As a youth-serving organization, OMGBA considers the safety and well-being of the youth in our programs a top priority.  We prohibit abuse and strive to proactively address reports of this type of conduct, even if it means that someone will be embarrassed or upset.  We want to hear about problems or concerns, we will strive to act on them in a fair way in accordance with our policies, and we will report suspected abuse to the proper law enforcement agencies.

To comply with the Safe Sports Act, OMBGA has adopted the following Youth Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy and Procedures in an effort to provide a safe environment for our athletes, coaches, and their families.

1. To become and maintain a status as an OMGBA board member shall include the following:
   1. Screening – new member candidates are elected onto the board after a group level discussion and board vote.
   2. Background Check – All board members will be subject to a background check, including appropriate inquiries regarding any previous record of sexual abuse or other unlawful activity.  This background check will be updated at least annually for each board member.
2. The Coach Recruitment process shall include the following:
   1. Screening – A designated representative(s) of OMGBA will screen each prospective coach / volunteer.
   2. Background Check – All current and potential coaches will be subject to a background check, including appropriate inquiries regarding any previous record of sexual abuse or other unlawful activity.  This background check will be updated at least annually for each coach.
3. An Abuse Prevention Orientation training shall be provided to those in significant volunteer roles including coaches and board members.
4. Prohibited Behavior:
   1. Use of degrading language or behavior.  Coaches are also responsible for stopping disrespectful behavior between team members, including sexual harassment.
   2. Threatening or intentionally inflicting physical injury upon anyone, especially a minor.  Coaches are also responsible for stopping threatening behavior by players.
   3. Committing any sexual offense against a minor or engaging in any sexual contact with a minor.
   4. Making any sexual advance or engaging in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature with a minor.
   5. Being alone with individual athletes, other than their own child, including, but not limited to basketball gyms, school facilities, and automobiles except in an emergency where following this policy would be dangerous to the child.  If a child is receiving individual instruction, this activity must be in a public setting rather than behind closed doors.
5. Reporting of Suspected Child Sexual Abuse:
   1. The OMGBA President or Vice President are designated to receive reports of sexual abuse or other inappropriate conduct.  The proper law enforcement agencies will be notified when necessary.
   2. All coaches, volunteers, parents and program participants are directed to report any incident of abuse or suspected abuse that they witness or that is reported to them to either the OMGBA President or Vice President.  Note:  This does not preclude individuals from reporting abuse or suspected abuse to the proper law enforcement authorities.
   3. The OMGBA President or Vice President will keep other Board members informed.
   4. Should a suspected incidence of abuse be reported, the coach/volunteer in question may be temporarily suspended from duties while an investigation takes place.
   5. OMGBA, when appropriate, shall communicate reports of child sexual abuse to the league members.  The confidentiality of any person who makes such a report will be protected.