Stan Bassett Youth Center Rules & Guidelines

Introduction

The Stan Bassett Youth Center (SBYC) is committed to developing and maintaining an atmosphere of respect for all youth. The purpose of the following policies is to create a positive, safe environment free from the dangers of drugs, alcohol, bullying, and discrimination while fostering the development of productive, responsible, and caring youth.

Stan Bassett Youth Center Mission 

The Stan Bassett Youth Center strives to provide opportunities for young people and community members to learn and grow in a positive environment by offering them a variety of life enriching experiences. 

Stan Bassett Youth Center Rules and Guidelines include, but are not limited to:

  • All youth must sign in at front office before using Youth Center facilities or participating in activities. 
  • Be respectful, responsible, and honest.
  • Be respectful of other youth, staff, teachers, and/or other volunteers.
  • Accept directions from, listen to, and respond politely to staff and volunteers. 
  • No running, rough play, pushing, shoving, fighting, or cursing. 
  • Inappropriate language including curse words, verbal harassment, sexual innuendoes will not be tolerated. 
  • Physical harassment or violence of any form, including physical harassment, unwanted sexual touching, inappropriate sexual gestures, and other forms of physical altercations will not be tolerated. Violators will be removed from the SBYC and/or parents/police will be notified.
  • Public Displays of Affection (PDA) will be limited to holding hands.
  • Parent/police will be notified of individuals under the influence or in possession of alcohol or drugs.
  • Alcohol, tobacco products, drugs (including marijuana) or drug paraphernalia, and related items will be immediately confiscated and/or the youth will be removed from the SBYC and parents/police will be notified.
  • No weapons of any kind are allowed on Youth Center property. 

Dress Code

  • No Bare Midriffs or Revealing Clothing.
  • No Clothing Advertising Alcohol, Drugs, or Tobacco Related Products.
  • No Gang or Hate Group Symbolism.
  • No bare feet.
  • Clothing considered to be disruptive or inappropriate by Staff will not be allowed.
  • Youth in violation of the dress code will be asked to adjust their clothing to fit properly, asked to wear an appropriate garment.   If they do not have appropriate garments, SBYC staff may be able to provide clothing, such as t-shirts.  
  • Youth refusing to abide by the dress code or adjust/change clothing will be subject to the progressive discipline.

SBYC Discipline Philosophy

  1. The focus of discipline is to teach, learn, and problem solving, not punishment. 
  2. Appropriate actions and behaviors are recognized and reinforced. 
  3. Consistent role models and mentors (staff, volunteers, and other youth) help to teach youth appropriate actions and behaviors. 
  4. All participants, staff and volunteers are listened to and treated with respect and fairness. 
  5. Expectations are posted, practiced, and communicated are communicated to parents/guardians and youth.
  6. The best discipline is self-discipline. The SBYC encourages, practices, and models this behavior.  
  7. Every participant deserves an opportunity to attend the SBYC, thus staff will work with youth to solve their problems. Suspension and permanent expulsion are last resorts, the SBYC will work (mentor) with youth to in an effort to correct inappropriate behaviors and actions. Every participant deserves to have staff help them with various issues they may have, which may spur the inappropriate actions. Every participant deserves the effort it may take to keep him or her in SBYC.
  8. Parental involvement and support are extremely important to the success of the SBYC and the growth and development of youth.
  9. The ultimate goal of the SBYC is to help youth become positive, productive, responsible, and caring individuals.

Consequences

The SBYC utilizes a progressive discipline approach. Consequence(s) is determined by the level of rule broken, any past transgressions, and the attitude and cooperation of the violator. A wide range of intervention steps may be taken by a staff member to modify the conduct and maintain a positive learning environment at the SBYC including: 

  1. The issuance of a verbal warning
  2. Timeout
  3. Temporary removal from activities, like an extended timeout
  4. Revoking the use of personal electronic devices including cellphones, tablets, laptops, and other similar devices for entertainment. Youth will still be allowed to call/text parents as needed.
  5. Light custodial work including but not limited to sweeping, litter pickup, cleaning of surfaces/counters, and mopping.
  6. Suspension from the SBYC
  7. Parents/Guardians will be notified of the child’s behavior which interferes with the learning of other students or disrupts the operation of the SBYC. 
  8. Per the discretion of the SBYC Coordinator and staff, clients at any time, may be suspended, have privileges revoked, permanently expelled, or punished otherwise.