The Catholic Youth Organization/Department of Catholic Schools coaches' training program implemented this fall was created by archdiocesan officials to insure the safety and well being of elementary school children, and coaches, in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Its two-hour training session covering child protection laws and procedures as well as character and safety training is mandatory this school year for archdiocesan paid and volunteer coaches.
All of the 4,500 coaches affiliated with 216 Catholic elementary schools are expected to attend the training by March 1, 2006. Since the first training session Oct. 15, nearly 200 coaches have been trained and certified in child protection procedures. In order to attend training, participants must submit verification of Lifescan fingerprinting.
"Training provides increased knowledge in areas of safety for children and coaches as well as techniques of being a better coach, said Lawrence Muno, CYO director.
In the child protection segment of the training, Society of the Holy Child Jesus Sister Sheila McNiff, coordinator of the archdiocesan Assistance Ministry office, advises coaches on how to make a safe environment for children at all times.
"Their role is to protect children and keep them safe," says Sister McNiff, who authored this segment of the training. During her one-hour coaches' presentation, she reviews the mandated reporting requirements.
To maintain a safe environment, she emphasizes coaches should never be alone with children or give out personal cell phone numbers to students. E-mails to students should only contain sports-related information, nothing of a personal nature.
In addition, Sister McNiff stresses coaches are not to make inappropriate remarks, engage in inappropriate touching of a student or single out a child for friendship. "When a minor is involved, there is no such thing as mutual consent," declares Sister McNiff.
Following Sister McNiff's presentation, Tony Diaz, CIF administrator, conducts a three-component coaches' module encompassing character education, safety and ways to improve coaching skills. "The training also addresses the 'winning at all costs mentality' that has permeated athletics," said Muno.
According to Muno, reaction to the training has been generally positive. "We've alleviated apprehension by having regional sessions," said Muno. Training has been held at CYO headquarters in Los Angeles as well as St. Catherine Laboure School in Torrance and St. Elizabeth School in Altadena. Upcoming sessions are planned at Catholic schools in Ventura, Eagle Rock, Covina and Long Beach.
Training participants receive a photo ID card at the conclusion of the session, which is valid for a period of two years. Upon card expiration, coaches will attend a continuing education course as a condition of their paid or volunteer service.
"Training is for all coaches --- not just CYO member schools, " said Muno. He acknowledged the possibility of losing some coaches, especially volunteers who can't afford the time for training. "This is a difficult job, but a rewarding job," observed Muno, a Bishop Montgomery High School graduate who played collegiate football at Rutgers.
Overseeing the largest athletic program for elementary and junior high Catholic sports in the country, serving 15,000 children participating in a combined total of 400 scheduled sporting events a week, Muno is enthusiastic about the future.
"CYO is a Catholic-based, team-oriented program that is growing, not contracting," said Muno. He sees the coaches' training program as a valuable asset, increasing [participants'] "respect for sport, school and opponents."
For a list of upcoming coaches' training, log on to the CYO website at www.cyousa.org.
At a glance: School Coaches' Training
---Archdiocesan training program created to insure safety and well being of elementary school children and coaches.
---All coaches at Catholic elementary schools (not just CYO member schools) required to attend two-hour sessions.
---Material addresses child protection laws and procedures, plus character and safety training.
---Sessions being offered in all pastoral regions.
---Initial two-year certification to be followed by mandatory continuing education. |