Participation in PAL’s youth program is a privilege. The modeling of professional behavior is expected. Youths are required to honor our PBSO PAL Code of Conduct to attend the PAL program. This code includes, but is not limited to:

 

• Participants shall be courteous and respectful of staff, adults, volunteers and fellow participants at all times.

• Participants shall obey general rules of the facility.

• Participants shall show respect for County property and the personal property of others.

• Participating to the best of your ability in all activities/programs.

• Understanding that harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

• Not using foul language or gestures.

• Not engaging in risky activities that put yourself or others in danger.

• Wearing appropriate clothing for activities, including green PAL t-shirt and closed-toed shoes.

• Following the rules and regulations of the PAL program.

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Fees, Fines and Assessments:

Center participants may be held financially responsible for any damaged, vandalized, or stolen property of the Youth Center.

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Suspension:

Participants who exhibit disobedience will be suspended or expelled from the youth Center. Discipline at the Youth Center will be administered with firmness, fairness and consistency. 

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PAL staff will handle disciplinary issues with firm but kind confidentiality. Issues will be dealt with quickly and efficiently. Any serious issues that arise due to a youth continually failing to abide by our program rules will result in the staff notifying the parent/guardian, suspension or removal from the program. Some behaviors are considered very serious and will result in immediate expulsion from the PAL program.

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These include, but are not limited to:

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• Use, possession, or distribution of weapons, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or any other illegal product.

 

• Verbal or physical abuse of any kind, including fighting, hitting, kicking, biting, or pushing.

 

• Threats to harm oneself or others.

 

PAL staff reserve the right to dismiss anyone for any violation of regulations. Participants asked to leave the program will NOT be admitted to any future PAL programs.

 

If a participant becomes aware of any potentially dangerous and/ or illegal situations regarding weapons, drugs, alcohol, fights, property damage, theft, etc. or has information regarding such actions, he/she is requested to report it to a staff member immediately.

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PARTICIPANT BEHAVIOR STANDARDS

 

The final authority for what is appropriate, safe, clean, and non-disruptive shall rest with the PBSO PAL staff. Violation of any of the following may result in the violator’s suspension or expulsion from the youth center. The following is a list of behaviors that are not acceptable:

 

Sexual Battery, Harassment, Sexual/ Hate Crimes, Gambling, Gang Activity, Hazing, Illegal Substance, Drug, Alcohol, Possession of Tobacco and Smoking, Graffiti, Loitering, Swearing, Profanity, Theft, Threats, Vandalism, Weapons

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DRESS CODE

Respectful & Appropriate

Clothing must be school-appropriate and respectful for all ages.

• No profanity, offensive language, or symbols promoting violence, drugs, or hate.

• No clothing that is sexually explicit or overly revealing.

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Coverage Standards

Outfits should offer reasonable coverage so everyone feels comfortable.

• Tops should cover chest/stomach.

• Bottoms should cover from waist to mid-thigh (or longer).

• No visible underwear straps or excessively low-cut pants/skirts.

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Footwear

• For safety reasons, all participants must wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers while in the youth center. This helps prevent injuries during activities such as sports, games, walking in shared spaces, and emergency situations. Open-toe shoes, sandals, flip-flops, slides, crocs and bare feet are not permitted. 

 

Youth center staff are the final authority concerning the dress code. Participants will be told to leave the youth center upon the discovery of any dress code violation.

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