Our Sport Protection policies apply to:

• Athletes and participants in PCAS programs

• Covered Individuals, including:

  • PCAS employees

  • Program leaders and coaches/instructors (paid or volunteer)

  • Regular volunteers who work with athletes

  • Contractors and chaperones who have ongoing contact with minor athletes

• Board and committee members in their roles with PCAS

Everyone in these roles is required to follow our safety and conduct standards.

1. Training & Education

• Required abuse-prevention training for staff, coaches, and key volunteers.

• Tiered training is required for individuals who regularly work with the same minor athletes, as well as for those who work with groups of different minors.

• Ongoing refresher training so that everyone stays current on best practices and reporting obligations.
  
  

2. Background Screening

• Criminal background checks for Covered Individuals age 18 and over, refreshed regularly.

• Additional review of any history that may indicate risk to athletes, even if a background check is “clear.”

• Self-disclosure requirements: Covered Individuals must promptly report certain criminal charges or dispositions, as well as bans or suspensions from other sport organizations.
  
  

3. Clear Standards for Behavior

PCAS prohibits emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct, including:

• Child abuse

• Sexual misconduct and sexual harassment

• Bullying, hazing, and harassment

• Stalking and other forms of intimidation

• Inappropriate physical contact

• Violations of our electronic communications and social media standards

These standards apply in all PCAS programs and activities, including practices, competitions, travel, electronic communication, and social settings connected to our programs.

We design our programs to reduce one-on-one risk and create environments that are observable and interruptible.

Supervision & One-on-One Contact

• Our goal is “two-deep leadership” wherever possible (at least two adults, or one adult and a parent/guardian, present).

• One-on-one interactions with minors should be:

  • Limited

  • At an observable and interruptible distance from another adult

  • Used only when necessary (e.g., individual coaching or care) and, when appropriate, with parent/guardian permission.

Physical Contact

We recognize that appropriate physical contact is often part of coaching and adaptive sports (e.g., spotting, helping with equipment, or positioning for safety). To protect athletes:

• Physical contact must be:

  • For the athlete’s benefit (never to meet an adult’s emotional needs)

  • As little as possible and explained to the athlete

  • In public or observable settings
    
    

• We strictly prohibit:
  Massages, rubdowns, or “cuddling.”

  • Having athletes sit in an adult’s lap

  • Tickling, horseplay-style wrestling, or any contact meant to punish, intimidate, or humiliate

  • Any physical contact of a sexual nature or that violates personal boundaries

Electronic Communications & Social Media

• Electronic communication between Covered Individuals and minor athletes must be professional and focused on program-related information.

• Parents/guardians are copied on direct electronic communication with minor athletes.

• Covered Individuals do not maintain private social media connections with unrelated minors in our programs.

• Photos and videos are taken and used only in ways that are appropriate, respectful, and aligned with our policies. Families may opt out of photography/videography.

Locker Rooms, Changing Areas & Bathrooms

Because we often use shared/public facilities:

• Covered Individuals follow strict boundaries in locker rooms and changing areas.

• Staff and volunteers make periodic checks but do not loiter in these spaces.

• Use of cameras or recording devices in these areas is prohibited.
  Adults are not permitted to be alone with an unrelated minor in a locker room or changing area except in an emergency.

• When possible, athletes of different genders use separate spaces or take turns using shared spaces.

Travel

• For local travel, parents/guardians remain primarily responsible for transportation. Covered Individuals do not drive alone with an unrelated minor without prior written parent/guardian consent.

• For overnight or group travel, PCAS:

  • Uses appropriate chaperone-to-athlete ratios

  • Assigns rooms by age and gender

  • Prohibits staff, coaches, or volunteers from sharing a room with an unrelated minor

  • Enforces curfews and supervision expectations

Prohibits the provision of alcohol to minors

No one is required to investigate or prove a concern before reporting.

You may report concerns related to:

• Suspected child abuse or neglect

• Sexual misconduct

• Emotional or physical misconduct (including bullying, hazing, harassment, or stalking)

• Any other conduct that appears to violate our Sport Protection Policies.

If a child is in immediate danger

Call 911 immediately.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect in Pennsylvania

Reports should be made directly to Pennsylvania ChildLine, the state’s child abuse reporting system:

• ChildLine: 1-800-932-0313 (24/7)

• Online reporting: www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis

Individuals who are mandated reporters under Pennsylvania law are required to make a direct report to ChildLine. After making a report to ChildLine, please also notify PCAS so we can take appropriate internal action.

Reporting concerns to PCAS

You may also report concerns directly to PCAS by:

• Using our online reporting form

• Calling our office during business hours

• Emailing the PCAS Incident Review Official

Athletes, parents or guardians, volunteers, staff, or any community member may submit reports. Anonymous reporting is permitted, although providing contact information may help us respond more effectively.