The safety, welfare, and well-being of our youth players are the primary concern and responsibility of the Cherokee Soccer Association and all its programs. All members, employees, volunteers, and contractors acting as a representative of or on behalf of CSA, in the course of doing business with CSA, or attending a CSA event will adhere to the following:

• All children will be equally treated with respect regardless of sex, race, religion, and culture.

• Children will not be touched in ways that make them feel uncomfortable, and their right to say no will be respected.

• At no time during a CSA game, practice or other CSA event will any employee, volunteer, or contractor be alone with a single child where they cannot be observed by others.

• Children will not be left unsupervised

• Children will not be dropped off and left at any field before that child is under adult supervision.

• Coaches/team personnel will not leave any child unsupervised until the child is picked up.

• Any type of abuse will not be tolerated and may be cause for immediate dismissal. No player will ever be subjected to:

  • Physical abuse - including but not limited to striking, spanking, shaking and slapping.

  • Verbal abuse - including but not limited to humiliation, degrading comments, and threats.

  • Sexual abuse - including but not limited to inappropriate sexual touching or exposure or conduct which created a sexually hostile environment.

  • Mental abuse - including but not limited to shaming, cruelty, or neglect such as withholding food, water, basic care, etc.

• The use of positive techniques of guidance is encouraged, including redirection, positive reinforcement, and encouragement rather than
  comparison and criticism. Staff, volunteer coaches, and team officials will have age-appropriate expectations and set up guidelines and environments that minimize the need for discipline.

• Physical restraint will be used only when necessary to protect the child or other children from harm. When physical restraint is administered, the situation must be immediately documented in writing to the CSA CEO.

• The use, possession, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs immediately before and during CSA events involving CSA players is prohibited. Employees, volunteers, and contractors may be subject to drug screening.

• Intimate displays of affection will be refrained from.

• Smoking or the use of tobacco is prohibited.

• The use of profanity in the presence of CSA players is prohibited.

• Inappropriate jokes and sharing intimate details of one's personal life are prohibited.

• Social Networking between adults and individual CSA Players is discouraged. Electronic and phone communications with CSA players should be limited to soccer-specific topics.