PLAY realizes that the safety of our athletes isn't just an issue for the field.  In order to protect our players and the organization, PLAY requires criminal background checks on all registered coaches and assistant coaches in our organization.  This policy recognizes the leadership role that our coaches have for our participants and is a basic layer of protection for our kids.

In addition, we encourage all of our parents to have an active dialogue with their coaches, raise concerns, ask questions, and be involved.  Here are some things you can do to make sure that all of our kids stay safe:

• Get involved!  Even if you don't have knowledge of the sport, help manage the team, organize equipment, water for the players, or shag balls.  Our kids are safer in numbers and everyone's safer with more people involved and helping
• Ask questions.  Don't be afraid to challenge something you think is unsafe, whether it's a broken or missing piece of equipment like a mouthguard, or a parking lot that's poorly lit.  If you have a concern about it, ask!
• No Secrets.  We might keep our playbooks pretty close to the vest, but there's no reason for any secrets to be kept from you regarding PLAY activities.  If you ever get the sense that your athlete doesn't want to talk about something, ask questions!  Sometimes kids are just frustrated or embarassed about a tough game, but it could be something more serious like bullying or intimidation and either way we need to help them deal with it and raise the issue if needed.
• Use good judgement.  With over 4,000 youth athletes in PLAY sports, we need everyone's help to keep everyone safe.  If you see a child doing something they shouldn't, even if it's not your own, show your Laker Spirit and hold them to the standards of our community.

Like anything else, if you have any concerns, please talk to your coach, grade or sport coordinator, director, or VP.  There are lots of people who want to make sure that your athlete's experience in our programs build life skills and great memories from youth athletics.