Pay attention to the whole group
Notice participation, energy, spacing, comfort, and changes that may require the activity to slow down or shift.
Safety & Standards
Trust is built in the practical details
Safe, well-run activities depend on attentive coaching, clear boundaries, appropriate equipment, useful participant information, and communication that continues throughout the experience.
Awareness, boundaries, preparation, communication, and good judgment
The coaching standard
Patient, aware, adaptable, and attentive
Youth coaching requires more than knowing the activity. Coaches need the patience to explain, the awareness to read a group, and the judgment to change course when something is not working.
We expect clear boundaries, respectful direction, and an approach that keeps challenge appropriate for the child, group, space, and moment.
Ask About a Specific NeedHow we show up
Four expectations coaches work from
These standards guide the decisions a coach makes before play begins, while the activity is running, and when something needs attention.
Set clear physical and behavioral boundaries
Explain where the activity happens, how equipment is used, and what respectful participation looks like before play begins.
Adapt with good judgment
Change the pace, rules, equipment, or group setup when ages, ability levels, weather, space, or participation call for it.
Communicate and follow through
Keep the responsible adult or site contact informed when a practical concern, change, incident, or safety issue affects the activity.
Safety in practice
More than a screening check
Screening matters, but practical safety also depends on preparation, supervision, information sharing, communication, and sound decisions in the moment.
01
Coach preparation and screening
LASW uses coach onboarding, company training, and California Live Scan screening. Team members do not serve independently as coaches until the applicable onboarding requirements are completed.
02
Emergency planning
Staffing and emergency planning are considered in relation to the activity, participant ages, venue, and confirmed scope. LASW is formalizing additional emergency-response and certification standards.
03
Staffing and supervision
Staffing is planned around participant ages, group size, activity type, venue, and the support available from parents or the host organization. Responsibilities are clarified before delivery.
04
Equipment and space
Activities and equipment are selected for the ages, format, and available space. Coaches adjust the setup when conditions call for it.
05
Participant information
When LASW manages registration directly, families receive instructions for sharing relevant participant and emergency information. At host-managed events, LASW works through the designated organizer and the information they make available.
06
Incident communication
When an incident occurs, LASW addresses the immediate situation and informs the parent or guardian when direct contact is available. In host-managed settings, staff notify the designated client contact for parent communication.
07
Insured operations
LASW maintains insurance for its operations. Coverage depends on the activity, confirmed scope, and policy terms. Organization clients can request a certificate of insurance when needed.
For programs registered directly with LASW, families should follow the registration instructions for sharing relevant allergies, accommodations, medical considerations, and emergency contacts. For host-managed programs and events, the organizer remains the primary information and communication point.
Talk it through
Have a question about your child, group, or setting?
Tell us what you are planning and what you want LASW to understand. We will review the details and respond with the most useful next step.
Plan an Activity