Programs

Note:

Volunteer Coach and Youth Program Safety Policy

The safety of children in Geneva Parks and Recreation programs is a top priority. All volunteer coaches, assistant coaches, team helpers, and other adults with direct or repeated contact with youth participants are subject to City screening and approval before serving.

Background Check Requirement

All coaches, assistant coaches, and approved volunteers must complete and pass a criminal background check before participating in any practice, game, activity, or event.

Approval to coach or volunteer is not automatic. The City reserves the right to deny, suspend, or remove any individual it determines is not fit to work with children or represent the program. The City may consider criminal history, pending charges where permitted by law, offender registry status, conduct, honesty during screening, safety concerns, and any other information it deems relevant. The City’s decision shall be final, to the extent allowed by law.

Disqualifying Offenses

A person may be disqualified from coaching or volunteering if they have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, pleaded no contest to, are currently charged with, or are required to register for offenses including, but not limited to:

Crimes against children

Child abuse or neglect

Violent crimes, including assault, battery, domestic violence, homicide, or kidnapping

Sexual offenses, including sexual abuse, sexual assault, indecent exposure, solicitation of a minor, or any offense requiring sex offender registration

Drug trafficking, distribution, manufacture, or other serious felony drug offenses

Human trafficking

Weapons-related felonies

Armed robbery

Stalking, harassment of a minor, or terroristic threats

Any other offense or conduct the City determines makes the person unfit to work with children

City Discretion

The City may also deny, suspend, or remove any coach or volunteer whose conduct, background, behavior, pending criminal matter, or history indicates they may pose a risk to children, families, staff, or the integrity of the program.

Duty to Report

Any approved coach or volunteer must immediately notify the department if they are arrested, charged, or convicted of a criminal offense while serving. Failure to report may result in immediate removal.

Participation in athletic and recreational activities involves inherent risks, including but not limited to: falls, collisions, weather conditions, equipment use, or other participants' actions. Geneva Recreation takes reasonable precautions, but by allowing your child to participate, you acknowledge these risks are part of sports.

Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring their child is healthy and physically able to participate. In the event of injury, staff will provide basic first aid and contact emergency medical services if needed. All costs related to medical treatment are the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

Geneva Recreation prioritizes the safety of all participants. Parents and coaches are encouraged to be familiar with first aid and emergency procedures. Equipment provided by the department should be used properly and safely at all times.

By participating, you acknowledge that Geneva Recreation, the City of Geneva, coaches, volunteers, and staff are not liable for injuries, accidents, or property loss that may occur during practices, games, or related activities, except in cases of gross negligence.

Unless otherwise requested in writing, participants may appear in photos or videos taken during activities for program highlights, social media, or promotional use.

By registering your child for any Geneva Recreation youth sports program, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted this waiver and agreement. No signature is required. Registration serves as your acknowledgment and agreement.