RFPRA moves to exclude felons
A proposed change would make it tougher to be cleared as a volunteer for youth programs.
After looking at other youth sports organizations in surrounding areas, the Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority is moving to try to strengthen its coaching requirements.
Executive Director Richard Garland presented proposed changes to the group’s background check policy at the RFPRA’s monthly board meeting Monday.
The new policy would expand the disqualification criteria for youth sports volunteers to include ever being convicted of any felony offense.
Currently, the criteria states that if a person has been found guilty of a felony offense other than violent or sex-related charges they cannot become a volunteer for 10 years after the conviction.
The new proposal includes multiple misdemeanor drug convictions at any time as a reason to not be able to volunteer. The current policy has a 10-year limit, similar to the nonviolent felonies criteria.
Another change is the addition of a stipulation that a person cannot have had two misdemeanor DUI convictions within a 12month period in the two years prior to date of application.
“We have to protect the young people who play in our leagues, but not exclude folks who have made one mistake years ago and now want to work to help kids,” Board Chairman Jerry Lee said.
The proposed changes were put on first reading and board members were asked to review them prior to the August meeting.
Garland said it all goes along with a new emphasis on sportsmanship concerning parents and participants that will be the focus of a campaign in the coming months.
In other business, the board honored three of its own for their dedicated service to the RFPRA.
Larry Hestely and Jerry Collins were both recognized for their 10 years on the board, the maximum a citizen-appointee can serve. They will remain on the board until others can be found to fill their positions.
David Mathis was given a special gavel in appreciation of his time as board chairman in 2011 and 2012. Mathis remains an active member of the board.