This Camp Staff Application/Code of Conduct form is required to be completed in order to be considered for employment at sport camps. Below is the code of conduct that applies to all camp staff and must be agreed to prior to the initiation of camp. After you submit this form, you will be emailed (at the email address you list below) a background check consent form which needs to be completed and submitted to Protect Youth Sports. Please contact the camp director with any questions.
Camp Code of Conduct:
- General – Staff should work cooperatively with youth, families, University faculty, other Staff, community members and others in a courteous, respectful manner demonstrating behaviors appropriate for a positive role model.
- Staff should represent the University and the Program or activity with pride and dignity, behave appropriately, exhibit good sportsmanship, and demonstrate reasonable conflict management skills.
- Staff should respect, adhere, and enforce the Minor Code of Conduct as well as other rules, policies and guidelines established by the Program Administrator, including state laws and regulations.
- Two Adult Rule – Generally, two Staff should always be present with a minor. When it is necessary to speak privately with a minor, meet in open, well-illuminated spaces or rooms within sight of other Staff.
- Mentoring– Programs that involve mentoring or private instruction (tutoring, laboratory, music lessons, etc.) where there is only one Staff present should take place in a room or other space that is in full view from outside the room even when the door is closed. These Programs should only take place in authorized facilities, never a private residence.
- Time and Place – Do not meet with minors outside of the established time or place designated for the Program.
- Transportation – Never transport a minor without parent/guardian permission, and avoid being alone with a minor in a vehicle. All transportation should comply with the University and Program transportation guidelines and policies.
- Privacy– The privacy of all individuals should be respected in situations such as toileting, showering and changing clothes. When it is necessary to supervise minors, at least two Staff should be present and only to the extent that the health and/or safety requires.
- Touching – Do not touch minors in a manner that a reasonable person could interpret as inappropriate. Always avoid touching areas that are normally covered by swim suits. When hugging is appropriate, hug from the side over the shoulders, not from the front.
- Overnight– When supervising overnight activities, Staff should not share sleeping areas with minors.
- Sexual Conduct and Communications – Engaging in any sexual conduct, making sexual comments, telling sexual jokes, or sharing sexually explicit material (or assisting in any way to provide access to such material) with minors is prohibited. Staff must not engage or allow minors to engage them in romantic or sexual conversations, or related matters.
- Online Communications – Staff should not engage or communicate with minors through email, text messages, social networking websites, internet chat rooms, or other forms of social media at any time, except and unless there is an educational or programmatic purpose and the content of the communication is consistent with the mission of the Program and the University.
- Other Communications – It is inappropriate for Staff to share sensitive personal information about themselves with minors, including information about financial challenges, workplace challenges, drug or alcohol use, promotion of particular religious or political beliefs, and romantic relationships.
- Discipline – Any discipline used should be constructive, not humiliating or isolating. Physical punishment is not an appropriate form of discipline and IS NOT allowed.
- Photography – Photographing minors is prohibited, except for Program-related purposes where the parent or guardian has executed a Photo and Media Release. Use of any device capable of recording and transmitting visual images in shower areas, restrooms, or other areas where privacy is expected is strictly prohibited.
- Gifts – Staff may not provide gifts to minors independent of items provided by the Program.
- Administering Medication – Medication must only be administered to a minor in accordance with the parent/guardian’s written instructions. Do not provide or administer medication without first consulting the Program Administrator.
- Substance Use Prohibited – Do not use, possess or be under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any prescription medication that impairs your ability to perform your duties during the Program.
- Do not condone others’ use of alcohol or illegal drugs during the Program or activities.
- Recognize that UGA is a tobacco-free campus and that smoking and tobacco use is prohibited.
- Non-Discrimination – Staff must comply with UGA’s Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.
- Hazing initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Program.
- Verbal, physical, and cyber bullying are prohibited.
- Report Injuries – Report any accident, injury or illness of a minor immediately to the Program Administrator.
- Mandatory Reporter– All Staff are mandatory reporters and must report incidents involving sexual or physical abuse or neglect of a minor immediately to the Program Administrator and the UGA Police Department.
- Violations – Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in discipline, up to and including removal from the Program or activity, exclusion from future Programs, or termination of employment in accordance with University policies.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Code of Conduct and hereby agree to abide by its provisions.
