Safety and Inclusion Policies

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for every athlete. Safety and inclusion are not just policies—they are the foundation of how we operate. From health protocols to coach education, we strive to ensure that every athlete and family feels confident in the care and thought we put into each program.

Health and Safety Policies

We understand the crucial role athletics plays in supporting young people’s mental, emotional, and physical health. That’s why we prioritize safety in every aspect of our programs:

  • If you are sick, stay home—this applies to both athletes and coaches.

  • Program enrollment is capped, and training sessions are organized into small groups appropriate for age and experience to ensure safe play.

  • Parents may stay to watch training sessions but are encouraged to allow coaches to engage with athletes without interference.

  • Flexibility and Adaptability: These policies are evaluated regularly and adjusted as needed to reflect current health guidelines.

Thank you for helping us create a safe environment where our athletes can grow, learn, and play beyond the game.

COACH EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

We believe that skilled, knowledgeable coaches are essential for fostering a safe and positive experience:

  • All Beyond Sticks coaches complete thorough background checks and USA Field Hockey Safe Sport training.

  • Most of our coaches hold Level 1 or Level 2 USA Field Hockey certifications, and our Director is certified at Level 3, as well as qualified to be a coach instructor!

  • We invest in continued education for our staff to ensure they are equipped to teach, mentor, and support athletes both on and off the field.

Pick-up and Drop-off

We prioritize safety during all transitions to and from our programs:

  • Drop-Off: Please aim to drop off your athlete as close to the session start time as possible.

  • Pick-Up: Coaches will remain with athletes until all participants have been picked up. Parents should arrive promptly at the session’s end.

  • Check-In/Check-Out: Coaches check in each athlete at the start of practice and check them out at the end to ensure everyone is accounted for.

Your partnership in these procedures helps us maintain a safe and organized environment for all athletes.

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE

Safety and inclusion go hand-in-hand. At Beyond Sticks, we are committed to fostering a community where all athletes feel welcome and valued:

• Diversity and Respect: We celebrate and embrace athletes of all identities, abilities, and backgrounds.

• Scholarships and Accessibility: Financial assistance is available to ensure all athletes can participate.

• Zero Tolerance for Bullying: Harassment, discrimination, or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.

Our aim is to build a culture of respect and belonging where every athlete can thrive, not just as players, but as people.

By prioritizing safety and inclusion, we ensure that Beyond Sticks is a place where athletes can grow confidently, connect deeply, and play joyfully.

For questions or more information about our safety and inclusion policies, please contact us.