Does the sports or youth-serving organization do a background check on coaches?
This should include a fingerprint/criminal-history check (both state and federal), a check of sex-offender registries, and/or reference checks. Parents should inquire whether the club or organization has a harassment/abuse policy and whether the coach is certified or a member of a coaching association that has an ethics or conduct code. 2. What is the coach s philosophy about winning and sportsmanship? Children should be given the opportunity to have fun while playing the sport, and emphasis should be placed on individual accomplishments. Children should be praised for playing fairly and trying their best. Parents should be wary of a coach who advocates winning at any cost. 3. Are there other adults who supervise offsite travel? If the coach plays favorites with gifts and treats, or uses his or her authority to be alone with children, that should raise a red flag with parents. The coach should not be alone with children during team sleepovers or trips. You as a parent should know the o
