Youth Coaching Volunteer Application

The Holland Recreation Division promotes a non-discrimination policy that ensures participation for all regardless of race, religion, sex, economic status or disability.  In accordance with A.D.A. requirements, if I require special accommodations to perform my services, I must notify the Holland Recreation Division of that need within 182 days after I knew or reasonably should have known that special accommodations were needed.  Failure to do so will bar me from alleging that the City of Holland has not accommodated me as required by law.

I hereby certify that all statements on this application are made truthfully and without evasion, and further understand and agree that such statements may be investigated and if found to be false will be sufficient reason for not being accepted as a volunteer, or it accepted may result in my dismissal.

Should the City determine it necessary to do so, I authorize the City of Holland to secure additional information from my employer, prior employer, educational institutions, or any other persons or organizations which may give the City of Holland information concerning my employment/educational accomplishments, disciplinary information or any other personal information they may have, personal or otherwise, and release all parties from all liabilities for any damage that may result from furnishing this information to the City of Holland.

In consideration of serving as a volunteer coach with the City of Holland.  I am hereby requesting a local and state background history on myself.  I understand that this is only a State of Michigan background check.  If necessary, I will furnish necessary identification (i.e. fingerprints, driver’s license & social security number) for such an investigation to take place.  I hereby authorize the HOLLAND RECREATION DIVISION AND/OR HOLLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT to release any information it may have in its records or may obtain from other sources under my own name and birth date, including my fingerprints, and I hereby release and forever discharge the City of Holland and its agents, its officers and employees from any and all actions, causes of actions, claims and demands for, upon or by reason of any damage, loss or injury, which may be sustained by me in the nature of libel, slander, invasion of privacy or other results from errors or omissions in the information given or from the use of the information, whether by reason or unauthorized use, negligence or otherwise.

I agree to abide by all program rules and regulations set forth by the Holland Recreation Division.  I understand that my volunteer services may be terminated at any time by the Holland Recreation Division.  I also understand that there are certain inherent risks involved in any activity.  I do hereby waive, relinquish, release, discharge and hold harmless the Holland Recreation Division and its employees, volunteers, contributing sponsors and affiliate organizations from any and all liability for any physical or mental injury or aggravation of any pre-existing condition, illness or disability, death, loss of enjoyment or any other harm or loss of any nature which may be sustained by me while serving as a volunteer for the Holland Recreation Division.

• Coaches will remember, “I am a youth coach, and that the game is for children and not adults.”

• Coaches are responsible to ensure that the health, well-being, safety, and development of athletes take precedence over the win/loss record.
• Coaches are responsible for communicating effectively with your team. Introduce yourself to parents and communicate cancellations well in advance.
• Coaches are expected to maintain a professional demeanor in their relationships with athletes, officials, coaches, administrators, and opposing parents. Everyone needs to be treated with respect and dignity. Negative interactions with officials will not be tolerated.
• Coaches must acknowledge that they are role models and behave in a respectful way. Exemplifying honesty, integrity, respect, and fair play to all. Any form of fighting, verbal or physical, any threats of violence, or any actions not representing that of a role model will not be tolerated.
• Coaches should recognize that physical contact is at times necessary with players, but coaches must ensure that no action on their part can be misconstrued. Always follow the rule of three. Never be alone with a child at practice, do not give children rides home, and do not go behind closed doors with a child alone.
• Coaches should always instill integrity in the game and in the players. Do not teach children to break rules or behave unsportsmanlike. Prepare our players on how to succeed and fail maturely.
• Coaches must take the time to learn the rules of the sport and teach these rules to the players.
• Coaches will not tolerate or participate in any kind of abuse, verbal, physical, or emotional. Please report any infractions to Holland Recreation, so that we can protect the children.