Youth Safety & Abuse Prevention Policy
Organization: Tr3nch 5v5 Football League
Tr3nch 5v5 Football League is dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all athletes. We maintain a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding abuse and misconduct. This policy outlines the mandatory standards of behavior for all adults involved in our events.
1. MANDATORY COMPLIANCE
Reviewing and adhering to these safety standards is a strict condition of participation in any Tr3nch 5v5 Football League event. This policy applies to:
- Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches
- Team Staff and Managers
- Volunteers and Event Workers
- Referees and Officials
- Any adult with access to minor participants
Note: All Tr3nch events are youth-focused. We operate under the assumption that all participants are minors (under 18) and require protection.
2. UNDERSTANDING & PREVENTING GROOMING
“Grooming” is a predatory tactic used to manipulate a minor and desensitize them to boundary violations. All staff must be vigilant in recognizing these warning signs:
- Favoritism: Giving specific athletes special gifts, money, rides, or exclusive privileges.
- Isolation: Attempting to separate a minor from their teammates, parents, or other adults.
- Secrecy: Asking a child to keep secrets or establishing “special” private codes.
- Desensitization: Gradually crossing physical or emotional boundaries under the guise of “mentoring” or “bonding.”
3. ADULT-TO-ATHLETE BOUNDARIES
All interactions between adults and minors must be observable and interruptible. Required Conduct (The “Do’s”):
- Rule of Two: Strive to have a second adult present during interactions with minors.
- Public Settings: Keep conversations in open areas where others can see and hear you.
- Sport-Specific Contact: Physical contact must be limited to instructional purposes (e.g., correcting a stance) or appropriate celebration (e.g., a high-five).
Restricted Conduct (The “Don’ts”):
- No Private Meetings: Never be alone with a minor in a private space (e.g., hotel room, vehicle, closed office) without another adult present.
- No Personal Sharing: Do not discuss your personal life, sexual history, or private matters with minors.
4. PROHIBITED CONDUCT (ZERO TOLERANCE)
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal and permanent banning from Tr3nch 5v5 Football League:
- Any form of sexual contact, assault, or exploitation.
- Sexualized comments, jokes, gestures, or “locker room talk.”
- Sharing or showing sexually explicit material (pornography) to minors.
- Hazing, bullying, or physical abuse of any kind.
5. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
Digital interactions are a common source of boundary violations. We require full transparency:
- Group Channels: All team communication should occur in group chats (e.g., TeamSnap, GroupMe) where all messages are visible to the team.
- Parental Inclusion: If direct communication is necessary, a parent or guardian must be copied (CC’d) on the text or email.
- No DM’s: Direct, private messaging (DM) between a coach/staff member and a minor on social media is prohibited.
6. SUPERVISION & FACILITIES
- Open Supervision: Event staff will monitor areas to ensure no adults are isolated with children.
- Locker Rooms/Restrooms: Adults should not enter locker rooms or restrooms occupied by minors unless there is an emergency or they are conducting a scheduled inspection with a second adult present.
7. DUTY TO REPORT
Safety is a collective responsibility. If you witness or suspect abuse, misconduct, or a violation of these policies, you are obligated to report it.
- Report To: Tr3nch Event Leadership immediately.
- External Reporting: If you suspect a child is in immediate danger or has been abused, you must contact local Law Enforcement or Child Protective Services.
- Protection: Tr3nch enforces a non-retaliation policy for anyone who reports concerns in good faith.