Sports Protection Policy

Sport Protection Policy and Athlete Safety Handbook
Organization: All Season Adaptive Sports
Affiliation: Move United Member Organization
Effective Date: October 1, 2026
Review Cycle: Annual

1. Statement of Commitment and Purpose

All Season Adaptive Sports is committed to providing a safe, positive, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, athletes, volunteers, contractors, and staff. Adaptive sport requires mutual trust, physical support, and often specialized assistance. We maintain zero tolerance for misconduct, discrimination, harassment, emotional abuse, physical abuse, or sexual misconduct.

This policy establishes the minimum mandatory standards required by Move United and federal legislation, including the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act. It governs all individuals associated with All Season Adaptive Sports programs, events, competitions, and related activities.

2. Scope and Covered Individuals

This policy applies to all Covered Individuals, defined as:

  • Board members and executive leadership.
  • All full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.
  • Coaches, adaptive instructors, and technical guides.
  • Volunteers, interns, and contractors who have regular contact with or authority over youth athletes or vulnerable adult participants.

3. Screening and Education Requirements

A. Screening and Criminal Background Checks

Before having any unmonitored or regular contact with participants:

  1. Written Application and References: Applicants must submit an application and provide references verified by organization leadership.
  2. Criminal Background Checks: All Covered Individuals must clear an approved background screening (e.g., through NCSI or an equivalent verified vendor) that includes national criminal records, sex offender registry checks, and county-level checks.

B. Mandatory Training and Education

All Covered Individuals must complete approved abuse prevention and athlete safety training (such as U.S. Center for SafeSport or an equivalent approved course) prior to contact with participants. Training must cover:

  1. Recognizing signs of physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual misconduct.
  2. Mandatory reporting requirements and legal obligations under state and federal law.
  3. Grooming behaviors and boundary-setting in adaptive athletic environments.
  4. Refresher training must be completed annually.

4. Prohibited Conduct

All Season Adaptive Sports strictly prohibits the following behaviors:

  • Sexual Misconduct: Any non-consensual sexual contact, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or inappropriate sexual commentary/advances toward any participant. Unlawful sexual contact with a minor is strictly prohibited regardless of consent.
  • Physical Misconduct: Any intentional physical action that causes or has the potential to cause bodily harm, injury, or severe distress (e.g., striking, punching, kicking, throwing objects, or denying hydration/nutrition as punishment).
  • Emotional Misconduct: Sustained verbal degradation, public shaming, bullying, humiliation, profanity directed at individuals, or persistent ostracization.
  • Bullying, Hazing and Harassment: Any coercive behavior, physical ritual, or harassment targeting personal characteristics (including disability, race, religion, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation).

5. Athlete Abuse Prevention and Supervision Guidelines

A. “Rule of Two” / Observable and Interruptible Interactions

  • One-on-one interactions between an adult staff member/volunteer and a minor or vulnerable adult participant are prohibited unless they occur in a space that is observable and interruptible by another adult.
  • If a one-on-one instructional session is required, another adult (parent, guardian, or second coach) must be within line-of-sight or earshot.

B. Adaptive Transfers, Physical Contact and Equipment Fitting

Adaptive Transfers, Physical Contact and Equipment Fitting
Adaptive sports frequently involve hands-on assistance (e.g., sit-ski transfers, equipment harness strapping, prosthetic adjustments, or bike fittings):

  • Athlete Autonomy and Consent: Instructors and volunteers must explain physical contact in advance (e.g., “I need to adjust the chest strap on your harness now, is that okay?”).
  • Open View: Physical assistance, transfers, and equipment adjustments must be performed openly in plain view of other participants, parents, or staff.
  • Non-Athletic Physical Contact: Celebratory contact must be athlete-initiated, non-intrusive, and sport-appropriate (e.g., high-fives, fist bumps).

C. Restrooms, Changing Areas and Locker Rooms

  • Staff and volunteers may not enter locker rooms or private changing stalls while participants are changing, unless a medical emergency occurs or direct, documented personal care assistance has been authorized in writing by the athlete or legal guardian.
  • Any necessary personal care or changing assistance must adhere to the Rule of Two (two approved adults present).
  • Recording devices (phones, cameras) are strictly prohibited inside restrooms and locker rooms.

D. Electronic and Social Media Communications

  • All digital communications (emails, text messages, messaging apps) between staff/volunteers and minor athletes must include the athlete’s parent or legal guardian.
  • Staff and volunteers may not engage in private direct messaging or private social media friending with minor participants.

6. Reporting Policies and Procedures

A. Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse

Under federal law (Safe Sport Act) and state statutes, all Covered Individuals are mandatory reporters:

  • If an individual suspects or receives an allegation of sexual abuse or child abuse, they must report it immediately (within 24 hours) directly to:
    1. Local law enforcement or Child Protective Services (CPS).
    2. The U.S. Center for SafeSport (if applicable).
    3. All Season Adaptive Sports Safety Coordinator.

B. Internal Misconduct Reporting

To report policy violations, bullying, harassment, or non-immediate concerns:

  • Safety Officer / Point of Contact: Ty Bonnell 575-937-6954
  • Move United Reporting Pathway: Incidents may also be escalated directly to Move United; Move United Insurance and Safety: rsemke@moveunitedsport.org | 240-268-5370

C. Whistleblower Protection and Non-Retaliation

Retaliation against any individual who makes a good-faith report or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited and constitutes grounds for immediate termination/dismissal.

7. Disciplinary Action and Compliance Monitoring

  1. Interim Suspension: Any Covered Individual accused of sexual abuse or serious physical misconduct will be placed on immediate administrative suspension pending the outcome of law enforcement and internal investigations.
  2. Sanctions: Confirmed violations will result in progressive discipline, including written warnings, mandatory re-training, suspension, permanent revocation of membership, or termination of employment/volunteer status.
  3. Notification to Move United: All Season Adaptive Sports will notify Move United of any formal sanctions or bans enacted against covered individuals.
  4. Public Accessibility: This policy must remain publicly accessible on the All Season Adaptive Sports website and be included in participant registration packets.