NVHAA Youth Protection Policy
NVHAA has adopted the following policies for the safety and well-being of its members and athletes. These policies primarily protect youth members; however, they also serve to protect adult leaders. NVHAA Coaches/leaders in positions of youth leadership and supervision outside the program will find these policies help protect youth in those situations as well.
Two-deep leadership on all outings required. A minimum of two NVHAA Board Approved adult Coach/leaders, or one approved leader and a participating parent, or another adult is required for all trips and outings. One of these adults must be 21 years of age or older.
Adult Supervision/Coed Activities:
Male and female adult leaders must be present for all overnight coed trips and outings, even those including parent and child. Both male and female adult leaders must be 21 years of age or older, and one must be a board approved coach/leader of the NVHAA.
One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is prohibited. Any personal conference, such as a correction or spiritual needs conference, is to be conducted with the knowledge and in view of other adults and/or youth.
Two-deep leadership and no one-on-one contact between adults and youth members includes digital communication. Coaches/Leaders may not have one-on-one private online communications or engage one-on-one in other digital activities (games, social media, etc.) with youth members. Leaders should copy a parent and another leader in digital and online communication, ensuring no one-on-one contact exists in text, social media, or other forms of online or digital communication.
Hotels/Camps
Age-appropriate and separate accommodations for adults and Athletes are required.
No adult may share a room/suite with the opposite sex unless he or she is that adult’s spouse, sibling or child.
No youth may share a room/suite with an adult or a person of the opposite sex other than a family member or guardian. Assigning youth members more than two years apart in age to sleep in the same area should be avoided unless the youth are relatives.
Shower Facilities
Whenever possible, separate shower and latrine facilities should be provided for male/female adults and male/female youth, if separate facilities are not available, separate shower times should be scheduled and posted.
Buddy System
The buddy system should be used at all times. The buddy system is a safety measure for all athletes.
Privacy of youth is respected. Adult leaders and youth must respect each other’s privacy, especially in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp. Adults may enter youth changing or showering areas only to the extent that health and safety requires. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.
Electronic Devices
Inappropriate use of smart phones, cameras, imaging, or digital devices is prohibited. Although most people use cameras and other imaging devices responsibly, it is easy to unintentionally or inadvertently invade the privacy of other individuals with such devices. The use of any device capable of recording or transmitting visual images in or near shower houses, restrooms, or other areas where privacy is expected is inappropriate.
No secret organizations. The NVHAA does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the athletic program are open to observation by parents and leaders.
Youth leadership is monitored by adult leaders. Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by youth leaders and ensure policies are followed.
Discipline must be constructive. Discipline used in coaching must be constructive and reflect Christian values. Corporal punishment is never permitted. Disciplinary activities involving isolation, humiliation, or ridicule are prohibited. Examples of positive discipline include verbal praise and high fives.
Appropriate attire is required for all activities. Proper clothing for activities is required.
No hazing. Hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any NVHAA activity.
No bullying. Verbal, physical, and cyberbullying are prohibited.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
All persons involved in NVHAA must report to local authorities any good-faith suspicion or belief that any child is or has been physically or sexually abused, physically or emotionally neglected, exposed to any form of violence or threat, exposed to any form of sexual exploitation including the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child pornography, online solicitation, enticement, or showing of obscene material. This duty cannot be delegated to any other person.
Immediately notify the NVHAA Board of this report, or of any violation of NVHAA’s Youth Protection policies, so he or she may take appropriate action for the safety of our Athletes, make appropriate notifications, and follow up with investigating agencies. State-by-state mandatory reporting information: www.childwelfare.gov
All adult leaders and youth members have responsibility. Everyone is responsible for acting in accordance with biblical principles, following Christ’s examples. Physical violence, sexual activity, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, unauthorized weapons, hazing, discrimination, harassment, initiation rites, bullying, cyberbullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs, alcohol, and pornography have no place in our program and may result in revocation of membership and in ability to play for or lead any team, or athletic event. Coaches and NVHAA leaders in our teams are responsible for monitoring the behavior of youth members and other leaders and interceding when necessary. If youth members misbehave, their parents should be informed and asked for assistance.
Incidents requiring an immediate report to the NVHAA Board of Directors
The following must be reported to the board for immediate action, include:
- Any threat or use of a weapon
- Any negative behavior associated with race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability
- Any reports to authorities where the NVHAA’s Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse policy or your state’s mandatory reporting of child abuse laws apply
- Any abuse of a child that meets state reporting mandates for bullying or harassment
- Any mention or threats of suicide
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 911.
If a Athlete is bullied because of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability, and local help is not working to solve the problem, contact the NVHAA’s Parent Representative.
Your Responsibility
- Stop the policy violation or abuse.
- Protect the youth.
- Separate alleged victim from alleged perpetrator.
- Summon needed assistance (911, EMS, additional leaders, etc.).
- Notify parents.
- Notify the appropriate NVHAA Leader/Coach.
This policy is approved by the NVHAA Board. For questions or concerns, contact the President at nvhaassoc@gmail.com or Spiritual Director at spiritualdirector@nvhaacenturions.org.
Click on NVHAA Youth Protection Policy to download a copy of the policy.
