YMCA Ohio Youth and Government

Behavior Policy

Adults are expected to follow this behavior policy at all times. Negative behavior affects more than just the person involved in the misconduct, it also affects those around them. 

• I understand that part of my role is to support the program through teaching content and procedures. This requires me to be a positive and respectful role model for all of the students with which I work. This also requires me to maintain a collaborative relationship with the YMCA OHYG staff, students and other adult participants.
• I understand that physical abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, neglect or otherwise inappropriate conduct towards students, other adult participants and YMCA OHYG staff is prohibited during any YMCA OHYG event.
• I understand that I should, when possible, supervise activities in pairs. This includes but is not limited to hall walking, curfew checks, talks with a student in a private setting and other supervisory functions during any official YMCA OHYG event. At no time during a YMCA OHYG program event should I be alone with a single student where others cannot observe me.
• I understand that I may not share sleeping accommodations with students during YMCA OHYG events and I should not be in any hotel room that is not my own except when conducting wellness checks or room clean-up checks at the end of the conference. The door must be propped open during these checks.
• I understand that I should only message students attending the event electronically in a group setting. A private or direct message is the equivalent of being alone with a student where others cannot observe me.
• I understand transport of students during any official YMCA OHYG event is prohibited unless there is permission of the YMCA OHYG staff, the student's advisor and the parent/guardian of the student.
• I will maintain proper adult decorum at all times, using positive techniques
  of guidance including: redirection, positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison and criticism.
• I understand that Ohio law prohibits the use of seclusion and restraint except in emergency situations that require immediate intervention. An “emergency situation” occurs when a student’s behavior poses an imminent risk to the safety of the student or others and must be performed in a manner that, based on research and evidence, is safe, appropriate, and proportionate to the student and situation.
• I agree to be present in my assigned program areas at all designated times. If I am not able to be at my assignment, I will contact my area specialist so a replacement may be found.
• I agree to respond to students with respect and consideration and treat all students equally regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, economic level, disability or sexual orientation.
• I will refrain from intimate displays of affection towards others in the presence of students, other adults and YMCA OHYG staff.
• I understand that profanity, inappropriate jokes, sharing intimate details of one’s personal life, and any kinds of harassment in the presence of students, other adults or YMCA OHYG staff is prohibited.
• I understand that I may not have personal relationships outside of the program with students I meet while attending or volunteering at any YMCA OHYG event.
• I understand that students may not be released to anyone other than the parent, guardian or other adult authorized in writing by the parent or guardian.
• I agree to abstain from using alcohol, illegal drugs and tobacco products during YMCA OHYG events.
• I agree to report all violations of the Adult Code of Conduct or Student Code of Conduct immediately to the YMCA OHYG staff and fill out any necessary documentation of the incident in a timely manner.

Disciplinary Process

• Most disciplinary situations are minor and can be resolved with minimal corrections. The YMCA OHYG staff uses these situations as a learning opportunity and tries to integrate problem-solving skills into the discussion. If the negative behavior continues the following steps may be instituted:
  • Discussion between the adult, delegation lead advisor and YMCA OHYG staff in order to set goals and objectives.
  • Discussion between the adult, delegation lead advisor and YMCA OHYG staff to clarify goals and objectives previously set. The school or YMCA administrator will be contacted to inform them of the situation, enlist their help in resolving the situation, and to discuss options including that the advisor may be sent home.
  • If disruptive or inappropriate conduct continues, the YMCA OHYG Staff and lead delegation advisor will contact the school or YMCA administrator to make arrangements for the advisor in question to be dismissed from the event at their own cost. The school or YMCA administrator, delegation lead advisor (or alumni supervisor) and advisor in question will be notified at a later date of their ability to return to the program.

Although the above steps have been implemented, the YMCA Staff retains the right to take immediate action if the adult poses a threat to their own safety, the safety of students, other adults or YMCA Staff. There will be NO REFUNDS OF ANY AMOUNT for adults who are sent home because of behavior problems. 

Agreements

• I agree to notify the YMCA OHYG staff if I will not be able to attend the conference before the drop deadline.
• I agree to the YMCA OHYG staff running a criminal and child endangerment background check on myself.
• I certify that all relevant medical and allergy information was included in my registration.
• I understand that YMCA OHYG is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal articles.
• I understand that some of my biographical data will be in the participants directory for distribution to students, other volunteers, program sponsors, and that all photos are the property of YMCA OHYG; and that they can be used hereafter without further permission.
• I understand that I may be asked to complete a survey at the end of the program and authorize YMCA OHYG to have and use the information obtained in the survey. 
• I grant the YMCA OHYG staff full authority to take whatever actions they deem necessary regarding my health and safety, and I fully release YMCA Ohio Youth & Government and the Ohio Alliance of YMCA’s from any liability in connection there within. I understand that the YMCA OHYG staff will contact my emergency contact if any medical issues arise and that the I will be responsible for payment of all medical and medication bills.
• I understand that my attitude and example will affect the students of this
  program, YMCA OHYG, as well as each school and YMCA represented by the program. I further understand that if my conduct does not meet these standards, my affiliation with YMCA OHYG may be terminated by
  the staff.
• As an adult participant in YMCA Ohio Youth & Government, I realize that such a privilege involves certain responsibilities. I have read the Adult Code of Conduct and understand that all rules and regulations exist for the good of the program as well as safety for all participants. By signing below, I agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and am willing to enforce it at all times.
• I agree to everything listed in the YMCA Ohio Youth & Government Policies and Procedures Manual.