Each of the sections in this training outline the expectations for individuals seeking involvement at league sanctioned events. Before we fully immerse ourselves in these topics we wanted to outline the process that is set in place to monitor and review behavior to ensure all individuals are meeting the expectations and standards listed in the Code of Conduct. Let’s take a look at how the review process typically works.

Reports and Background Checks

Typically the first step in the review process involves the league receiving a flagged background check or a code of conduct violation report. Let briefly look at each of these scenarios:

The Code of Conduct violation reporting form is available on the Code of Conduct page on our website and through the link below. Any individual can anonymously file a code of conduct violation report. Filing a report will bring the concern to league’s attention and initiate the review process.

Code of Conduct Reporting Form

We currently require all coaches to complete a background check as part of the Coaching Certification process. We will cover this process in detail in a later section. Today will focus the process that takes place when a background check is flagged in the system.

A background check is flagged if the report returns any reportable records. The review team will initiate the review process when a background check is flagged.

Mandatory Reporter

A mandatory reporter is someone who is required by law to report any evidence of potential child abuse or neglect. The requirements for mandatory reporters vary by state but typically include people who have regular contact with children. Some examples include but are not limited to:

• School Staff
• Child Care Providers – This may include coaches depending on the state.
• Medical Professionals
• Law Enforcement Officers
• Behavioral Health Providers
• Religious Leaders and Staff

It is important to know if you are a mandated reporter. We recommend checking with your local government agencies to see if your occupation requires you to report by law.

It’s important to understand completing the code of conduct violation report does not complete the obligation of mandated reporters. Mandated reporters must file an official report with the proper regulating agency.

The specific agency responsible for processing reports relating to potential child welfare or endangerment will vary by state. We recommend checking with local agencies to find proper agency to file a report.

The State Training Resources link will direct individuals to different state specific resources that are publicly available to Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect. The resources are specific to individuals located in the United States. This may be a good starting point if you are seeking more information on mandated reporting.

Report Processing

Once a report is submitted or a background check is flagged, the review team will be notified.

The review team consists of three anonymous individuals. Their identities are kept secret due to the difficult job members have enforcing the policies in our conduct of conduct. These three individuals will process background checks, collect witness testimony, file reports with different government agencies and vote on how matters brought to their attention will be resolved.

The process for handling report submissions and background checks are slightly different. We will cover each process separately to avoid any potential confusion.

Background Check

Typically the Review Team Director will email the individual who submitted the report or the coaching candidate within 48 hours to inform them their report was received or their background check was flagged. This timeline may vary during times of high processing or limited bandwidth.

After a coaching candidate has been notified they will have 48 hours from the date and time the email was sent to send an explanation of the flagged background check with or without supporting documentation back to the Review Team Director for consideration.

The Review Team Director will send the flagged background check and any explanation/documentation provided by the coaching candidate to the full review team.

Within 48 hours, the committee will review all information provide and make a determination by majority vote as to whether the flagged background check will prevent the candidate from receiving their certified coaching status.

The team many consider any and all information to make their determination including but not limited to:

• Flagged Background Check
• Explaination/Documentation Provided
• Code of Conduct

After a determination has been made, the committee will provide a resolution to the candidate and file all documents from the process. All determinations are final.

Code of Conduct Violation

The code of conduct covers a wide range of behaviors from unsportsmanlike conduct all the way to sexual abuse. Given the wide range it is important to state all cases brought to the league’s attention are treated individually. Resolutions and the specific process may vary depending on the severity of infractions and history of the individual. All reports are filed for future reference and can be used in later unrelated reports.

Any matter of concern may be brought to the league’s attention. However, we believe it is important for reporters to know the league will turn reports over to the proper authorities when applicable. Specifically reports involving potential child abuse, child neglect or child endangerment are examples where the review team will deliver reports to the proper authority to further investigate the matter.

Processing a report typically begins by first determining if the matter requires the team to conduct any regulating agencies. Reports involving police matters, child endangerment cases or other legal matters will be sent to the appropriate authority.

After determining the violation can be processed in house, the review team will attempt to collect more information. This may include but is not limited to:

• Conducting Interviews with Witnesses
• Checking Public Records
• Reviewing Social Media Activity
• Contacting the Accused
• Contacting the Victim- If the victim is a minor the review team will contact the minors legal guardian

Evidence may or not be presented to the accused. If the team believes presenting evidence presents a potential threat to any individual the accused may not have access evidence presented against them.

Once the team believes they have sufficient evidence or they have exhausted current leads, the team will vote on a resolution. Specific resolutions will vary by individual and report but here are some possible resolutions. Note resolutions may include but are not limited to the following:

• Insufficient Evidence No further action
• Written Warning
• Additional Training
• Suspension or Permanent Removal of Privileges at league sanctioned events
• Temporary or Permanent inability to attend league sanctioned events

After the review team has voted for a specific resolution the team will send the individual who submitted a report a general statement regarding the resolution. Typically the statement will indicate if any further action was taken or if no further action was taken.

If applicable notice will also be sent to the accused.

All documents will be kept on file.

Summary

This concludes our section on the review process. At this point you should be familiar with Code of Conduct Reviews and Background Checks.