Youth Ministry Discipline Policy pdf version

(November 2008)

While trying to create fun, relevant, and exciting activities for students, we must also create a safe environment where students can grow and exercise their faith. Therefore, we have created policies to deal with problems in the following areas. These policies are not meant to curb the enjoyment or creativity of students or workers but are provided to let everyone know what behavior is expected. We expect everyone to learn, remember, and abide by the policies, but we do not anticipate having to use the disciplinary actions outlined (though we are prepared to do so). We have found that when students know what is expected of them, we have very few problems and are able to create the warm and nurturing environment described above.

1. Disruptions during meetings

We are able to have a good time, joke, and have fun in our meetings. Some students, however, occasionally take it too far and disrupt our meetings, causing other students to be distracted from the Bible teaching. In these cases, we follow these progressive disciplinary steps:

• Disruptive students will be separated from their friends. Our workers are to move the disruptive students to another seat, away from their friends.
• After being separated on any given week, if the student continues with the negative behavior, the student will be asked to leave the meeting and an adult worker will phone the parents/guardians to pick up the student early.
• If, when the student returns the next time, he or she continues the disruptive pattern, the student will be given a cooling off period away from youth ministry activities for two weeks.

2. Students who are under the influence of or in possession of illegal drugs or alcohol or students possessing weapons or tobacco

• If a student comes to any youth ministry class or activity and a.) is noticeably under the influence of drugs or alcohol or b.) has possession of illegal drugs, alcohol or weapons, we will immediately report the incident to the student's parents, send the student home, and enforce a cooling off period from all youth ministry activities for two to four weeks depending on the severity of the situation. Such incidents will also be reported to the church leadership. If recommended by the church leadership and/or required by law, the police and/or other authorities will also be contacted. Professional counseling will be recommended.
• If a student uses or is in possession of tobacco products the tobacco will be taken away and destroyed. The student's parents will also be notified.

3. Leaving the church grounds or failing to attend any part of the youth programs is not permitted.

Students are expected to attend all segments of the youth ministry programs. When they arrive on church grounds, they are under the authority of the adult leaders.

• If a student leaves the church grounds or fails to attend any youth program segment:
• § On the first offense, the student's parents will be notified.
• § If there is a second offence, the student will be given a two week cooling-off period from youth activities.
• Students may leave the youth program early only if the parents have previously informed the adult leaders.

4. Fighting or Bullying

We want the youth activities to be a safe place for all our students so fighting or bullying will not be tolerated.

• In the case of either the student will be asked to leave the meeting/activity and an adult leader will phone the parents/guardians to pick the student early.
• A second offense will result in suspension.

5. Physical Displays of Affection, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct

• We do not permit tickling, wrestling, piggyback rides or inappropriate touching (which means: do not touch anyone anywhere that a bathing suit would cover). In addition, physical displays of affection such as kissing, full body hugs, sitting on laps, and lying or sleeping next to each other are inappropriate and being isolated or alone with another student is not allowed.
• § Students who offend these policies will be counseled by the youth ministry staff.
• § On the second offense, the parents/guardians will be notified.
• § If there is another offense, the students will be given a cooling off period from youth activities for two weeks.
• Students who engage in sexual harassment or sexual misconduct will be counseled by the youth ministry staff, their parents will be notified, and the students will be sent home. In addition, depending on the severity of the situation, there will be a two to four week suspension from youth ministry activities. The church leadership will also be notified. If recommended by the church leadership and/or required by law, the police and/or other authorities will also be contacted.

6. Inappropriate Clothing

• We expect our students to wear modest clothing. That is, we prohibit clothing that is sexually suggestive or displays ungodly images or words. No underwear showing! If there is a problem the student will be counseled by an adult leader.

7. Use of Electronic Devices and Cell Phones during youth activities and retreats is not allowed.

8. Teen Drivers

You must be 21 to drive on any youth event.