The Redwoods Group Insurance Program for YMCAs
Risk Management Alert
Topic: Locker Room Behavior Management
Data shows that inappropriate behavior is increasing in the locker rooms of YMCAs. A combination of education (i.e., clearly stating expectations) and enforcement (i.e., both the monitoring of access and activities and the correction of unacceptable behavior) is essential to control this trend. Proper locker room supervision by YMCA staff is the most important element to reduce the potential for inappropriate adult-child or peer-to-peer contact. The following actions should be considered.
| |
Separate changing areas for children and adults should be provided where feasible,. When separate locker rooms cannot be provided, separate areas within the locker room should be arranged.
Communicate expectations/rules regarding children of the opposite gender in adult locker rooms. Accommodating parents is important and necessary, but so is providing for the privacy and modesty, within reason, of other patrons. There comes an age where a child's inquisitive nature is offensive.
Family changing areas should be provided where feasible. Clearly communicate the purpose of these areas (i.e., to assist in the dressing of those incapable of dressing themselves) and strictly limit access to that purpose.
Dressing room access should be monitored, especially for youth, family, and females. If the access doors are not clearly visible from the front desk or some other staff-occupied station, consider monitoring the access area outside of the door with a video camera.
Locker room behavior should be monitored. If an attendant is present, they should frequently but irregularly patrol the area. If a paid attendant is unrealistic, a volunteer could be utilized. If there is no attendant, other staff should frequently but irregularly pass through the area. These could include lifeguards or other staff when they come on or off duty, go on breaks, etc.
Locker room monitoring should be documented to ensure adequacy and to provide a record. It should include date, time, name of monitor, and comments/service provided; should be placed where easily seen by patrons; should be replaced daily; and should be retained for at least a year. A sample "sweep sheet" is located in the "Forms" area of our web site.
Visibility is critical. Maintain adequate illumination levels. Arrange lockers so there are no hidden areas. Consider overhead convex mirrors to monitor general activity but preserve modesty.
Children should never be left unattended in the locker room by either parents or staff. After-school children, day-campers, etc. should always be supervised in the locker room by a staff member.
Patrons (and staff) should be encouraged to report any suspicious activity or behavior at once.
Parents should be reminded that they are responsible for their own childrenŠ at all times.
|
Proper protocols and the active involvement of staff and patrons can keep locker rooms safe. Please call us at 800-463-8546 if you would like to discuss this or any other risk management safety tips, or visit our website at http://www.redwoodsgroup.com to learn more about YMCA risk management related issues.
|