Volunteer/Coach Acknowledgment & Waiver

I acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating as a coach and/or volunteer with the Palm Beach County Police Athletic League and agree to abide by the following rules, expectations and procedures:

 

Professional Conduct

• Staff must act in a professional manner at all times.

• Treat all youth, parents, volunteers, and colleagues with respect.

• Maintain appropriate language and tone; profanity, inappropriate comments, or discriminatory language are prohibited.

• Represent the program positively both on and off site.

• Staff should be approachable, encouraging, dependable, and serve as positive role models for all participants.

• Staff are expected to make decisions that prioritize youth safety, professionalism, and program integrity.

 

Youth Safety First

• The safety and well-being of all youth participants is the top priority.

• Youth participants must never be left unsupervised.

• Staff must maintain appropriate supervision of assigned groups at all times.

• Any safety concern, injury, illness, or incident must be reported to program leadership immediately.

 

Mandatory Reporting (Youth Protection)

• Staff must immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, harassment, misconduct, or inappropriate behavior involving a child to program leadership.

• Reports must be documented according to organizational procedures.

 

Behavior Management & Discipline

• Positive behavior management techniques must be used at all times.

• Verbal corrections should remain calm, respectful, and age appropriate.

• Physical discipline, intimidation, threats, or verbal abuse are strictly prohibited.

• If behavior escalates or creates a safety concern, staff must notify leadership immediately for assistance.

 

Accountability & Reporting

• Staff must follow all procedures for reporting incidents, injuries, behavioral concerns, or safety issues.

• All incidents should be documented accurately and submitted promptly using the organization’s incident reporting procedures/forms.

• Serious disciplinary matters must be referred to supervisors or program leadership and not handled independently by staff.

 

Attendance & Punctuality

• Staff are expected to arrive on time and prepared for assigned duties.

• Notify leadership as early as possible regarding lateness or absence.

• Staff must remain on duty until properly relieved or dismissed by leadership.

 

Appropriate Boundaries

• Maintain professional boundaries with all youth participants at all times.

• No private messaging, personal social media contact, or unsupervised one-on-one interactions with participants.

• Physical contact should be limited to situations involving safety, instruction, first aid, or approved program activities and must always be appropriate.

 

Visitor & Facility Access

• All non-program visitors should follow organization/site visitor procedures established by program leadership and facility partners.

• Unauthorized individuals are strictly prohibited from interacting with campers.

• Visitors must remain in designated areas and are not permitted to independently access camper groups or program spaces.

• Staff must report unknown or suspicious individuals on site to leadership immediately.

• Youth participants may only be released according to approved organizational procedures and authorized contacts.

 

Teamwork

• Work cooperatively and professionally with all staff members.

• Support fellow team members and assist when needed.

• Communicate respectfully with supervisors, leadership, and colleagues.

 

Dress Code

• Wear assigned staff uniform or approved program attire.

• Clothing must be neat, clean, and appropriate for active youth programming.

• Closed-toe athletic shoes are required for safety.

 

Technology & Social Media Use

• Personal phone use should be limited during program hours and never interfere with supervision responsibilities.

• Staff may not post participant photos, videos, names, incidents, or confidential program information on personal social media accounts.

• Any photography or media use must follow organization authorization and media release policies.

• Staff must maintain confidentiality regarding participants and program operations online and offline.

 

Medical & Medication Policy

• Staff may not administer medication unless specifically authorized by organizational policy and applicable law.

• Medical concerns, injuries, or illnesses must be reported immediately to leadership or designated personnel.

• First aid should only be provided by appropriately trained staff within their certification level.

 

Emergency Procedures

• Staff must know emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and communication protocols.

• Respond calmly and professionally during emergencies.

• Follow all instructions from leadership and emergency personnel immediately.

 

Heat, Hydration & Outdoor Safety

• Encourage regular hydration and water breaks for all participants.

• Monitor youth for signs of heat exhaustion, dehydration, or illness.

• Outdoor activities may be modified, delayed, or canceled due to weather or safety conditions.

 

Chain of Command

• Follow the established chain of command for operational concerns and incidents.

• Direct questions or concerns to designated supervisors or leadership staff.

• Immediate life-safety emergencies should be reported to emergency services and leadership without delay.

 

Positive Environment

• Promote respect, teamwork, inclusion, and positive decision-making among youth.

• Model appropriate behavior and sportsmanship at all times.

• Help create a safe, structured, supportive, and engaging environment where youth can learn and succeed.