Child Safety and Protection Policy

This policy applies to all those involved in Dunwoodie Youth Association including, but not limited to, coaches, administrators, officials, volunteer drivers, members, parents and young people. 

Dunwoodie Youth Association is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its members. Every individual in the club should at all times show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the club and the guidelines contained in the New York State Team Sports Safety.

“Fair play is much more than playing within the rules. It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing within the right spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just a way of behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating, gamesmanship, doping, violence (both physical and verbal), exploitation, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialism and corruption.”

The Executive Committee appoints a member of the club to act as Designated Person to liaise with the Statutory Authorities in relation to the reporting of allegations or suspicions of child abuse.

EQUALITY STATEMENT: All children should be valued and treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of ability, age, sex, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion. Children, irrespective of ability or disability should be involved in sports activities in an integrated and inclusive way, whenever possible, thus allowing them to participate to their full potential alongside other children

CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT: Dunwoodie Youth Association recognizes that the legal principle that the welfare of the child is paramount means that consideration of confidentiality should not be allowed to override the right of children to be protected from harm. Everyone in our organization, including children, must be aware that they can never promise to keep secrets. However, information of a confidential nature will only be communicated on a ‘need to know’ basis. 

Background Checks: Mandatory annual criminal background checks for staff and volunteers.

Mandatory Reporting: Dunwoodie Youth Association will report immediately any suspected abuse or victimization to the appropriate authorities.

Concussion Policy: Yearly training will be provided to all coaches, board members and appropriate volunteers.  We will follow the procedures outlined in the CDC Brain Injury Basics. 

Continuous Enhancement: Continual updates to Clubs’ sexual abuse prevention polices, practices, and trainings that align with best practices of healthcare and school-based settings.

One-on-one interactions between minor athletes and an Applicable Adult (who is not the minor’s legal guardian) at a facility partially or fully under our jurisdiction are prohibited.  Except under emergency circumstances. One-on-one interactions between a minor athlete and an Applicable Adult (who is not the minor’s legal guardian) at a facility partially or fully under our jurisdiction are permitted if they occur at an observable and interruptible distance by another adult.