Accessible HTML edition · Council revision 1. These guides support coaching, not certification or unsupervised responsibility.
Use the routines responsibly
Use these original decision routines to notice risk, choose a sound first action and follow through. Current local policy, role authority, required training and applicable law control.
Urgent actions are not delayed steps: protect youth and staff and make any legally immediate report without waiting for paperwork or internal approval.
Confirm the local-policy checklist before high-risk use.
Behavior, Redirection & Boundaries
Connect → Name → Offer → Follow Through
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Connect | Regulate yourself, move close enough to speak privately, and acknowledge what the young person may be experiencing. |
| Name | State the observable behavior and the expectation without labeling the child. |
| Offer | Give a realistic choice, support, or next step that preserves dignity. |
| Follow Through | Keep the boundary calmly, use the program response, and reconnect after the moment. |
Do not confuse calm with permissive. Dignity and a clear boundary can exist together.
Example language
“You look frustrated. The balls stay below shoulder height. You can rejoin with a bounce pass, or take two minutes beside me and try again.”
Safety, Supervision & Transitions
Scan → Count → Position → Hand Off → Act
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Scan | Notice people, space, activity, and any change in risk. |
| Count | Know who is present and reconcile the count at transitions. |
| Position | Place adults where they can see, hear, and respond. |
| Hand Off | Transfer responsibility to a named adult and receive confirmation. |
| Act | Use the emergency or incident procedure immediately when the risk crosses the threshold. |
Local ratios, medical plans, transportation rules, and emergency procedures always control. Act immediately when danger requires it; the routine is not a requirement to finish every earlier step before protecting youth and staff.
Example language
“Maya, confirm you have all 11 in the gym. I am walking Devon to the office and will radio when I return.”
Belonging, Conflict & Peer Dynamics
Stabilize → Hear → Repair → Reconnect
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Stabilize | Stop harm, lower the audience effect, and create enough calm to think. |
| Hear | Listen briefly and separately when needed; do not force agreement while emotions are high. |
| Repair | Name impact and choose a proportionate way to make the situation safer or more whole. |
| Reconnect | Plan a supported return to the group instead of leaving children stuck in roles. |
A forced apology can end a conversation without repairing anything.
Example language
“I’m stopping the game. You’ll each get a minute with me separately. Then we’ll decide what needs to happen before anyone rejoins.”
Participation, Engagement & Facilitation
Observe → Invite → Adapt → Rejoin
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Observe | Look for the barrier: clarity, skill, interest, belonging, sensory load, or emotion. |
| Invite | Offer a low-pressure entry point and a meaningful role. |
| Adapt | Change the task, grouping, pace, or support without lowering dignity. |
| Rejoin | Create a visible path back into participation and notice effort specifically. |
Participation is broader than immediate full compliance; safety and core expectations still hold.
Example language
“You don’t have to perform first. Want to track points for one round, practice with me, or join the next team?”
Family, Caregiver & Team Communication
Listen → Facts → Boundary → Next Step
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Listen | Let the person finish and identify the actual concern before responding. |
| Facts | Share only what you observed, know, and are authorized to disclose. |
| Boundary | State the policy, role limit, or privacy boundary calmly. |
| Next Step | Name who will do what by when; close the loop. |
Warmth does not require guessing, disclosing private information, or promising an outcome you do not control.
Example language
“I hear that you’re worried. I saw the disagreement at 4:10 and separated the students. I can’t discuss another child, but Dana will review the incident and call you by noon tomorrow.”
Professional Judgment, Reporting & Documentation
Protect → Record → Follow Policy → Notify / Report
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Protect | Address immediate safety and stay steady with the young person. |
| Record | Document timely, factual observations and exact words when relevant. |
| Follow Policy | Use the organization’s current written procedure; do not investigate on your own. |
| Notify / Report | Make the internal notification and any direct external report required by applicable law. |
Supervisor notification may not replace a legal duty that applies directly to an individual. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Immediate safety action and any legally immediate report take priority over paperwork or internal approval; record facts without delaying required action.
Example language
“I’m glad you told me. I may need to get help to keep you safe.” Record the words used, preserve safety, and follow the current procedure and applicable law promptly.
Safety reminders and role limits
- Keep counts, adult positioning and confirmed handoffs explicit. Do not assign adult supervision or authorization decisions to youth.
- For suspected concussion: remove from play, check danger signs, use the medical/emergency procedure, and do not permit same-day return to sports or return before healthcare clearance. Do not diagnose beyond your role.
- Audible thunder requires prompt safe shelter for youth and staff. Remain sheltered at least 30 minutes after the last thunder; use the approved communication and pickup plan.
- For suspected abuse: listen calmly, use only minimal nonleading clarification needed for immediate safety, document exact words, and follow any direct legal reporting duty promptly. Do not conduct an investigation or promise secrecy.
- For medication, release, transport and privacy: use current authorized plans and approved channels; do not improvise with missing authorization.
Sources: CDC HEADS UP response; National Weather Service lightning safety. Reporting duties vary by jurisdiction. New Mexico CYFD describes New Mexico’s immediate reporting duty.