Coaches and parents should always ensure the safety of team members at practices and competitions. The “Boy Scout Youth Protection Training” on scouting.org ¹⁾ is a great resource for a more in-depth training.

Protect the kids: Be extra careful in how adults interact with children, and the coach should be aware of how their own and parents’ behavior will be perceived

• Avoid touching a child. Be aware of how non-family adults touch children and be careful!
• Never punish a child physically: if a child is acting up, call their parent immediately and ask them to help you with the situation - consider a “time-out” situation until a parent arrives

Looking for abuse: If a coach suspects a child is being abused, he or she should contact the principal of the school or the authorities. The coach SHOULD NOT try to deal with the problem on their own.

• Physical abuse: bruises or injuries (remember, it could be a severe football season!)
• Sexual abuse: withdrawing, change in attitude for the worse, using sexually suggestive language or making advances to you or other adults
• Mental abuse: so much harder to recognize - contact the experts if you see any drastic changes in behavior!

Protect yourself: Coaches or coordinators should avoid situations in which they could be accused of impropriety

• Never be alone with a team member for extended periods of time
• Be careful when leading small groups with no other adults present