Good Practices

Positions of Trust

Good Practice

• The welfare of the child is the primary concern.
• Be aware that the closeness of the coach/athlete relationship may encourage feelings that are not directly related to the sport.
• Set out and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Promote fairness.
• Prevent and correct bullying.
• Treat all children equally, with dignity and respect.
• Give enthusiastic and constructive advice rather than criticism.

Unacceptable Behavior

• NEVER enter into a sexual relationship with a child under your care/supervision.
• NEVER use your influence over a child for your own interests.

Physical Contact

Good Practice

• Physical contact is recommended only in support of the following purposes, and should only be carried out by appropriately qualified staff:
  • To develop or demonstrate sports skills,
  • To diagnose or treat an injury, or
  • To give appropriate sport massage.
• Physical contact may be appropriate in other circumstances, as in congratulating a child or consoling a child who is upset. However, always ensure that physical contact is carried out in the open or in the presence of another supervising adult.
• Remember that interpretations of touching will be affected by factors such as cultural differences, religious implications, relative age or sexual orientation.

If a child is uncomfortable with physical contact, STOP!

General Supervision

Good Practice

• A supervising adult should never be alone with a child in potentially compromising situations, i.e. in a hotel room, bathroom, changing room, locker rooms, etc.
• Whenever possible, mixed gender teams should be accompanied by both male and female responsible adults.

 Unacceptable Behavior

• DO NOT take a child alone on a trip unless in an emergency and/or with written parental permission.
• DO NOT enter the room of a child without another responsible adult present.
• NEVER share a room with a child.

Always discourage sexually provocative jokes and conversation.

Confidentiality

Good Practice

• When you are close to a child, you may gather very personal information about the child.
• Try to make the child aware of the importance and implications of the information he is sharing.

Unacceptable Behavior

• You should NEVER encourage confidences or intrude into the private life of the child.

Always maintain appropriate boundaries

Integrity

Good Practice

• Discourage children from talking offensively about others but be aware that the child may be trying to describe an instance of abuse.
• Coaches should never talk offensively or negatively about others.
• Encourage children to obey the rules of the sport, compete in good faith and treat officials and other competitors with respect.

Unacceptable Behavior

• NEVER advocate measures to gain an unfair advantage or cheat in any way.
• NEVER allow children in your care to take advantage of a mistake or oversight by an official or volunteer at any time.

Always emphasize fair play!

Personal Standards Good Practice

Good Practice

• Always exhibit high personal standards.
• Respect SSCV’s Core Values of Character, Courage and Commitment.
• Respect SSCV’s Coaches, Parent and Athlete Code/Standard of Conduct.
• Always project a favorable image of the sport, SSCV, the Olympic movement, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, USASA and FIS and any other applicable governing bodies
• Always project an image of health, cleanliness and efficiency.

Unacceptable Behavior

• DO NOT use any types of tobacco, or drink alcohol to excess, when in the company or presence of children.
• Never use profane, insulting or otherwise offensive language.
• NEVER use any form of sexually charged verbal intimacy or innuendoes.
• ALWAYS err on the side of protecting the child. Take action.

If you are unsure….

• Always err on the side of protecting the child.
• If you have doubts of what is appropriate or necessary in a particular circumstance, you should consult your direct supervisor, medical professionals or contact SSCV’s Leadership Team for guidance.
• Always involve the child’s parents in any action involving their child.

Abuse

Physical Abuse

• Physical injury of all types when such injury is intentional or results from neglect.
• Giving a child alcohol or inappropriate medications or drugs.
• In a sports situation, this may also occur when the nature and intensity of training disregard the capacity if the child’s immature and growing body.

Emotional Abuse

• May involve telling a child that he/she is useless or devaluing them.
• Constant criticism and negative feedback.
• Shouting, threats or taunts.
• Unrealistic expectation of performance at levels above a child’s capability.

Neglect

• Failure to provide adequate food or shelter.
• Prolonged or unnecessary exposure to cold or heat.
• Unnecessary risk of injury.

Sexual Abuse

• In sport, activities which might involve physical contact with children may create situations where sexual abuse may go unnoticed.
• The power of the coach over the athlete could, if misused, lead to abusive situations developing.

Bullying

• May be physical, verbal or emotional.
• Is usually repeated over a period of time.
• May involve staff, other athletes, or parents.

Signs of abuse may include a drop in performance, behavioral changes, mood swings, reluctance to train/compete, frequent loss of possessions, physical injuries (bruising, scratches, etc), poor sleep and/or loss of appetite/weight.

Be Vigilant

• Watch for signs of abuse and bullying.
• Note any physical symptoms and signs, changes in behavior and/or drops in performance.

Take Actions

• It is NOT your responsibility to decide if abuse is taking place.
• However, if you suspect abuse, you should take action. Report your concerns to your immediate supervisor first, then parents or, if necessary, to child protection services and/or law enforcement.
• Seek advice from qualified or supervisory individuals to assist your Club in addressing objectionable behaviors.

Remember

• The effects of abuse may have very long-lasting consequences for the child.
• The welfare of the child is paramount.

Children must be protected from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment at all times.