Policies and Expectations

We are excited to welcome you (perhaps again) onto our team. You will all read through the Stevens Pass employee handbook as part of your hiring packet and you continue to have access to it through your employee portal. What follows here are the policies, procedures, and what to expect working within the Ski and Snowboard School. Due to the nature of what we do and because we work closely with guests of all ages, it’s important to understand this information prior to working.

Our Contact Info

School Employee Phone #: (206)812-7393 or ext. #4557
School Employee Email: snowsports@stevenspass.com
*will update to SPSchoolStaff@vailresorts.com

 

Understanding the Schedule

Your Base Schedule will have been entered by the time you begin working, based on your schedule submission when you were hired. Looking through the season you might notice that you are scheduled to work for entire days, from 7:30am until 4:30pm, 6pm or 8pm. As we get closer to those dates this schedule will become more refined which actual activities added. The schedule will be finalized by 4pm Wednesday for the following week beginning on Saturday:

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Due to the nature of the weather and the industry, our business volume may fluctuate. After Wednesday, your work assignments for a given day may change without notice. If we change your start time we will notify you, and we will contact you beforehand if we need to change a day off.

Checking the Schedule

Instructors can view their schedule online at https://instructor.snow.com Enter your pass number (11 digit #) and enter the password: 2018$noW You can do this from home, or using the computer in the locker room.

Clocking-in

Instructors do not need to ‘clock-in’ using the time clocks, but are required to log onto their schedule when they arrive to the locker room and click the sign-in button to let their supervisor know they are on-site.

Front Desk Staff, Carpet Operators and Support Staff should clock-in using the time clocks when their shift is due to start and time stamp the sign-out sheet.  See your supervisor for assistance in registering in the time clock.

Clocking-out and Getting Paid

Instructors do not need to ‘clock-out’ using the time clocks, but are required to sign the “Supe Sheet”, the supervisor’s record of each area in which they worked for the day (e.g. Private Lessons, Youth Programs etc.). The Supe Sheets will be with the supervisor, or hanging outside the Admin Supervisor’s office at the end of the day. We will enter your hours and therefore your pay based on the information on the Supe Sheet. Verify your hours at the end of the day and sign the sheet to say you agree.  If something is wrong, tell your supervisor or the admin supervisor to make the change.

Front Desk Staff, Carpet Operators, and Attendants should clock-out using the time clocks at the end of their shift and time stamp the sign-out sheet. Remember to record missed punches and to sign the sheet when signing out for the last time each week.

 

Uniform Guidelines and Grooming Standards

Your job description requires that you are constantly interacting with people from all walks of life. We must always present an appearance that can be considered approachable and professional.

  • We provide an outer jacket (uninsulated) for outdoor employees, and a fleece vest for indoor workers. Employees may wear long- or short-sleeved black, white, or gray under their vest.
  • Stevens Pass Ski & Snowboard School sweatshirts, and short- and long-sleeved T-Shirts, will no longer be considered uniform pieces.
  • Outdoor workers are required to provide and wear your own solid, black snowpants.
  • All uniforms should fit appropriately and be worn professionally with zips closed and trailing items (including inner-layer hoods) tucked in.
  • Nametags must be pinned through velcro patch ONLY, on the right side of the outerwear jacket.
  • Uniforms should not be allowed to get dirty and should live in your locker. If it gets dirty you may take it to the company store next to HR to be washed. You may not take our uniform home with you under any circumstances.
  • Electronic devices should be kept out of sight and you may not smoke while in uniform.
  • Men may be clean shaven or have a neatly trimmed beard before the first day of work.

Equipment Guidelines

As skiers and riders representing the forefront of the industry, boots, snowboards, skis, and poles must be contemporary and well cared for.

  • Graphics and stickers must be guest appropriate for ALL guests of all ages and backgrounds.
  • It is a good idea to personalize all of your gear.
  • Never borrow someone else’s gear without their permission under any circumstances.
  • Your locker is your own, but you are limited to one piece of equipment for each discipline you are expected to teach on the racks.
  • Boot dryer space is limited and reserved for instructors scheduled for the following day.
  • All equipment used on-the-clock must pass through our “clock rider inspection” program.

Helpful Tips

Remembering the rule – “Respect Gets Respect” at all times is always a good motto to live by. But here are a couple of handy tips to help make your life and the lives of your co-workers, much easier!

  • Be punctual and keep your uniform looking sharp.
  • Weekends and holidays are our busiest times, so be ready for full days. We open lessons based on how many coaches we have on the schedule.
  • Share the learning area. We are not the only people using it, and not the only schools teaching there. On busy days it can get very crowded!
  • Attend clinics so you continue to improve your riding and teaching.
  • Learn the basic progression well, it really works. Choose terrain that is best for your students. Talk with your students, find out what their goals are, what their fears are, it really works.
  • Be open to feedback and coaching from your supervisors and trainers.
  • Honor your schedule. If you want an extra day off, request it off in advance, before you make other plans.

Policies and Procedures (All Staff)

Below are some of our more detailed policies and procedures. It is important to familiarize yourself with them. Please use this page as a reference or download the polices in full below.

Handling Concerns/Complaints

Occasionally you may encounter an upset guest. If this happens, think L.A.S.T.

Listen: It’s important to give the guest time and space to say what they need to say. Do not interrupt or get defensive. Even if the feedback is wrong or off-base. Make sure you are exhibiting receptive body language and actively listening. Goggles up, arms down at your side, hands folded in front of you, or behind your back.

Acknowledge: Acknowledge their situation. The best way to do this is to say “I’m sorry that happened to you”.  Summarize what you heard and ask clarifying questions.

Solve: Help them come to a resolution. There may be a simple fix that you can implement or you may need assistance. If so, walk them to the appropriate supervisor, and restate the guests problem (this will show them that you’ve been listening AND give them time to take some deep breaths). If you are unable to walk them to the appropriate location, apologize and explain why- then be very descriptive of where to go and who to ask for.

Thank: Always end your interaction by thanking them for bringing their concerns to your attention.

Always remember that their complaint is not a personal attack. It’s likely that a lot of things have led to them feeling frustrated. If you have been involved in a complaint you should let your supervisor know. If you think something can be done to avoid this in the future we encourage you to let us know also using espn@stevenspass.com

Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy – 2018

 

Out of respect for the guests and your co-workers we ask that you are responsible for your schedule and manage your time. All absences and late arrivals are taken very seriously and will lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination and loss of employee benefits. Taking the proper steps to change your schedule, call-in when an unplanned absence crops up, and making up your time, are essential to every employee to act as part of the team, stay in good standing, and have a successful season in general. Below are the guidelines to follow when calling in, scheduling an extended absence, submitting a shift change, and making up for days lost (if applicable).

 

Running Late

Defined as showing up ready to work an assignment  after the scheduled start time. Must be accompanied by a phone call. This may be at the start of your shift or through the day to any assigned task.

If you are arriving late to the start of your shift, please call us as soon as possible using the employee message line, letting us know who you are (first and last name), why you are late, and when your estimated time of arrival is. Arriving ready to work 15+ minutes after your shift/assignment has already begun will result in an absence or a No Call, No Show being recorded depending on if and when you notified us of your situation.

Avoidable or repeat late calls will lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination and loss of employee benefits. Late arrival alerts due to employee transit may not be subject to consequence.

Late Arrivals are recorded and consequences for each instance are as outlined below.

 

Unplanned Absences

Defined as showing up ready to work an assignment 15 minutes or more after that assignment was scheduled to start, or missing a scheduled shift entirely, after calling in to let us know.

It is important that you are responsible and call us as soon as possible in order for us to work towards finding a replacement, re-sorting classes, or re-assigning others. If you need to call-in, call our employee message line no later than two-hours before you are schedule to start your shift or by 7:30am for a day shift: (206) 812-7393. Please always leave a clear message including your first and last name.

Any calls that come in after 7:30 (of a day shift) or within two hours (for all others), while still appreciated, will be deemed a No Call, No Show Avoidable or repeat absences will lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination and loss of employee benefits. Absences are recorded and consequences for each instance are as outlined below.

 

No Call, No Show

Defined as an absence where the employee failed to call in within 2 hours of the scheduled start time or by 7:30 for the day shift. No Call, No Shows are unacceptable and consequences for each instance are as outlined below. A NCNS cannot be removed from your attendance record, but the day can be made up. A total of three NCNS will result in being ineligible for the end of season Resort Performance Incentive.

 

Scheduled Absences

There may be instances of injury or illness in which you need to take an extended period of time off of work. In this case, please email snowsports@stevenspass.com to make these arrangements. There may be some instances we request a doctor’s note for your time off, and/or a doctor’s note before putting you back on the schedule. All absences that incur prior to this verification may be recorded as an unplanned absence if not communicated appropriately and in a timely manner.

 

Changing your Schedule

We expect that our staff fill out their availability calendars before the season begins, and understand that your availability may change. Changes must be submitted in writing through a Shift Change Request Form available in the Ski & Snowboard School locker room, just outside of the Admin office or via an email to snowsports@stevenspass.com. Please note that submitting this form is not a confirmation of the request. It is your responsibility to check your schedule to make sure the request was approved BEFORE making any other plans. Please plan on finding yourself a replacement if submitting your form less than two weeks in advance, or at any time at the request of an administrator. You will need to make up a shift as well, the best practice here is to let us know who is taking your shift, and which shift you are taking from their schedule, if possible.

Absences aka Call-ins
Number of Instances Consequence
1 Record in attendance tracking spreadsheet begins and verbal warning
2 Written warning in employee file
3 1 week suspended riding privileges
4 1 week suspended work and 2 week suspended riding (Re-hire with reservations status)
5 Termination with re-hire with reservations status

 

No Call, No Show
Number of Instances Consequence
1 Written warning in employee file
2 1 week suspended riding privileges
3 Termination with re-hire with reservations status

 

 

Late Arrivals
Number of Instances Consequence
1 Record in attendance tracking spreadsheet begins and verbal warning
2 Second verbal warning, riding privileges taken away for the rest of day.
3 Written warning in employee file, riding privileges taken away for the rest of day.
4 Second written warning in file, 1 week suspended riding privileges
5 1 week suspended work and 2 week suspended riding (Re-hire with reservations status)
6 Termination with re-hire with reservations status

Lost Time Make Up Program

In order to remain in good standing with the resort and to compensate for any hardship placed on other team members, it is important that you make up time missed due to either absence or tardiness.

  • Late arrivals (which caused a missed assignment) can be made-up by adding an extra lesson or additional time to an original scheduled shift.
  • An absence can be made up by adding another full-shift to your schedule commitment
  • A NCNS can be made up by adding 2 full-shifts to your schedule commitment

Make up options, days and times are offered to the employee at the discretion of the department to ensure the time added is of appropriate value to the department.

In order to be eligible for the end of season Resort Performance Incentive and to finish your work commitment in good standing, employees must have made up all instances of lost time before the end of their scheduled commitment and to the satisfaction of the department.

Code 54 - Student Separated from Class

If a student in one of our Youth Programs gets separated from a class or cannot be located we refer to this as a ‘Code 54’. It is important not to use the words ‘lost’, ‘missing’, or ‘separated’ child as this can unnecessarily elevate the situation.

All students in our Youth Programs wear legbands so they can easily be identified. If you see a child with a legband who is not with a class do not hesitate to approach them and/or the adult they are with. They may be a Code 54 in process.

If you have a Code 54 in your class:

      1. Observe the scene and be sure you have a separated child.
      2. Ask the other students if they have seen the separated person. If they have, ask questions for further detail on where the separated person might be.
      3. Ski or Ride with your class to any determined meeting areas to see if the child is there waiting for you
      4. If the child is not there, contact us A.S.A.P. Start with the School Employee Line (206)812-7393 before moving on to individuals.
      5. If you cannot reach anyone by phone then bring your class back to the youth facility. Remember, call first, and always keep the class together.
      6. Be prepared to give descriptive details on:
          • Name, Age, Gender
          • Level & Color of Leg band
          • Skier or boarder
          • Color of Helmet, Jacket, Pants
          • Height
          • Where you last saw the child
          • What run you were on
      7. Once management takes over the situation continue on teaching the rest of the lesson. Explain to management what run you will be on and continue skiing that specific run until the child is back in your class unless notified otherwise.
      8. After the lesson fill out a Separated Child form.

A Code 54 can happen to anyone, even the most experienced instructors. There are many ways to reduce the chances of one happening. These include:

  • Give clear and concise directions and check for understanding.
  • Define an emergency meeting spot with your group.
  • Foster a team environment, to encourage your students to interact with each other and stick together.
  • If you are moving one of your students to another class, be sure to communicate with the other instructor and give that person the students lesson voucher. Never leave a student with another person without a verbal confirmation and voucher switch.

Chairlift Guidelines

All Instructors at our Ski & Snowboard Schools who instruct children (ages 14 and under) should follow this procedure.

Procedure

  • Instruct all students on how to safely ride the lift prior to loading the lift.
  • Organize your class outside the lift maze and assist with alternating your class into the public line.
  • Recognize and eliminate horseplay immediately. If any horseplay is noticed, stop the entire group until everyone is settled and focused on loading and riding the lift.
  • Communicate clearly with the lift attendant regarding any special needs for students.
  • When riding with more than one student, Instructors and other resort employees must always ride between two students.
  • Instructors must ride behind students when unable to ride with them.
  • When selecting a non-employee adult to ride with children, Instructors should:
    • Use visual cues to inform their judgment when selecting a guest rider who appears to be a responsible age. Visual cues may include the comfort and competence with which a guest moves in line on skis or a snowboard; the maturity of the guest’s behavior or demeanor; or other visual cues such as general age or attire/gear.
    • Ask each potential adult rider verbally whether he or she would be willing to ride with a child or comfortable riding with a child, to help convey the optional and voluntary nature of the request.
    • Share expectations with that adult rider.
  • If a student does not fully load the chair or becomes unseated during the student’s attempted loading process, the Instructor generally should not try to pull the student up onto the chair from the unseated position or try to carry the student beyond the loading platform. Instead, allow the child to enter the low clearance area just beyond the loading platform. A lift operator can then assist the child in either re-loading the chair you are on or load them on the next available chair with an adult.
  • Employees and students must keep the chair bar down for the entire ride on all equipped chairlifts. Chair bars must be kept in the lowered position until reaching a Raise bar here sign near the unload area.

Employees on snowboard equipment may only ride with one 3-6 year old child and the child must be on their toe edge side.

Age Specific Requirements

  • All children 6 or younger must have a resort-specific bib or a vest in both group and private lessons.
  • All children 6 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Additionally, smaller 7 and 8 year olds are encouraged to ride lifts with an adult when available.
  • Employees on skis may take a maximum of two students 6 years or younger on a chairlift.
  • Employees on snowboard equipment may only ride with one 3-6 year old child and the child must be on their toe edge side.
  • Adult guests may only take one student 6 years old or younger on a chairlift.
  • Children 7 years and older must ride with other students or guests and may not ride on a lift alone.

Bathroom Policies

Bathroom Policies

  • The restrooms in the Youth Programs facility are to be used only by children currently in a Youth Programs lesson (Kid’s Club or Adventure Club). Anybody else (public, employees, parents, etc) must use another facility.
  • Instructors and attendants may assist inside the restroom only with the main door open and another adult within sight. Never lock yourself in a stall with a child.
  • Children will need help with layers. This should be done outside of the restroom and only to the point where a child won’t need your assistance anymore. All children must be completely potty-trained to enroll in our lessons.
  • In the event of a child soiling themselves or the child needs assistance in the stall, do your best not to embarrass the child, refer to the situation as a ‘Code Yellow’ and calmly find a supervisor or coordinator.

Appropriate Physical Contact in Lessons

Appropriate Physical Contact in Lessons

Physical contact with students is a natural part of coaching and instructing in skiing and snowboarding. This is an important and necessary aspect of safe and effective teaching, especially in demonstrating a range of skills. Always keep the students in mind, and what you wouldn’t mind the parents seeing, or seeing other coaches do. We recognize that there is a degree of physical contact between you as the coach and your students for instructional support, encouragement, protection, and comfort. Physical contact should always be to meet the student’s needs, NOT the coaches (if you need a hug, find your supervisor).

You should only use physical touch if the aim is to:

  • Develop skiing or snowboarding related skills or techniques
  • Prevent an injury
  • Meet the requirements of the sport (practicing range of motion)

It is important teachers do not assume that the student wants to be touched. So:

  • Always let the student know why you want to demonstrate with a hands-on method
  • Explain what the physical contact will be, and ask for volunteers, or ask students if they mind you demonstrating with them using a hands-on approach.
  • Be explicit about where you will be touching them
  • Be explicit that when it comes to safety, touching may not proceed as planned, and is solely to ensure their safety.
  • Give students verbal instructions first and if they have difficulty, ask them if they would like you to show them how to do it. If they so no, listen to them and do not do it. It is always the student’s choice to be touched.
  • Always ask yourself if touching is necessary. If it is an action the parents or spectators may find uncomfortable, it is, and stop immediately.
  • If a student is sitting on the snow, do your best to teach him or her how to stand up. This is an essential skill in the beginner progression.
  • If the child is unable to stand on their own, at your own discretion:
    • For children under 35 pounds, you may pick them up only under their armpits with a straight back and bent knees. Be careful not to grab them by their arms or wrists.

(Developed from Department of Education and Communities, Supervision and Welfare, January 2012)

Incident/Injury Procedures

Incident Procedures

Due to the nature of our sport, injuries and incidents will happen. In case of injury to a guest during class, always follow the incident procedures. Never comment on the incident or suspected case of incident to anyone other than your manager or supervisor. Stay with the injured person until Ski Patrol or a Ski & Snowboard School Supervisor or Manager arrives. Never leave a student alone on the hill. Never send a child to seek assistance.

In the case an injury or incident occurs…

1. Call Patrol: (206)812-7382

  • If you feel the injury warrants patrol, always call. If you aren’t sure, call.
  • Send a passerby down to tell lift ops about incident- they can call too.
  • You may bring your student to Youth Programs, Private office, or Aid Room if not severe and there is no indication of a head, neck, or back injury of any kind.
  • If waiting on hill, do not move them unless necessary for safety.
    • Cross skis above incident to show uphill traffic.
    • Keep rest of class safe and together.
    • If collision has occurred, keep other party present.

2. When Patrol Arrives

Do what they ask in that moment. Always follow their directions.

  • Ensure student is comfortable with the patroller before leaving.
  • Adults and Privates: Keep skiing/riding with your class, continue until normal end time.
  • All Youth Groups: Take class to base area to inform supervisor of incident. Follow directions.

3. After Lesson: Paperwork & Follow-up

Fill out incident report form with supervisor.

  • Follow supervisor’s instructions.
  • Be prepared to complete paperwork that day.
  • All incidents, no matter how small, need to be documented (even if patrol wasn’t involved).
  • If appropriate you may visit your student in patrol.

Locker Room Guidelines

The locker areas must accommodate a large staff. Cooperation and consideration are vital in maintaining a functional area for all to use. Please observe the following for greatest success in this area:

      1. The Locker room will be unlocked from 7:30am until 5:00pm daily. Loaner key cards may be checked out from the administrative supervisor and must be returned the same day.
      2. Locker room is for Ski & Snowboard School Staff only. Children under 12 may accompany their guardian into the locker room but must be supervised at all times. Non-employees or staff from other departments may be allowed in the break room portion of the locker room ONLY by permission of a supervisor/manager but NEVER after hours (5:00pm). They may not use our bathrooms.
      3. Be sure the front and back door remain shut at latched at all times with the exception of when you are waxing your equipment. Please do not leave the area if you have propped the door open. This door is meant as an egress only.
      4. Inside and outside of lockers must remain sticker free. You may write your name on your locker only with China Marker and only under the number plate.
      5. Only locks provided by Stevens Pass may be used on your locker.
      6. Do not leave food overnight, it attracts mice and other mountain rodents. Any unattended food on the break room table is considered communal.
      7. Clean up after yourself. Help keep floors, waxing bench, kitchen, and bathrooms clean and trash-free.
      8. Please take initiative to empty garbage, recycling, and compost. Ask a supervisor/manager for directions and pay for your time.
      9. Skis, snowboards and poles must be stored in the ski/board storage room. Each instructor is allowed to store one set of equipment for each discipline that is taught. The space is just not large enough for extras.
      10. Boot dryers are only for instructors working the next day. Only place one set of boots on the dryer at a time. No street shoes. If your boots get tagged as Stinky please wash them before returning them to the rack. Spray boots often to keep the smell down.
      11. Boots only are allowed on top of lockers. You will have to work this out with the person whose locker is above/below yours, the management can help if there are problems. All other equipment and other items must be in your locker when you leave at night, no exceptions.
      12. Take wet personal items home to dry (gloves, layers, socks, etc). Do not hang your clothes or any items from the pipes. This is a fire code. Hooks on sides of lockers are for drying items during the day only. Wet instructor jackets may stay on the outside of your locker.
      13. Only one person at a time in the restrooms. Please limit your time as there are a lot of people using the restroom in a short amount of time. More restrooms are available in the main lodges.
      14. The locker room is for those who are teaching that day. If you need access to the locker room on your day off, please do not loiter and be respectful of those who are teaching.
      15. When your employment comes to an end, you must move out of the locker room.
      16. There is absolutely no alcohol, tobacco (including vaporizers, snuff, dip, etc) or drugs (including marijuana) allowed to be used or brought into the locker room.
      17. Be mindful of others. When changing, remain modest. Refrain from crude or offensive language of any kind. This is a place of work so please keep your conversations light and professional!

Waxing Procedures

Waxing Rules

These rules exist so we don’t set off the fire alarm again and lose our waxing privileges forever

They could fine us up to $5000 for a false alarm, and they are threatening to do just that. Poor waxing practices have tripped the alarm several times.

In a worst case scenario, the fire department is rallying to come up here for a false alarm while some poor person really needs them somewhere else.

 

If you are at all unsure of how to wax properly TOP!

Find a trainer or supervisor to assist you in properly waxing your equipment. Setting off the fire alarm due to misuse or the area and/or equipment is subject to employee discipline up to and including termination.

Here are some things we can do to stop the smoke

      1. Prop open the door so there is some airflow while you are working.
      2. Only use the official ski school ski and snowboard waxing iron. No other irons may be used.
      3. Keep the temperature low. A hotter iron does not make the process faster. Wax that is burned (smoking) has been chemically altered and will never be the same.
      4. If there is any sign of smoke take the iron outside immediately. The smoke alarm sensor is right above your head!
      5. Remember: Never leave the iron on and unattended. Make sure you turn it off when you are done.
      6. Scrape outside follow the procedures below for a sweet wax.

Waxing Procedures

  1. Remove surface dirt with dry rag.
  2. Drip or Rub warm wax on base to apply wax.
    1. Warm bar on iron.
    2. Use just enough wax.
  3. Iron in wax tip to tail slowly using light pressure
    1. With adequate wax and temperature you’ll pull a molten bead of wax about 1/2 – 2 inches behind the iron.
    2. If the wax starts smoking or if it’s necessary to move fast to keep the bead short, the iron is too hot. Take it outside immediately and clear the area of smoke before continuing.
  4. Allow the ski to cool completely before scraping the ski with the plastic scraper outside.
    1. Ideally, the ski should be allowed to cool in a warm environment. Soft waxes crystallize slower and take more time to set up.
    2. Contaminates in your base will float to the surface when waxing. If you don’t scrape that layer off the dirt will be driven back into the ski.
  5. Scrape off excess wax outside.
    1. Scrape until ski is smooth, the wax in the base is what matters.
    2. A nylon brush will remove wax from the structure in your base; use a stiff brush and then a softer one.
    3. Now you can polish your ski with a cloth to make it look sweet for re-sell value.
  6. If you let your base turn white (oxidize) you have done damage and it will never be the same.
  7. There is a whole lot more too tuning skis and all of it can be found for free on the Internet.

Abuse & Reporting Abuse Allegations

Abuse & Abuse Allegations Policy

In the Ski & Snowboard School we are likely to be working one-on-one with both children and adults. It is up to use to ensure they stay safe and respected while in our care. This includes understanding appropriate verbal and physical interactions, outlining appropriate electronic communications, the one-on-one interactions staff have with guests, and appropriate interactions outside of scheduled program activities. This policy is a strategy to prevent physical, emotional, and sexual abuse to the greatest extent possible.

 

Managing Verbal and Physical Interactions Between Adults and Children

At Stevens Pass we strive to consistently communicate positively with children and promote positive, respectful behavior. It is expected that you will respect similarities and difference, and encourage children to respect these differences as well. Stevens Pass prohibits both minor and adult employees from engaging in unacceptable behaviors with children and vulnerable adults. The consequences for such actions include corrective actions up to and including termination. All verbal and physical interactions with guests must be respectful and appropriate for the age group. When in doubt, ask yourself if you would feel comfortable staying or touching the student if their parent/guardian were there. Please see Appendix A for Zero Tolerance Behaviors and Actions.

 

Appropriate Electronic Communications Between Adults and Children

In general, there should be no reason for staff to be communicating with their minor students outside of the workplace. However, if the need does present itself, all communication should be done through the parent’s cell phone/email. It is best not to accept a minor students social media request to follow you, but if you choose to let them it is important to keep anything you post (or have posted) appropriate for minors to see. You should refrain from taking pictures of and/or with students on any personal device as this is an abuse of their privacy. See Appendix D.

 

One-on-One Interactions between Adults and Youth

 

Staff Monitoring and who requires supervisions at all times, including unauthorized one-on-one situations

Only employees who have had a background check upon hire are allowed to be alone with students. These are only instructors, attendants, and carpet operators 18 years of age and older. Lift attendants, rentals staff, cashiers, minor employees, etc have not passed through a background check and should not be left with minor students without supervision of another employee that has been through the background check. If you find yourself alone with a guest and you haven’t been through a background check, find another employee to be in the area with you or call for a supervisor on the radio.

 

Bathroom and Secluded Areas

Bathrooms and other secluded areas should always be supervised by Ski & Snowboard School staff who have been through our background check. Only staff who have been authorized by a manager may help students in using the toilet. When assisting in the bathroom, be sure to stay within sight of another adult. Never allow yourself to be alone in a bathroom with another person, and never in a situation in which you are locked in a stall with another person. In general, there are no secluded areas within our facilities that guests are allowed and taking any guest to those areas should be refrained from.

 

Maintaining Appropriate Ratios

When working with minors, it is important to ensure we do not try to supervise too many students at once. In general, one staff member should not be responsible for more than ten students at a time. If you find yourself in this situation, call a manager or supervisor to assist you.

 

Interactions Outside of Regularly Scheduled Program Activities

Off-hour contact with a child or vulnerable adult, including babysitting, movies, weekend trips, dating, social networking, and texting, are prohibited unless authorized by a manager or higher authority and the parent/guardian of that individual. This includes extending a lesson (or taking a lap) after work hours or after the lesson ends.

 

Response for Incidents of Abuse

 

Responding to Adult-to-Youth Abuse Allegations

If you suspect any sort of adult-to-youth allegations of any kind, it is imperative you inform a supervisor or manager right away. That person will contact Risk Management and DSHS. It is your responsibility to be available to discuss allegations at any point.

 

Responding to Youth-to-Youth Sexual Activity and Bullying

Youth-to-youth sexual activity allegations should always be reported to your manager or supervisor. There are many behaviors that may be a red flag for you. Generally, if you have a feeling, you should say something to your direct supervisor or manager. While we may not be able to see all signs of abuse as we may only meet a child once, there are some we can recognize. Some of these behaviors include:

– Strong reluctance to leave activities, as if he or she doesn’t want to go home.

– Attempts to run away and other rebellious or defiant behavior.

-Unexplained injuries such as bruises or burns, or injuries that don’t match the given explanation.

-Sexual behavior or knowledge that is inappropriate for child’s age.

-More symptoms can be found at www.mayoclinic.org

 

Reporting Policies

If you have suspicions of abuse with one of your students, it is important that you let your manager or supervisor know right away. We will contact Risk Management and the appropriate authoritative agencies from that point. After you have reported the allegations, we expect that you remain available to share your observations with the appropriate authorities.

 

Appendix A: Zero Tolerance Behaviors and Actions

The following behaviors constitute gross misconduct and shall result in the termination of one’s employment. Offenders shall be ineligible for rehire or reinstatement. The zero tolerance behaviors and actions are subject to the exceptions based on the program participant’s age and program, as enumerated in Appendix B3.

 

Touching

  1. Sexual abuse, molestation
  2. Physical abuse, corporal punishment (e.g., use of physical force, striking, squeezing, regardless of whether the action is intended to manage behavior).
  3. Inappropriate physical interaction (e.g., tickling, wrestling, swinging, messages, caressing, sitting on lap, patting on bottom, kissing).

Other Actions

  1. Verbal abuse (e.g., raising one’s voice in an aggressive or threatening manner; belittling or making pejorative remarks about the individual or the individual’s family, national origin, religion, secularity, ethnicity, disabilities, sexual orientation, etc; and threatening to inflict bodily harm on an individual or the individual’s family or friends).
  2. Bullying, taunting, intimidation by physical force.
  3. Sending or replying to electronic communications with youth (e.g., text messaging, social media networking, email, instant messaging, snapchatting, etc) in a manner that violates Appendix B4- Electronic Communication Between Staff and Youth.
  4. Employing inappropriate consequence to manage behavior (e.g., closing a child in a closet or cabinet; retraining a child inappropriately such as by tying their hands with string, strapping child in a highchair; taping a child’s mouth).
  5. Instructor or staff asking a child not to reveal the words or actions of staff members, other students, or volunteers.
  6. A determination by a child protection or law enforcement agenct that there is credible evidence that the employee or volunteer committed abuse or neglect (i.e., and indicated finding: or it’s equivalent).
  7. Failure to fully cooperate with an investigation by any law enforcement agency, or other authorize outside agency.
  8. Sexual exploitation of any kind. This includes allowing students to follow you on social media platforms or having a public profile and sharing nude pictures.
  9. Being nude in front of youth.
  10. Supervisors discouraging any mandated reporter from calling CFSD Hotline, or asking any mandated reporter to change his/her report of suspected child abuse/neglect to CFSD.
  11. Off-hour contact with a child or vulnerable adult, including babysitting, movies, weekend trips, dating, social networking and texting, unless authorized by a manager or higher authority and parent/guardian of student. This includes extending a lesson (or taking a lap after work hours or after the lesson ends.
  12. Leaving a child behind; unaware a child is not supervised.
  13. Releasing a child to an unauthorized person in programs with controlled pick-up procedures. This means not checking security card or ensuring state-issued ID matches one of the emergency contacts on the students legband, in their child registration profile, or on their liability form. If the student does not have a full name on the leg band (e.g., Moma, Dada), the student may not be released to that individual.
  14. Leaving children in an environment with insufficient supervision or adult-child ratios.
  15. Being alone with a single participant in a location where you cannot be observed by other staff or adults.
  16. Taking a child to the bathroom or locker room without an additional adult or child, and outside the view of others.
  17. Not adequately supervising a child during transition times (before and after the lesson, during parent pick-up).
  18. Not adequately monitoring a child during off-site and overnight activities (i.e. competitions).
  19. Transporting a program participant in a personal vehicle without prior approval from parent/guardian and manager.
  20. Failing to provide prescribed medication, providing wrong medication, or the wrong dosage of an authorized, prescribed medication. Stevens Pass Ski & Snowboard School staff are not authorized to provide any medication, prescribed or otherwise, to any student.
  21. Serving food with nuts or other allergens to a child with known allergies (or serving food to any child without the knowledge of if they have allergies).
  22. Illegal activity of any kind (including the staff use of drugs or alcohol before, or during the work shift).
  23. Failing to disclose past criminal history or criminal behavior subsequent to employment.
  24. Using, selling or providing alcohol or illegal drugs on-site, during program hours. Providing over-the-count drugs to children and vulnerable participants, except in the case of an epinephrine injection with documented parental authorization.

 

Actions/Consequences

  1. Immediate unpaid suspension while the situation is being investigated. Termination may be recommended in substantiated.
  2. Immediate contact with Stevens Pass Human Resources and/or Risk Management.

 

Appendix B- Generally Not Allowed Behavior

The following behaviors may result in corrective action up to and including termination of employment. In certain situations, however, these behaviors might be appropriate (i.e., in accordance with the exceptions enumerated in Appendix B3).

 

Touching

  1. Frontal hugs and bear hugs (rarely; child-initiated hug and release may be acceptable).
  2. Application of sunscreen
  3. Holding hands: intent is to eliminate special, singular relationships (may be appropriate for groups, games, preschool and younger children (ages 3-6)).
  4. Patting on head (demeaning in some cultures).
  5. Restraining a child (unless child is in immediate danger to self or others; to avoid harm to a child; physically redirecting child to safety).
  6. Corporal punishment or aggressive physical contact intended for behavior management (e.g., yanking arm, grabbing shoulder, pushing child into position).
  7. Roughhousing (aggressive physical contact, often for fun, child not in control of body).
  8. Lifting, carrying, piggy-back or arm-chair rides (exceptions can be made for assisting a child to stand after a fall or moving an injured child to safety).

 

Other Actions

  1. Emotional abuse (e.g., sarcasm, harsh or abusive words; rejecting or expressing dislike for a child or vulnerable adults).
  2. Neglect by failing to provide for basic needs (including failure to ensure child is adequately fed, hydrated, clothed, and has adequate access to the restroom. Denying snack as a behavior consequence. Providing inappropriate first aid or medical care.)
  3. Personal gifts to children or their parents (includes any gift, note, craft, food, or beverage intended to give a child and/or parent special attention not given to others).
  4. Staff clustering or standing together instead of spreading out for best supervision.
  5. Losing a child (depends on duration, when/where child found, how occurred at managers or Risk Management’s discretion).
  6. Failure to supervise child according to program or individual guidelines (depends on program structure, ages, duration, and circumstances).
  7. Crossing boundaries of appropriate/inappropriate interaction with youth (including telling stories of personal sexual relationships, illegal activity, siding with participant as opposed to supporting staff with rues).
  8. Singling a child out for favored attention or giving the appearance of grooming.

 

Consequences

  1. Investigation which may include suspension of all work on premises.
  2. Decision may find the interaction was appropriate or inappropriate; if inappropriate, corrective action up to and including termination of employment.

 

Appendix C- Appropriate Actions and Allowable Exceptions

Generally encouraged, however even appropriate touch can be inappropriate when excessive or done for staff’s personal pleasure or when the intention is to give preferential treatment.

 

Touching

  1. Side Hugs
  2. Frame Hugs
  3. Shaking hands
  4. High fives, fist bumps
  5. Positive hand signs and greetings
  6. Fixing hair (i.e., put a clip back in, put hair in ponytail or braid to remove from face; group activity okay but not okay for selected special attention or prolonged time with any one person).

 

Allowable Exceptions for Kid’s Club and Private Lessons with Children Ages 6 and Below

  1. Holding hands
  2. Sitting close, arm around body, or holding to comfort
  3. Frontal hugs (when child initiated).
  4. Lifting and carrying (unless child refuses)
  5. Cleaning diaper area (only allowed for staff with explicit permission by manager).
  6. Helping young child at toilet (only allowed for staff with explicit permission by manager).

 

Exceptions for Snow Sports Instructors and Staff for All Ages or Program Participants

    1. Lifting (unless refused)
    2. Sitting close or holding close
    3. Arm around body
    4. Holding hands when instruction or safety reasons require

 

Appendix D: Electronic Communication Between Staff and Youth

  1. Employees will not communicate electronically with any youth in registered programs through the child’s personal means (cell phone, social media, email, etc). Employees will only communicate through the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) when aged 17 and under, and only for matters in direct relation to the registered program.
  2. Cell phone numbers and email addresses will be part of any parent/guardian contact information.
  3. Emails or texts to groups of youth must always include parents and program supervisors as well, and must always be done via official Stevens Pass email accounts whenever possible. When personal ones are used, the appropriate Stevens Pass email account must be copied on that email.
  4. Communications through group pages on Facebook or other designated public forums are acceptable; communications with youth through private profiles on Facebook and other public forums that are accessible to youth is not acceptable.
  5. Other forms of inappropriate electronic communication include:
    1. Making harsh, coercive, threatening, intimidating, shaming, derogatory, demeaning, or humiliating comments.
    2. Holding sex-oriented conversations.
    3. Sending private messages
    4. Posting inappropriate comments or pictures, even on one’s personal wall when visible to youth.
  6. Electronic communications originating from children to Stevens Pass staff must be acknowledged with a response to the child, and with copies to the parent/guardian. The child will be informed not to send any messages without copying his or her parent/guardian in the future
ABILITY LEVELS