It is important to trust our children and help them make good decisions on their journey into adulthood, while at the same time have a constant conversation with them about personal safety and all that it entails.
There are rules in place to curtail situations where something amiss could occur. For instance, no adult should ever be left alone with a minor. Coaches should not be texting their players, nor should they communicate with them, or follow them, on social media.
When any of the above are ignored, a door opens for possible inappropriate behavior. An opportunity that should otherwise not have happened. Ask your kids hard questions: Would you tell me if a coach texted you privately? How would you handle X situation? Do you think that it’s appropriate if XYZ? While it might be annoying to your teenager, and they will roll their eyes, secretly they are a comforted by the fact that you love them enough to ask.
In 2003, USA Volleyball implemented a background screening procedure which all adults 18 and older must complete each year. There are currently nearly 190 names on the USA Volleyball Suspended list, for various reasons. Our children’s safety doesn’t end at coaching requirements which include a background screen, SafeSport training and concussion training.
Parents must remain vigilant at keeping their children safe and not soley rely on the safety procedures that USAV implements. Just because someone isn’t flagged by the safety protocols in place doesn’t mean they don’t slip through the cracks.
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t and you should always trust your gut, even if it turns out not to be true.
RESOURCES:
SafeSport
USAV Suspended Membership List
Why Background Screen?
KRVA Violation Report Form