Be Proactive! -While background screening is an effective deterrent and technique to detect sexual predators and other criminals, an attentive and involved parent is the most important line of defense.

Important Prevention Steps:

• Conduct Background Screening on all indMduals involved in an organization
• Do not allow extensive one on one time with coach/adult
• Never leave a child unsupervised
• Be Visible
• Parents should attend games and practices when possible
• Approach unknown adults observing a game or practice and engage them in conversation

Athletes most vulnerable to physical harassment or abuse are: Female, young, physically small

• High athletic potential
• Nearing high intermediate levels of sport
• Frequent trips (hotels, vehicles)
• Relocated to live near coaches

Coaches/Adults most at risk for physical harassment or abuse:

• Coach/Adult attempts to be isolated with a player
• Excessive physical contact with a particular player
• Coach/Adult has a low commitment to codes of ethics, low commitment to discussions of harassment and abuse
• Frequent opportunities to travel with or transport athletes

Why victims do not complain:

• Complaints are not encouraged
• Prior complaints were not acted upon
• Coaches control over the athlete's participation
• Athlete's not aware of complaint procedure or to whom to complain
• No witnesses to the act
• Coaches provide inducements in form of gifts, inclusion on trips, etc.
• Contact provided in the name of performance enhancement
• Athletes are conditioned to follow coach's direction
• Complaints often turned back on complainant or addressed as misunderstanding

Keys to avoiding Physical and Sexual Harassment/Abuse:

• Establish and adopt a written policy that every reasonable effort will be made to protect participants and exclude those with a legally documented history or record of creating exposure to unnecessary harm
• Screen potential volunteers and staff by checking references and checking for criminal background
• Establish and adopt a written policy regarding appropriate and inappropriate behavior, including touching
• Provide training for volunteers and their supervisors
• Create an organizational environment that promotes the reporting of concerns; appoint a designated liaison
• Establish and communicate policy and guidelines that establish categories of unacceptable behavior, which may include: relationships (sensitive); offensive material; offensive, intimidating or hostile language; physical conduct/contact; conduct of a sexual nature as a condition of participation
• Establish take home/pick up policies for athletes
• Conduct athlete protection orientations for coaches, athletes, parents and volunteers
• Limit adult skill demonstrations of a physical nature
• Establish athlete-adult minimum ratios; limit one-on-one contact
• Respond quickly to allegations; appoint a limited number of people to review allegations; inform the person that allegations are made; document all details; do not guarantee confidentiality; do not assure discreet process; conduct the process in accordance with the systematic approach