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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The California Youth Shooting Sports Association program consists of gun clubs, schools, and other organizations committed to the development of young adults, providing them with opportunities to participate in an organized, adult supervised, clay target shooting program. The CYSSA, in cooperation with like minded organizations, has exposed hundreds of individuals in grades 12 and under to the positive experience of the shooting sports.

The CYSSA is more than just another shooting program. The CYSSA is designed to instill in young people a set of personal values and character traits that teaches fair play, compassionate understanding, individual responsibility, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and personal commitment – qualities necessary to become successful and contributing members of society.

Competition is a part of the CYSSA, but it is not the program’s underlying principle. The “win-at-all-costs” philosophy has no place in the CYSSA. Striving to win while playing by the rules does. It is the DUTY of everyone involved in the CYSSA (coaches, parents and participants) to be role models for CYSSA team members to emulate, by upholding high moral and ethical standards of personal conduct.

CYSSA activities are designed to incorporate two indispensable elements – SAFETY AND FUN. SAFETY is incorporated into ALL facets of CYSSA activities. Team practices and competitive shoots include the element of FUN for all participants. CYSSA participants learn the safe and responsible handling and use of firearms. They discover the joy of contributing to a shared team goal and the commitment that goes along with it. During this self-discovery process team members develop proficiency in a sport that can be shared and enjoyed with family and friends for a lifetime.

HEAD COACH RESPONSIBILITIES

The Head Coach is the linchpin of the CYSSA and plays a pivotal role in the personal development of his or her athletes by promoting the principles of the CYSSA. Head Coaches perform a variety of functions to support CYSSA activities.

All Head Coaches MUST:

  1. Be 21 years of age or older and hold a current Shotgun Coach Certification credential.
  2. Work cooperatively with youth, families, CYSSA Staff, range operators, event coordinators, and others in a mature, courteous and respectful manner.
  3. Be a positive role model by exhibiting good sportsmanship, promoting fair play, showing compassion, and demonstrating personal commitment to the CYSSA’s purpose of youth development.
  4. Know their state firearms laws and what the legal requirements are for participation.
  5. Agree to a secure background check to protect and promote the integrity of the CYSSA.
  6. Know the rules for handling and using firearms safely and can demonstrate them. This is absolutely necessary and is demanded at every session where firearms are used or are present.
  7. Know, respect, and adhere to the CYSSA Rules and ensure that all participants know and follow the rules of the CYSSA.
  8. Promote a safe, friendly, and FUN-filled positive learning environment conducive to the development of ALL participants registered in the program.
  9. Agree that teams will not be allowed to participate in CYSSA activities without their Head Coach or designated Assistant Coach or Adult Volunteer registered with the team.
  10. Conduct practices on a regular basis.
  11. Know the established emergency plans of the club or facility.
  12. Agree that the behavior listed below should not be tolerated by ANY individuals (including but not limited to athletes, parents, coaches, officials, and adult volunteers) associated with the CYSSA. Violation of this policy can constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including dismissal:
  • Offensive language or obscenities.
  • Verbal or physical actions or neglect that might bring emotional, psychological or physical harm or humiliate any individual (this includes failing to provide adequate safety measures and care or supervision).
  • Sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, or other actions of a sexual nature.
  • Discrimination due to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation.
  • Consuming or condoning the use of alcohol or illegal drugs before or during CYSSA events or being in possession of or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
  • Other behavior deemed inappropriate by the CYSSA Office or that violates state or federal laws.

All coaches and adults registered with the CYSSA serve strictly as a volunteer and that service is solely at the discretion and pleasure of the CYSSA.  Volunteers agree that the CYSSA may, at any time and for whatever reason, terminate a volunteer’s service. In the same manner, a volunteer may decide to terminate his or her service at any time for whatever reason.  Participation as a coach or adult  volunteer  in the CYSSA shall not create or be misrepresented as creating any employment.

A Coach may not solicit contributions or other assistance from third parties using CYSSA. A Coach may, however, engage in solicitation activities in the Coach’s own name or, with approval, the name of the Coach’s gun club, shooting facility or other organization in order to support the team’s CYSSA activities.

Volunteers who fail to act in the best interests of the CYSSA or who are found in violation of CYSSA rules and policies, including these Guidelines, shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the CYSSA program.

Incidents of suspected or observed violations of these Guidelines or other rules and regulations as specified in the CYSSA  Handbook  by volunteers should first be reported in writing to the CYSSA. The CYSSA  President will investigate the alleged offense and take corrective action, if deemed necessary.  A report of action taken will be communicated to the suspected party. Any suspected or observed abuse of CYSSA youth participants or other illegal conduct by volunteers should be reported immediately to local law enforcement and to one of the CYSSA Officers or Advisory Board Members. False or malicious claims against volunteers WILL NOT be tolerated. Volunteers who are subject to disciplinary action will have the opportunity to appeal any disciplinary action taken against them.

These Guidelines for CYSSA Head Coaches are subject to change. Changes may be implemented even if they have not been communicated and may supersede, modify or eliminate existing guidelines.

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