure all valuables; we are not responsible for lost or missing items.
• All drugs, including tobacco, vape, and alcohol, are not permitted.
• No foul language.

Roles of Horizon Sports program participants

We believe everyone has a role to play during practices and games, and we ask that everyone chooses one.

• Players: Play
• Coaches: Coach
• Officials: Officiate
• Spectators: Support

Examples:

• The coach is the only one who should be coaching, but they shouldn’t try to officiate- that’s the job of the official.
• Spectators should be supporting, but they shouldn’t be calling out coaching advice or “offering advice” to the referees.

SAFETY AND SECURITY POLICIES

No adult is ever to be alone with a minor, who is not their child, at any time.

• We ask that adults not be alone with minors off campus.  When an exception is needed, speak with a staff member first.  Meetings should always be in a public place.
• Avoid giving rides to other minors in your vehicle.

Exceptions include:

• There are two adults in the vehicle, and you have permission from the parent.
• A carpool situation.  The driver’s child must be a teammate of the other minor(s) and present in the vehicle.

Note: Physical contact with all minors should be appropriate and limited.

• 
  The use of appropriate physical contact in a public setting to show support, encouragement, and healthy affection is acceptable if the minor is receptive to this form of emotional expression.  However, adults must exercise good judgment and never force any physical contact.
• Examples of appropriate displays of affection are limited to: handshakes, high fives, or a brief hug.
• Please avoid personal text threads with minors and speak with them in person.  Limit texting to info, i.e., “Did you sign up?” “Are you attending?”, “Are you bringing friends?”, etc.

EMERGENCIES AND INCLEMENT WEATHER

Immediately report any urgent medical needs or concerns to a staff member.

• For obvious emergencies, such as airway, breathing, circulation issues, or mass amounts of trauma, call 911 first and then let a staff member know.  If CPR is needed, it should be initiated immediately.  A staff member will call the notify the Program Director immediately as a medical emergency.
•   If a medical issue arises that is not urgent but requires first aid, let a staff member know, and they will contact the Program Director.  All medical concerns require an Incident Form to be filled out and completed.

IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE

The priority is to get all participants to safety.  In the event of a fire, an alarm will sound, and all Staff, Coaches, and Volunteers should lead all participants through the nearest marked exit and to an appropriate meeting area.  If an alarm goes off, the building must be evacuated and will not be deemed safe until the local department has inspected the building.

IN THE EVENT OF DANGEROUS WEATHER

• The Horizon Youth Sports Program Director will communicate a gameplan to coaches which could include suspension and or cancelling of scheduled activities.
• We try to play through rain if fields ensure for player safety, we suspend activity for excessive wind and lightning.
• Field closure updates will be posted on the Horizon Sports program website.
• Every soccer goal should be weighed down with sandbags before play.

RED FLAG SITUATIONS

Immediately bring all Red Flag issues to the attention of a Horizon Sports program Staff member.  To protect the confidence of a minor, let them know you will need to speak with a staff member.

• If you hear or observe something that leads you to believe that a minor may have been abused, you MUST by law, immediately report it to a staff member.
• Staff members will determine what type of support and care the minor and family will need and involve a coach when needed.
• Child Sexual Abuse- Sexual abuse is defined as the use, persuasion, or coercion of any child to engage in any sexually explicit conduct (or any simulation of such conduct) for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct or rape, molestation, prostitution or incest with a child.
• Physical Abuse- Physical abuse includes non-accidental physical injuries such as bruises, broken bones, burns, cuts or other injuries.
• Neglect- Neglect occurs when children are not given necessary care for illness or injury.  Neglect also includes leaving young children unsupervised or alone, locked in or out of the house, or without adequate clothing, food or shelter.  Allowing children to live in a very dirty house which could be a health hazard may also be considered neglect.
• Emotional Abuse- Emotional abuse is evidenced by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal or improper aggressive behavior as diagnosed by a Medical Doctor or Psychologist.  It’s caused by the acts or omissions of the parent, legal guardian or caretaker.
• Sexual Exploitation- Sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse that involves the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 in exchange for things such as money, gifts, accommodations, affection or status.

Abandonment- Abandonment means the failure of the parent or legal guardian to provide reasonable support and to maintain contact with

• the child, including providing normal supervision, when such failure is intentional and continues for an indefinite period.

DISCLOSURE OF ABUSE

The Horizon Youth Sports program supports and maintains an environment that is free of abuse and neglect.  Abuse and neglect include physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, and negligent treatment or maltreatment.  The Horizon Sports program will neither condone nor tolerate:

• We go to great lengths to protect minors.  Our hope and prayer are that they will never be harmed.  However, as we care for hundreds of minors each week, it is inevitable that we will be called upon to support and love families in the most painful aspects of their lives.  To protect the minor and the family, please be careful not to talk broadly about any situation.

CHILD ABUSE REPORTING LAW

• The law expands the definition of a “mandatory reporter” to include childcare workers in churches, encompassing staff, coaches, and volunteers.
• Requires reporting to your local police jurisdiction and/or the Department of Child Safety.
• Report should include name, address, age, nature of injuries, and reasons for suspected abuse

WHAT TO DO WHEN A MINOR DISCLOSES ABUSE TO YOU

• Speak to the minor in a public place that is out of earshot from others.
• Reassure the minor, listen openly and calmly
• Write down facts and words as the minor states them.
• Regarding physical abuse, you are only allowed to ask four questions: Who, What, When, and Where
• Do not pry, investigate or ask further questions, this is for law enforcement to handle.
• Respect the minor’s need for confidentiality.
• If a minor is in imminent danger, refer the situation to call 911.

WHAT NOT TO SAY WHEN TALKING WITH MINORS

• 
  Avoid “why” questions that expect the minor to take responsibility for being abused.
• Don’t try to investigate the story, just listen.
• Act quickly! A minor may not be brave enough to speak up twice and could be seriously hurt during the next instance of abuse.

SUICIDAL IDEATIONS, THREATS OR ATTEMPTS

• The minor may talk or mention of a thought-out plan of action for taking their own life.
• Previous suicide attempts or threats of suicide.
• Preoccupation with death
• Sudden changes in behavior (acting out, violent behavior, drop in grades, etc.)
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or things that were once enjoyed.
• Somatic complaints (sleeplessness or sleeping all the time).

TIPS FOR TALKING WITH MINORS

• Be mindful of your body language.  Come down to the minor’s level.  Give them space and don’t lean in too close while they are talking.
• Be aware of your facial expressions.  Even if you are shocked or surprised by what you are hearing, try to maintain a calm expression.
• Minimize questioning.  Limit the number of times a minor is questioned.  Leave the interview process to a trained professional investigator.
• Never promise confidentiality. It is our duty to keep minors safe and report any suspicions of abuse

PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEOGRAPHY

The Horizon Youth Sports program reserves the right to use any photograph or videography taken during a Horizon Sports program sponsored event without the expressed written permission of the subjects included within the photograph or video.  Photographs may be used in publications or other media material, including church websites and other publications.

ONLINE REGISTRATION

When asked to submit personal billing, it is important to know  that this information is used only for payment processing verification.  The Horizon Youth Sports program does not distribute sell or otherwise exploit this information in any way.  For security reasons, credit card numbers are never saved or stored.