Welcome to AYSO Region 253 Serving the communities of Bentley, Halstead, Kechi, North Wichita, Park City, Sedgwick, Valley Center and Whitewater.
	Play it Safe: Preventing Abductions Recent high-profile abductions have generated waves of fear in the United States. The intense media coverage of these incidents is vital for recovery, but it makes it seem as though children are being stolen from their front yards and bedrooms on a daily basis. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the number of abductions in the United States is not rising, but it's good to take precautions. Regional AYSO leaders should share these suggestions from the NCMEC with coaches, referees, volunteers and parents. What can coaches do to help? Be aware of your surroundings during practices and games, including parked cars and adults lingering near fields. Do not leave children alone after practices or games. Encourage parents to stay for practices. Speak with parents about proper drop off and pick up procedures. Be familiar with family members who pick up your team members. Know where your children are at all times. Know your children's friends and be specific about the places and homes they may visit. Require your children to check in with you as they come and go and when there is a change in plans. Follow the rule yourself so they know it is for safety purposes and not just to "check up" on them. Never leave children unattended in an automobile, running or not. Remind children to never hitchhike, approach a car or engage in a conversation with anyone in a car that they do not know and trust, or go anywhere with anyone without permission. Be involved in your children's activities. Meet their teachers, coaches, friends and friends' parents. Pay attention if your children say they don't want to be with someone or go somewhere. This may indicate more than just a personality conflict or lack of interest. Notice when someone shows one or all of your children a great deal of attention. Ask about the person and find out why the person is acting in this way. Teach your children that they have the right to say NO to any unwelcome, uncomfortable, or confusing touch or actions by others. Teach them to tell you immediately if this happens. Be sensitive to any changes in your children's behavior or attitude. Look and listen to small cues and clues that something may be troubling your children. If your children do confide in you, be calm and nonjudgmental. Screen babysitters and caregivers. Check a public registry for prior criminal records and sex offenses. Call references. Once you have chosen the caregiver, drop in unexpectedly to see how your children are doing. Ask your children how the experience with the caregiver was and listen carefully to the responses. Practice basic safety skills with your children. Take an outing to a mall or park so your children can practice checking with you, using pay telephones, going to the restroom with a friend, and locating the adults who can help them. Remember that there is no substitute for your attention and supervision. (Information courtesy of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. www.ncmec.org)
Last Updated 9/13/2007