YMCA Youth Basketball

YMCA of Greater Des Moines

We know that your role as a coach will be a big part of the success of the season, if not the most important part. We want you to know how much we value as coaches and are here to help support you however we can in the process. We also know that you will be some of our biggest advocates for our Youth Sports philosophy. A few important things to remember. We believe in: Maximum participation regardless of skill level Teaching sports skills Having FUN (practice and Games) Reinforcing positive sportsmanship Reminding ourselves that there are kids Recognizing where participants are at developmentally (socially, emotional, physical) and meeting them where they are at. “Be who you needed when you were young”

210 N Warrior Ln #100 Waukee, IA 50263 USA

West Des Moines Community School District & Waukee Community School District

Maximum participation regardless of skill level Teaching sports skills Having FUN (practice and Games) Reinforcing positive sportsmanship Reminding ourselves that there are kids Recognizing where participants are at developmentally (socially, emotional, physical) and meeting them where they are at. “Be who you needed when you were young”

mat.snider@dmymca.org; max.fernandes@dmymca.org (515) 987-9996

Background Checks: Background Checks are mandatory for any coach/volunteer that will be working directly with the youth. We need to appropriately screen coaches and have them pass a Background Check. It is our duty that the community trusts the YMCA. Volunteer Code of Conduct: Volunteers are expected to be a Positive Role Model Do not be left alone 1-on-1 with a child. Stay in public locations not private property which shouldn’t be an issue with game or practice locations. Avoid going into place that there aren’t other eyes on you. Don’t leave an area unsupervised. If they have to go to the bathroom send a partner with them. We don’t want someone waiting for them in the bathroom alone. Never transport a child in your vehicle. There is some liability in doing so. We do not discriminate based on religion, culture, backgrounds, etc. There is absolutely no use of Tobacco, vaping, drinking, drugs, etc. Be careful what you say to kids. They may interpret it different than you (laughing at inappropriate jokes, etc.) Child Abuse (YMCA Coach Orientation Manual): As a coach it’s expected that you are protecting kids and we are reporting any potential abuse that you may see. If you see anything you can report that to myself or one of the Executive Directors on this call. Physical Abuse, Mental Injury, Denial of Critical Care (food, shelter, clothing), Adequate Healthcare, Sexual Abuse, etc. Characteristics: bruises, welts, burns, bite marks, difficulty walking, etc. (physical) aggression, self-esteem, mood, etc. (behavior) If you see something say something. Concussions: most occur without loss of consciousness How to recognize a concussion: dazed, stunned, confused, clumsy, can’t recall events/score/team May experience sensitivity, dizziness, nausea Remove the athlete from play. Inform the parents. Make sure the doctor approves return to play.

Weather: At YMCA events the YMCA administration will decide to cancel or postpone the program. For game and practice sites in West Des Moines and Waukee, if school is dismissed early or cancelled for snow, we will also cancel practices. I will communicate with the coaches and the coaches will be responsible for communicating with the parents/guardians of the players.

Walnut Creek Family YMCAWaukee Family YMCA

Youth Sports

YMCA Youth Basketball