Being a Chaperone at USA Ultimate Events
Thinking of being a chaperone? It can seem intimidating at first, particularly for people unfamiliar with the sport of Ultimate. But chaperones are a key part of any team that has youth athletes on it. Some chaperones are also coaches, but no knowledge of the game is needed, and very often chaperones are volunteers or parents. The chaperone helps provide for the safety of the players, and it can be a great way to become more involved in and learn about the sport.
When is a Chaperone required?
1) Any team with a player under the age of 18 participating in USA Ultimate sanctioned and championships events requires a minimum of 1 chaperone per team.
2) Chaperones are required to be on the team roster at least 2 weeks before the team registration deadline.
3) A Chaperone may chaperone for only one team per event. (eg: Mr. Jones may not serve as a chaperone for both the A and B teams of his daughter's high school at the High School State Championship)
4) USAU High School Regional Championships and Youth Club Championship events require 2 chaperones who must be 25 or older in age. Contact the Championship Series Manager for details.
An approved chaperone is:
1) An individual with a USA Ultimate account (no membership required);
2) Who has signed a USAU liability waiver, either online or through the mail;
3) Who is a minimum of 21 years old
4) Who has agreed to a background screening through the National Center for Safety Initiatives and received a "green light" (NCSI screening is good for two years)
Chaperones are required to have immediate access to the USAU medical authorization forms (or school approved forms with equivalent information and release) for all minors. Chaperones must be present at the event, and be registered as a chaperone on the team’s roster. For adult or college teams with minor players, the chaperone can be a teammate. Exceptions apply for minors who are on the same team as a parent or legal guardian, contact the event organizer for details.
To start the background screening process, follow the directions here (you’ll need the specific code so that the "green light" result will be sent to USA Ultimate). Chaperones who are not certified coaches will need to incur the costs of their screening. As a benefit of being a USAU certified coach, the Level I workshop and recertification fees include the cost of screening.
Responsibilities:
• Pass a NCSI Background check (cost is $21.50 for two years, some additional fees may apply for a limited number of specific counties)
- Content of the Background Check
- Follow these directions.
- Not needed if you are a current Level I USAU certified coach or are taking a coaching course in 2011 (you will be screened through the course)
• Have immediate access to USAU Medical Authorization forms for all minors (or an approved school form)
• Be present at the team event
• Be registered as a chaperone on the team's USAU roster a minimum of two weeks ahead of the event
Resources
• Traveling with a Youth Ultimate Team
• Starting an Ultimate Club at Your School
• Ultimate in 10 Simple Rules
• Ultimate Coaching Ethics Code
• Organizer's Resource Center