NEWTON METROWEST BASKETBALL
SEXUAL ABUSE AND MOLESTATION PREVENTION POLICY

Newton Metrowest Basketball strives to create a safe environment for our participants and volunteers of all capacities.  Under any circumstances we do not permit or allow sexual abuse or molestation to occur at any activity sponsored by or related to our Organization.  This “zero-tolerance” policy is made clear to all of our Coaches, Representatives and Volunteers affiliated with our program and we have adopted mandatory procedures that follow when they become aware of any allegation regarding sexual abuse or molestation. 

All Representatives of this Organization who learn of sexual abuse being committed must immediately report it to one of the Newton Metrowest Basketball Coordinators.   We take allegations of sexual abuse seriously, once the allegation is reported we will promptly, thoroughly and impartially initiate an investigation to determine whether there is a reasonable basis to believe that sexual abuse has been committed.  We will report and cooperate fully with any investigation conducted by law enforcement or regulatory agencies.  We reserve the right to place the subject of the investigation on an involuntary leave of absence. 

All Representatives of our program are made aware of the following:

No individual representing Newton Metrowest Basketball shall inflict any physical punishment on any child affiliated with our program.  “Physical Punishment” includes but is not limited to any striking or touching of a child anywhere on their body with any part of your body or similarly an object or gesture.  No representative of this program shall direct any other person or child to inflict any form of physical punishment on another child.

All Representatives of Newton Metrowest Basketball will use clear and appropriate language when addressing children.  No exceptions will be tolerated.

All Representatives shall never put themselves in a situation or position where they are alone with a child in a private area. 

We prohibit any form of retaliation against anyone, including a volunteer or individual, who in good faith reports sexual abuse, alleges that it is being committed or participates in the investigation.   Intentionally false or malicious accusations of sexual abuse are prohibited.  Anyone who retaliates improperly against someone who has made a good faith allegation of abuse, or intentionally provides false information to that effect, will be subject to discipline.