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Policy Reform Proposal
City of Dania Beach - Youth Sports Coaching Eligibility Reform
Allowing lndividuals With Felony Convictions to Coach, Excluding Child-Related Offenses
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2. Gulding Principles
- Safety First Protecting minors remains the highest priority.
- Semnd Chances:Adults with past convictions can contribute positively to youth programs.
-Fairness: Not all felonies pose a risk to children.
-Transparency: Clear, consistenl rules for applicants and families.
-Compliance: Align with Florida's Level 2 background-screening requirements.
3. Policy Overview
3.1 Mandatory Background Screening
All coaching applicanls must complele a Level 2 background check, including fingerprinting and natlonal
criminal-history review, before interacting with youth.
3.2 Offenses That Remain Fully Disqualifying
The following offenses *'cannot"t be approved under any circumstances:
Child-Related Criminal Offenses
- Any crime where the victim was a minor
- Child abuse, neglect, or endangerment
- Child exploitation
- Any offense involving sexual conduct with or toward a minor
These offenses permanently bar an individual from coaching youth sports
3.3 Felonies Eligible for Review
All other felony categories may be rsviewed on a case-by-case basis, including:
- Non-violent drug offenses
- Property crimes (burglary lheft)
- Financial crimes (fraud, forgery)
- Non-violent offenses involving adults
- Older violent offenses where substantial rehabilitation is demonstrated
Eligibility does not guarantee approval; it allows the applicant to enter the review process.
1. Purpose of the Reform
This policy reform expands coaching eligibility to individuals with felony convictions while maintaining
strict protections for youth. The reform supports rehabilitation and second-chance opportunities but draws
a firm line against offenses involving children.
3.4 Coaching Eligibility Review Board
A three-member board will evaluate applicants with felony convictions:
- One Parks & Recreation representative
- One Human Resources representative
- One community member appointed by the City Manager
The board will consider:
- Time since the offense
- Nature and severity of the offense
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Employment and volunteer history
- Letters of recommendation
- Applicant interview (if needed)
A majority vote is required for approval
3.5 Appeal Process
Applicants denied eligibility may submit one appeal within 15 days. Appeals will be reviewed by the City
Manager or designee.
3.6 Transparency
The City will publicly share:
- The policy
- The review process
- Assurance that all coaches undergo Level 2 screening
No personal criminal-history details will be disclosed.
3.7 Annual Review
The Parks & Recreation Department will review the policy annually to ensure:
- Compliance with state law
- Effectiveness of safety measures
- Faimess and consistency
4. Expected Benefits
- Expanded volunleer pool
- Strong protections for youth
- Fair, structured second-chance opportunities
- lncreased community trust
- Clear, consistent decision-making