Sexual Misconduct & Sexual Assault Prevention Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe, respectful, and abuse-free environment for all youth cheerleaders by establishing clear standards for prevention, reporting, response, and accountability regarding sexual misconduct and sexual assault.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
⦁ All cheerleaders
⦁ Coaches, assistant coaches, and instructors
⦁ Staff, volunteers, and chaperones
⦁ Parents/guardians when participating in program activities
⦁ All practices, competitions, travel events, camps, and program-sponsored activities
3. Definitions
Sexual Misconduct
Any sexual behavior or contact that is inappropriate, unwanted, coerced, or forced, including verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct.
Sexual Assault
Any sexual act or contact without consent, including attempts or threats.
Child Sexual Abuse
Any sexual activity involving a minor, including grooming behaviors.
Grooming
Behavior intended to establish trust or emotional connection to facilitate sexual abuse (e.g., gift-giving, isolating an athlete, excessive private communication).
4. Zero-Tolerance Statement
The program maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct, sexual assault, or abuse of any kind. Any substantiated violation will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the program and referral to law enforcement.
5. Prevention Measures
A. Screening & Training
⦁ All coaches, staff, and volunteers must pass a criminal background check prior to participation.
⦁ Annual sexual abuse prevention training is required for all adults.
⦁ Age-appropriate education will be provided to athletes on:
– Personal boundaries
– Safe vs. unsafe touch
– How to report concerns
B. Supervision & Conduct Standards
⦁ Two-adult rule: No one-on-one interactions between an adult and a minor in private settings.
⦁ No private changing areas or hotel rooms shared between adults and athletes.
⦁ Physical contact must be:
– Skill-related
– Public
– Explained in advance
– Age-appropriate
⦁ Electronic communication with athletes must include parents/guardians when possible.
6. Prohibited Conduct
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
⦁ Sexual comments, jokes, gestures, or innuendo
⦁ Inappropriate touching or physical contact
⦁ Isolating an athlete from others
⦁ Sharing sexually explicit material
⦁ Private meetings without parental knowledge
⦁ Retaliation against anyone who reports misconduct
7. Reporting Procedures
A. Mandatory Reporting
⦁ All coaches, staff, and volunteers are mandatory reporters of suspected abuse.
⦁ Suspected abuse must be reported immediately to:
– Local child protective services or law enforcement, and
– Program leadership
B. How to Report
Reports may be made by:
⦁ Athletes
⦁ Parents/guardians
⦁ Coaches or staff
⦁ Volunteers or spectators
Reports can be made:
⦁ Verbally or in writing
⦁ Confidentially
⦁ Without fear of retaliation
8. Response to Allegations
⦁ All reports will be taken seriously and promptly investigated.
⦁ The accused individual may be immediately suspended from all program activities pending investigation.
⦁ The program will cooperate fully with law enforcement and child protection agencies.
⦁ Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent allowed by law.
9. Support for Victims
⦁ The safety and well-being of the athlete is the top priority.
⦁ Parents/guardians will be notified promptly.
⦁ Referrals to counseling, medical, or victim support services will be provided.
⦁ No athlete will be penalized for reporting abuse.
10. Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation against any person who reports or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
11. Policy Enforcement & Discipline
Violations of this policy may result in:
⦁ Immediate removal from the program
⦁ Termination of coaching or volunteer roles
⦁ Permanent ban from program activities
⦁ Referral to law enforcement or child protective services
12. Policy Review & Acknowledgment
⦁ This policy will be reviewed annually.
⦁ All coaches, staff, parents/guardians, and athletes must sign an acknowledgment form confirming understanding and agreement to comply.
