Terms of service

Abuse Prevention and Reporting Policy

The Polite Way L.L.C. is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for all participants. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of sexual abuse, molestation, or misconduct. All staff, coaches, and volunteers are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct and are prohibited from engaging in any behavior that is inappropriate, threatening, exploitative, or abusive.

As an organization operating in the state of Maryland, we acknowledge our legal and ethical responsibility to protect minors from all forms of abuse. All staff, coaches, and volunteers are considered mandatory reporters under Maryland law. This means that if any individual has a reason to believe that a minor has been subjected to sexual abuse or neglect, they are legally obligated to immediately report their suspicion to the appropriate law enforcement or child protective services agency.

We understand that reporting can be difficult, but it is a critical step in ensuring the safety of all children. Retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports a suspected incident of abuse is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disciplinary action, including termination. The safety and well-being of our participants is our top priority.

Furthermore, our Three-Person Rule is a key part of our commitment to provide a safe and positive environment for all participants. This policy states that a single adult should never be alone with a single child out of the sight of others. To ensure this, there must always be at least two adults present when supervising a child, or one adult and two or more children. This rule applies to all activities, including trainings, open gyms, and other The Polite Way functions.