PYL Sexual Abuse Prevention Policies & Procedures (effective 01/01/2021)
Portsmouth Youth Lacrosse (“PYL”) considers the safety and well being of the youth in our programs a top priority. We prohibit abuse and strive to proactively address reports of this type of conduct, even if it means that someone will be embarrassed or upset. We want to hear about problems or concerns, and we will strive to act on them in a fair way in accordance with our policies.
We will report suspected abuse to the proper law enforcement agencies.
Policy and Procedures:
PYL has adopted the following Policy and Procedures in an effort to provide a safe environment for our coaches, athletes, and their families:
1) The Coach/Assistant Coach appointment process shall require a yearly background check completed through US Lacrosse. Any Coach/Assistant Coach that does not complete and pass a yearly background check through US Lacrosse will not be allowed to coach.
2) The Coach/Assistant Coach appointment process shall also encourage applicants to complete the Safe Sport training recommended by US Lacrosse. Each Coach will be provided with a copy of the PYL Sexual Abuse Prevention Policies & Procedures.
3) Prohibited Behavior:
a) Use of degrading language or behavior. Coaches are also responsible for stopping disrespectful behavior between team members, including sexual harassment.
b) Threatening or intentionally inflicting physical injury upon anyone, especially a minor. Coaches are also responsible for stopping threatening behavior by players.
c) Committing any sexual offense against a minor, or engaging in any sexual contact with a minor.
d)Making any sexual advance, or engaging in other verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature with a minor.
e) Non-related one-adult/one-child interaction except in an emergency where following this policy would be dangerous to the child. In an emergency situation, the coach or volunteer must contact a representative of the organization to inform him or her of this contact and the reason for it. If a child is receiving individual instruction or working with a private coach, this activity must be in a public setting rather than behind closed doors.
3) Reporting of Suspected Child Sexual Abuse
a) Any member of the PYL board can receive reports of sexual abuse or other inappropriate conduct. As soon as a report is received by any board member, each of the following must occur within 24 hours: the board member must notify all other board members, the board must convene, and the proper law enforcement agencies must be notified.
Board members names and contact information are located on the PYL website: www.portsmouthlax.com
b) All coaches, volunteers, parents and program participants are directed to report any incident of abuse or suspected abuse that they witness or that is reported to them to a board member. Note: This does not preclude individuals from reporting abuse or suspected abuse to the proper law enforcement authorities.
c) Should a suspected incidence of abuse be reported, the coach/volunteer in question may be temporarily suspended from duties while an investigation takes place.
