[dt_fancy_separator separator_color=”custom” custom_separator_color=”#1e73be”]
Rule of Two
The goal of the Rule of Two is to ensure all interactions and communications are open, observable, and justifiable. Its purpose is to protect participants (especially minors) and coaches in potentially vulnerable situations by ensuring more than one adult is present. There may be exceptions in emergency situations.
Recommendations for Rule of Two in a Virtual Setting:
Care should also be taken to ensure that appropriate security settings have been set for virtual, videoconferencing arrangements, including password protected video conference invitations.
[dt_vc_list]
- The Rule of Two should continue to apply to all minor athletes in the virtual environment during the COVID-19 pandemic (additionally, for those athletes under age 16, a parent or guardian should be present during the session where possible);
- We recommend applying the Rule of Two to non-minor athletes, as well, in the current circumstances;
- For every session, the Rule of Two would require two adult coaches be present, or one coach and one adult (parent, guardian, volunteer, club administrator) – one-on-one sessions should be prohibited;
- A clear statement of professional standards expected of the coach during calls should be communicated – (i.e., sessions are not social engagements, and should be focused on training/coaching);
- Parents/guardians should be fully informed beforehand about the activities undertaken during the sessions, as well as the process of the virtual session;
- Parents/guardians should be required to consent to virtual sessions prior to each session, if irregularly scheduled, or prior to the first session if there is a series of regularly scheduled sessions;
- Communication during each session should be in an open and observable environment (i.e., avoid bedrooms) in the athlete’s home (athlete’s parents’/guardians’ home), and the coach must initiate the session from an appropriate location (i.e., avoid bedrooms or “overly personal”/unprofessional settings);
- It is recommended to record sessions where that capacity exists;
- Prohibit one-on-one texting, emailing or online contact between coach and athlete – any texting, emailing or online contact should be limited to group text/email that includes at least two adults (two coaches or one coach and one adult (parent, guardian, volunteer, club administrator), and limited to coaching (non-social) matters, and parents of minor athletes should be provided the opportunity to receive these texts/emails;
- Social media contact by coach to athlete should be prohibited (including the sharing of memes, non-training video, etc.);
- Encourage parents/guardians to debrief with U-16 athletes about virtual training on a weekly basis.
[/dt_vc_list]
[dt_fancy_separator separator_color=”custom” custom_separator_color=”#1e73be”]
