STAND UP AND PLAY FOUNDATION 

ATHLETE SAFETY & SPORTS PROTECTION POLICY 

Effective Date: September 24, 2026 

1 MISSION & COMMITMENT 

Stand Up and Play Foundation is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all athletes, volunteers, staff, and community members. This is especially critical as we serve individuals with disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, amputations, and other mobility challenges using adaptive equipment such as the ParaGolfer, VertaCat, and other standing adaptive devices. We have zero tolerance for abuse, misconduct, harassment, or neglect. 

SCOPE 

This policy applies to: 

-All athletes / participants 
-Board members, employees, contractors 
-Volunteers, coaches, instructors 
-Caregivers, family members, spectators 
-Partner golf courses and facilities 
-All programs, clinics, fundraisers, tournaments, auctions, and travel related to Foundation activities. 

PROHIBITED CONDUCT 

The following are strictly prohibited: 

a) Abuse: Physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse, bullying, hazing. 
b) Harassment: Sexual harassment, discrimination based on disability, race, gender, religion, age. 
c) Neglect: Failure to provide reasonable care, supervision, or medical assistance. 
d) Exploitation: Financial exploitation, inappropriate personal relationships between staff/volunteers and athletes. 
e) Retaliation: Any retaliation against a person who reports a concern. 

SAFE SPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR ADAPTIVE GOLF CLINICS & PROGRAMS 

A. Equipment Safety: 

All ParaGolfers and adaptive carts must be inspected before each use. 
Only trained operators may assist athletes in transferring in/out of equipment. 

Seatbelts, chest supports, and standing supports must be used per manufacturer guidelines (Stand Up U.S.A. Inc.). No athlete will be left unattended while in a standing position. Manufacturer warranty and maintenance logs will be kept. 

B. Supervision & One-on-One Contact: 

Two-Deep Leadership: No staff/volunteer shall be alone with a single athlete in a non-public setting. 

All personal care assistance (transfers, strapping) requires consent of the athlete and, when possible, presence of a second adult. Stand Up and Play Foundation does not operate in facilities with locker rooms; volunteers and/or instructors do not provide restroom assistance to program participants. 

C. Medical Safety: 

Health intake form required for all participants disclosing diagnosis, emergency contact, and physician clearance. First aid kit, emergency action plan, and cell phone must be present on course. Staff must be trained in basic first aid, heat illness, and skin pressure injury prevention. 

2 SCREENING & TRAINING 

All staff, coaches, and volunteers with direct athlete contact must complete: 

– Background check (national criminal + sex offender registry) 
– SafeSport / Abuse Prevention Training (renewed annually) 

No person with a history of violent or sexual offense may serve in any capacity for the Foundation. All volunteers must sign a Code of Conduct. 

REPORTING PROCEDURE 

-Immediate Danger: Call 911. 
-Internal Reporting: Any concern must be reported within 24 hours to: 
Safety Officer: Anthony Netto – (941) 320-9688 – standupusa1@gmail.com 
-External Reporting: If abuse involves a minor or dependent adult, we will report to local law enforcement and/or Adult Protective Services as required by California and Florida law. 

All reports will be documented, kept confidential, and investigated promptly. No retaliation will be permitted. Reports can be made anonymously in writing to the following address: 

Stand Up and Play Foundation 
attn: Board of Directors 
837 Granada Dr 
Vista CA 92083 

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ATHLETES, STAFF & VOLUNTEERS 

1. Treat all persons with dignity and respect. 
2. Respect boundaries, personal equipment (wheelchairs), and medical needs. 
3. No alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons during Foundation programs. 
4. Maintain appropriate language and dress. 
5. Uphold the spirit of adaptive sports: inclusion, empowerment, and sportsmanship. 
6. Protect athlete privacy – no photos/videos without signed media release. 

EVENT & FUNDRAISER SAFETY 

All auction items and equipment demonstrations will be in supervised public areas. Volunteers handling money/bidding sheets must work in pairs. Cash handling and bidder information will be secured per nonprofit financial controls. 

ENFORCEMENT 

Violation of this policy may result in: 

-Immediate removal from program/event 
-Suspension or termination of volunteer/employment status 
-Ban from future Foundation activities 
-Reporting to law enforcement 

ANNUAL REVIEW 

This policy shall be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and updated as required by insurance, SafeSport, and 501(c)(3) best practices.