When communicating electronically with minor athletes, what guideline should be followed?

When communicating electronically with minor athletes, it is important to copy another adult or the minor’s parent in all communications. This guideline helps ensure transparency and accountability during interactions. Involving a parent or another responsible adult in the conversation serves as a protective measure for the minor, fostering a safer environment by preventing any miscommunications or inappropriate interactions. This practice aligns with the principles of safeguarding youth and reinforces the importance of having multiple parties aware of the discussions taking place, which can help protect both the athlete and the adult involved.

The other choices—communicating only directly with the minor, limiting communication to weekends, or using only encrypted messaging apps—do not provide the same level of oversight and protection that copying an adult or parent does. They fail to include necessary adult supervision, which is crucial in maintaining safe communication boundaries with minor athletes.