Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate CVPA Training Certification

1. Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA) Training & Certification

2. Slide 4 of 59 Explain that they’ll be asked a number of questions through out the presentation. Sometimes they’ll be asked to type in an answer in the Question window and other times they’ll be asked to “RAISE their HAND”. Other questions will be rhetorical – meaning that the next slide will provide the answer. “Let’s test the questions and answers.” Ask the attendees to “Type Your name and state in the Question window and share it with the audience” Enter your name & state in Question window Review all the names Ask the attendees to “Raise their Hands”; help them find the Raised Hand icon near their name in the Attendees box. CLICK advance the slide Slide 4 of 59 Explain that they’ll be asked a number of questions through out the presentation. Sometimes they’ll be asked to type in an answer in the Question window and other times they’ll be asked to “RAISE their HAND”. Other questions will be rhetorical – meaning that the next slide will provide the answer. “Let’s test the questions and answers.” Ask the attendees to “Type Your name and state in the Question window and share it with the audience” Enter your name & state in Question window Review all the names Ask the attendees to “Raise their Hands”; help them find the Raised Hand icon near their name in the Attendees box. CLICK advance the slide

3. Please use your Legal Name, Home Address & Phone and Birth Date Slide 4 of 59 Explain that they’ll be asked a number of questions through out the presentation. Sometimes they’ll be asked to type in an answer in the Question window and other times they’ll be asked to “RAISE their HAND”. Other questions will be rhetorical – meaning that the next slide will provide the answer. “Let’s test the questions and answers.” Ask the attendees to “Type Your name and state in the Question window and share it with the audience” Enter your name & state in Question window Review all the names Ask the attendees to “Raise their Hands”; help them find the Raised Hand icon near their name in the Attendees box. CLICK advance the slide Slide 4 of 59 Explain that they’ll be asked a number of questions through out the presentation. Sometimes they’ll be asked to type in an answer in the Question window and other times they’ll be asked to “RAISE their HAND”. Other questions will be rhetorical – meaning that the next slide will provide the answer. “Let’s test the questions and answers.” Ask the attendees to “Type Your name and state in the Question window and share it with the audience” Enter your name & state in Question window Review all the names Ask the attendees to “Raise their Hands”; help them find the Raised Hand icon near their name in the Attendees box. CLICK advance the slide

4. What is AYSO’s Vision Statement?

5. To provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children’s lives.

6. What makes AYSO unique? The goal of the organization is to educate and develop young people by encouraging their interest and participation in soccer through its six philosophies.

7. Everyone Plays Our goal is for kids to play soccer – so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least half of every game.

8. Balanced Teams Each year we form new teams as evenly as possible – because it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play.

9. Open Registration Our program is open to all children between 4 and 19 years of age who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing.

10. Positive Coaching Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment by the players and ultimately leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players.

11. Good Sportsmanship We strive to create a safe, fair, fun and positive environment based on mutual respect, rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.

12. Player Development We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as a member of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.

13. About AYSO AYSO’s governing documents provide support to its vision and philosophies and can be found in the AYSO Reference Book: National Bylaws Rules and Regulations Standard Regional Guidelines National Policy Statements

14. What is Safe Haven? Program designed to address the growing need for Child and Volunteer Protection. The first program of its kind in the country. Provides support for a fun, fair, safe, family environment. The CVPA is the Safe Haven representative in the Regions

15. Creating a Safe Haven The Safe Haven program supports the creation of a “safe haven” for all participants by:

16. CVPA Duties Screen volunteers at the Regional level Ensure all AYSO volunteers are registered Present volunteers to Regional Board for approval Assign volunteers to positions in eAYSO Meet with the RCA, RRA, Coaches, and Referees to provide an Annual Safe Haven Refresher Serve as Region contact for child abuse and volunteer protection issues

17. CVPA Resources CVPA Job Description CVPA Manual Safe Haven Certification AYSO Reference Book AYSO.org CVPA Page

18. Volunteer Protection Congress passed the Volunteer Protection Act in 1997 to promote volunteerism and grant immunity from certain types of prosecution for volunteers who meet its requirements.

19. Volunteer Requirements For protection under the Volunteer Protection Act and applicable laws, AYSO requires all volunteers to: Sign and submit a Volunteer Application every year, Be authorized to do their job, Act within the scope of their Job Descriptions and AYSO’s policies, procedures and guidelines, Complete Safe Haven Training and Be properly trained in their jobs.

20. Volunteer Protection Compliance with Volunteer Requirements provides: Immunities under the Volunteer Protection Act Soccer Accident Insurance (S.A.I.) eligibility Knowledge and Skills to create a safe, fair, family-friendly program Safe Haven Volunteer Screening

21. Volunteer Screening AYSO, like many youth organizations today, asks adult volunteers to submit character references and agree to background checks in order to protect players, volunteers and Region resources.

22. Volunteer Screening “Youth sports treasurer accused of embezzlement; Corona man has been charged with embezzling $100,000 from a youth sports program that receives money from the city.”

23. Volunteer Applications Review Volunteer Application for completeness Verify Identify of person on the Application with government issued photo ID Applications must be submitted without any changes to disclaimers, waivers and agreements represented on the form. A new Application must be signed and dated each and every year. Do not use old blank Volunteer applications

24. Volunteer Application Required Fields: Name Social Security Number Birth Date Driver’s License or State I.D. Answer to Conviction Question and disclosures Signature and Date Note: References required for new volunteers. If the application is missing any of these fields, or waivers are crossed out on either side of the form, DO NOT accept the application.

25. Social Security Numbers AYSO conducts background checks based on identifying information, including SSN. Without SSN: we cannot perform national criminal background checks or verify where the applicant has lived in order to run county-level record searches AYSO’s National Board of Directors provides a memorandum on the requirement for SSN

26. Reference Checks Check References for all new Coaches, Referees, Board Members, Team Parents, & Others with Direct Supervision of Players. For Professional Reference -Try to talk with Direct Supervisor Do Not Discuss Race or Sex Reference Check Guidelines in CVPA Manual

27. Flagged vs Un-Flagged Applications

28. Un-Flagged Applications Most applications are not flagged; the applicant answered no to the Disclosure question. After checking references (new volunteers), register these volunteers in eAYSO and place on the list for approval by the Regional Board. Send original forms to NSTC with Control Sheet using Certified Return Receipt, UPS or other Delivery method with a tracking number.

29. Flagged Applications Do not accept the application without a complete explanation of the disclosure including dates and locations Send all flagged forms to the NSTC with a Control Sheet immediately Do not assign any volunteer with a flagged form to any volunteer position

30. Flagged Applications Flagged applications must be background checked and cleared to volunteer by Safe Haven before they can be assigned a position Flagged Applicants given volunteer positions who cannot be cleared according to the National Background Check Policy, must be removed from service by the Region.

31. Flagged Applications If the application cannot be approved: Applicant will receive a letter via US Mail. Applicant has the right to review Background Check for accuracy. RC and CVPA will receive an e-mail. If the volunteer application is approved, CVPA will receive an e-mail.

32. Obtaining Volunteer Applications Good: Have volunteers walk-in to your registration event and hand-write a volunteer application; Better: Order pre-printed volunteer forms (Reg Kits) from the NSTC for all returning volunteers and update corrections in eAYSO. Best: Require (or strongly encourage) all volunteers to apply online in eAYSO, print out 2 copies of their application and bring them to an in- person registration event.

33. eSignature AYSO launched eSignature in 2010 Parents/Volunteers can complete and eSign their Registration/Volunteer Applications online in eAYSO eSigned Player and Volunteer forms do not have to be stored at the Region level after the season. eSigned volunteer forms are available immediately to Safe Haven for background checking and do not have to be mailed to the NSTC.

34. National Screening Background Checks are conducted year-round Federal law requires a signed application before performing certain background checks We screened over 120,000 volunteers last year! Processing of a flagged volunteer form takes about 3 weeks from date of receipt at NSTC

35. Registered Sex Offenders Sex Offender Searches Conducted on all eAYSO Registered Volunteers. Using DOJ Sex Offender Registry www.nsopr.gov Many States Have Online Sex Offender Registries: www.sexoffender.com Other States Provide Searches at Local Sheriff Station - Megan’s Law CD.

36. Targeted Background Checks Un-Flagged volunteers are background checked on an on-going basis with a priority given to: Coaches Assistant Coaches Officers, Board Members and Staff who Lead or Organize Children’s Activities Referees

37. National Background Check Policy The AYSO National Background Check Policy is in the CVPA Manual & on www.ayso.org Includes a partial Table of Convictions Only National Safe Haven Dept is authorized to run criminal background checks and to determine volunteer eligibility Policy determines restrictions on volunteering based on risks associated with convictions.

38. National Background Check Policy Make sure Volunteers understand they will be background checked – consent language is on the back of the Volunteer Application. Make National Policy available at Volunteer Recruiting and Registration events – allows potential volunteers to determine their eligibility Inform Regional Commissioner, Regional Coach Administrator and Regional Referee Administrator of policy

39. Question? Each year, a Region can choose whether or not to accept a volunteer. True or False?

40. Application vs Registration CVPAs must Register accepted Volunteer applicants in eAYSO either by entering/registering a Volunteer from a form, renewing an existing volunteer for the Membership Year or registering applications submitted online. Unaccepted volunteers stay in applicant status and are not assigned a volunteer position.

41. eAYSO Volunteer Registration

42. eAYSO Volunteer Registration

43. Registering vs Assigning Register all non-flagged volunteers in eAYSO and submit a list of those volunteers to the Regional Board for approval Once Regional Commissioner, Coach Administrator, Referee Administrator, and Regional Managers have assigned volunteers to their positions, assign the volunteer to specific position in eAYSO.

44. eAYSO Volunteer Positions

45. eAYSO Volunteer Positions

46. Restricted Roles CVPAs can view the CVPA notes for a volunteer. If you try to assign a volunteer position and find it unavailable, check the CVPA notes. Notes for volunteer restrictions are entered by Safe Haven “Restricted from managing Region Funds” “Restricted from Coaching/Assistant Coaching”

47. eAYSO CVPA Search

48. eAYSO CVPA Notes

49. Youth Volunteers Must also complete a Youth Volunteer Application every year but are not screened. Should abide by the same protection guidelines when in the company of younger players or VIP participants. Should be protected by the same protection policies as players.

50. Youth Volunteers May hold: Youth Referee, Youth Team Assistant, Youth VIP Buddy or other Youth Volunteer positions which are supervised by adults. May not be a Team Coach, Assistant Coach or Regional Board Member and may never be in a position of supervising players or managing a game.

51. YouthVolunteer Application Required Fields: Name Parent/Guardian Information Parent/Guardian Signature Signed copied must be in the Youth Volunteer’s possession during all volunteer activities.

52. Privacy & Confidentiality CVPA Maintains all Volunteer Form copies If using Data Entry Assistants, be sure to track forms and retrieve as soon as possible. Requiring use of eAYSO is best way to ensure privacy protection Forms should never be left unattended; should be stored under lock and key to protect Volunteers from Identify Theft

53. Privacy & Confidentiality Do Not discuss sensitive Volunteer information Securely store forms until end of Membership Year. Copies of Forms sent to the NSTC (with confirmation), may be destroyed by shredding or burning. Otherwise, the Region must store them securely for seven years.

54. Training and Certification Training and Certification is the only way to ensure the fulfillment of the AYSO vision and the protection of Volunteers and Players.

55. Training and Certification Job Training: Job and Standard specific training Certification: Confirmation of 3 competencies: - Assigned Position (Job Training), - Child and Volunteer Protection (Safe Haven), and - AYSO Polices and Guidelines Continuing Education: Training to improve skills

56. Training and Certification All Coaches, Referees and Board Members are required to be trained and certified Practices & Games are NOT Permitted without an AYSO Trained and Certified Team Coach Official games are NOT Permitted without an AYSO Trained and Certified Referee

57. Training and Certification Regions must have the following seven required Board Positions and the volunteers serving in these positions, must be trained and certified: Regional Commissioner, Coach Administrator, Referee Administrator, Treasurer, Registrar, Safety Director and CVPA

58. eAYSO Volunteer Certifications

59. eAYSO Volunteer Certifications

60. eAYSO Volunteer Certifications

61. Child and Volunteer Protection Child and Volunteer Protection polices are designed to protect children from abuse and volunteers from misunderstandings and false accusations. Compliance with all the policies and guidelines creates a multi-tiered safety net for all AYSO participants.

62. Child Abuse is Against the Law AYSO is a mandated reporter in most states. Psychologists, Legislators, Educators and AYSO recognize 5 types of abuse. It is important to recognize the types of abuse in order to ensure its prevention.

63. Emotional Abuse The most common; attacking the emotional well being and stability of an individual. Examples include making comments about the size, inability or appearance of a player in front of others. Jokes, even in fun, can be emotionally abusive. Derogatory comments and racial, ethnic or gender slurs by adults or children should not be tolerated.

64. Physical Abuse The most obvious; harming the physical well being of an individual Punishing players by making them run laps or denying water is an example of physical abuse Corporal punishment is strictly prohibited Player bullying or fighting must not be allowed

65. Neglect Not always easy to identify: harming an individual by abandoning, ignoring, or rejecting basic needs. Never playing a below average player more than half of every game might be an example of neglect. Consistently leaving a player out of practice drills is also an example of neglect.

66. Ethical Abuse The newest identified form of abuse; harming an individual by convincing him/her to commit an act that is against his/her physical, moral, or ethical interests. Asking a player to “take down” an opposing player or feigning an injury are examples of ethical abuse.

67. Sexual Abuse Frequently hidden; harming an individual through inappropriate sexual contact, lewd behavior, etc. Making lewd comments in front of players or any type of inappropriate touching can be a form of sexual abuse. Abuse can occur between two minors.

68. Suspecting Abuse If abuse is suspected involving AYSO, Volunteers notify the Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA) who notifies the National Safe Haven Dept. If abuse is suspected outside of AYSO, contact Child Protective Services. Remember reporting is a means of helping. Reporters simply report; Agencies investigate.

69. Supervision Protocols AYSO requires the following Supervision: One Adult for every 8 or fewer children At least 2 Adults present at ALL times At least One Adult of the same gender as players Adults should never be alone with a child

70. Supervision Protocols Head Coach is responsible for the players on his/her team until they are picked up or otherwise leave the area. No child shall be left unsupervised after a game or practice. The AYSO “Buddy System” requires a minimum of 3 individuals.

71. Supervision Protocols AYSO does not encourage children to walk or ride a bicycle home alone. However, if it is necessary, the Coach should secure a release form from the parent/guardian.

72. Protection Guidelines In order to prevent misunderstandings, physical contact with children should be: In Response to the need of the child only With the child’s permission Respectful of any resistance or hesitation Careful to avoid private parts In the Open, Never In Private Brief in duration Age and developmentally appropriate

73. Protection Guidelines Adults should avoid being alone with a child including transporting a child in a car. When it is necessary to speak privately with a child, select a spot out of earshot but within sight of others. Respect the privacy of children. Hug From the Side. No Sexual Jokes, Comments, etc. No Corporal Punishment. Set Boundaries and maintain adult privacy.

74. Protection Guidelines Adults who work with children should take precautions to protect children from abuse and themselves from misunderstandings and accusations.

75. Protection Guidelines It is illegal for minors to possess, control or use alcohol, tobacco products or prescription-only drugs without authority and may subject them to prosecution. Any adult who knowingly provides such substances to a minor is subject to criminal prosecution. The Volunteer Protection Act does not protect adults who violate alcohol, tobacco and drug laws.

76. Protection Guidelines AYSO’s Rules & Regulations state that: “It shall be the duty of each coach and official to present a healthy, athletic environment for players by neither consuming alcoholic beverages or using tobacco products during practices or games or in the immediate vicinity of the soccer fields.”

77. Preventing Abuse Screening who volunteers in the AYSO program is just the first step. Training volunteers to recognize abuse and abusive behavior so that it can be reported and stopped is another step. It would all be meaningless unless we implement policies and guidelines to prevent opportunities for abuse to occur. It just as important to foster positive self-images and the courage to speak up in our younger participants.

78. Every AYSO venue is a kids zone! Kids Zone guidelines encourage appropriate sideline behavior – key to promoting a fun, safe, family-friendly environment. Parents and Spectators pledge to respect the tenets of Kids Zone. Coaches, Referees, Parents and Players abide by a Code of Conduct.

79. Kids Zone Kids are # 1 Fun, not winning is everything Fans only cheer, only coaches coach No yelling Respect the volunteer referees No swearing No Alcohol, Tobacco or Drugs Leave no trash behind Set a proper example of Good Sportsmanship

80. Volunteer Protection Regions should not tolerate abuse of volunteer referees and coaches Region should document misconduct Regional Board Members should speak with person under the guidelines of Dispute Resolution and Due Process If bad conduct becomes threatening or violent, contact the NSTC

81. The CVPA works with the Regional Board, Coach and Referee Administrators to provide coaches, referees and team parents (if applicable) an annual presentation/reminder of child and volunteer protection guidelines. A PowerPoint presentation is available on ayso.org. The CVPA is not certified for teaching the Safe Haven course itself. CVPAs should take the CVPA Annual Update webinar yearly. 2010 CVPA 81 Slide 4 of 59 Explain that they’ll be asked a number of questions through out the presentation. Sometimes they’ll be asked to type in an answer in the Question window and other times they’ll be asked to “RAISE their HAND”. Other questions will be rhetorical – meaning that the next slide will provide the answer. “Let’s test the questions and answers.” Ask the attendees to “Type Your name and state in the Question window and share it with the audience” Enter your name & state in Question window Review all the names Ask the attendees to “Raise their Hands”; help them find the Raised Hand icon near their name in the Attendees box. CLICK advance the slide Slide 4 of 59 Explain that they’ll be asked a number of questions through out the presentation. Sometimes they’ll be asked to type in an answer in the Question window and other times they’ll be asked to “RAISE their HAND”. Other questions will be rhetorical – meaning that the next slide will provide the answer. “Let’s test the questions and answers.” Ask the attendees to “Type Your name and state in the Question window and share it with the audience” Enter your name & state in Question window Review all the names Ask the attendees to “Raise their Hands”; help them find the Raised Hand icon near their name in the Attendees box. CLICK advance the slide

82. 2010 CVPA 82 Slide 4 of 59 Explain that they’ll be asked a number of questions through out the presentation. Sometimes they’ll be asked to type in an answer in the Question window and other times they’ll be asked to “RAISE their HAND”. Other questions will be rhetorical – meaning that the next slide will provide the answer. “Let’s test the questions and answers.” Ask the attendees to “Type Your name and state in the Question window and share it with the audience” Enter your name & state in Question window Review all the names Ask the attendees to “Raise their Hands”; help them find the Raised Hand icon near their name in the Attendees box. CLICK advance the slide Slide 4 of 59 Explain that they’ll be asked a number of questions through out the presentation. Sometimes they’ll be asked to type in an answer in the Question window and other times they’ll be asked to “RAISE their HAND”. Other questions will be rhetorical – meaning that the next slide will provide the answer. “Let’s test the questions and answers.” Ask the attendees to “Type Your name and state in the Question window and share it with the audience” Enter your name & state in Question window Review all the names Ask the attendees to “Raise their Hands”; help them find the Raised Hand icon near their name in the Attendees box. CLICK advance the slide

83. 2010 CVPA 83 Slide 4 of 59 Explain that they’ll be asked a number of questions through out the presentation. Sometimes they’ll be asked to type in an answer in the Question window and other times they’ll be asked to “RAISE their HAND”. Other questions will be rhetorical – meaning that the next slide will provide the answer. “Let’s test the questions and answers.” Ask the attendees to “Type Your name and state in the Question window and share it with the audience” Enter your name & state in Question window Review all the names Ask the attendees to “Raise their Hands”; help them find the Raised Hand icon near their name in the Attendees box. CLICK advance the slide Slide 4 of 59 Explain that they’ll be asked a number of questions through out the presentation. Sometimes they’ll be asked to type in an answer in the Question window and other times they’ll be asked to “RAISE their HAND”. Other questions will be rhetorical – meaning that the next slide will provide the answer. “Let’s test the questions and answers.” Ask the attendees to “Type Your name and state in the Question window and share it with the audience” Enter your name & state in Question window Review all the names Ask the attendees to “Raise their Hands”; help them find the Raised Hand icon near their name in the Attendees box. CLICK advance the slide

84. 2010 CVPA 84 Slide 4 of 59 Explain that they’ll be asked a number of questions through out the presentation. Sometimes they’ll be asked to type in an answer in the Question window and other times they’ll be asked to “RAISE their HAND”. Other questions will be rhetorical – meaning that the next slide will provide the answer. “Let’s test the questions and answers.” Ask the attendees to “Type Your name and state in the Question window and share it with the audience” Enter your name & state in Question window Review all the names Ask the attendees to “Raise their Hands”; help them find the Raised Hand icon near their name in the Attendees box. CLICK advance the slide Slide 4 of 59 Explain that they’ll be asked a number of questions through out the presentation. Sometimes they’ll be asked to type in an answer in the Question window and other times they’ll be asked to “RAISE their HAND”. Other questions will be rhetorical – meaning that the next slide will provide the answer. “Let’s test the questions and answers.” Ask the attendees to “Type Your name and state in the Question window and share it with the audience” Enter your name & state in Question window Review all the names Ask the attendees to “Raise their Hands”; help them find the Raised Hand icon near their name in the Attendees box. CLICK advance the slide

85. It’s for the Kids!

86. Thank you for volunteering to bring a quality youth soccer program to your community and for supporting the AYSO philosophies. Everyone Plays Balanced Teams Open Registration Positive Coaching Good Sportsmanship Player Development