SAFETY & SAFE HAVEN   Safety Safety of the children is first and foremost. Sparks Region strictly enforces the following: Lightning Policy: It is Mandatory that no training or match is to start if lightning is visible anywhere in the valley shortly before start time. If lightning is visible anywhere after training or a match has started, play stops immediately players leave the field immediately. All subsequent training sessions and matches are cancelled for that day.     * Matches will not be postponed or cancelled due to rain, snow or cold unless otherwise        notified by the Region. Dog Policy: No dogs are allowed at any AYSO function. This is for the safety of the children and is a city ordinance. Anyone who brings a dog to an AYSO function will be asked to remove the dog from the field by a board member or referee. If the dog is not removed, the training session or match will be stopped until the dog is removed. 3. Secure Goals: All goals set up for training or matches must be secure – staked to the ground. Training or match play can not take place without secure goals.   Safe Haven This youth sports program is community based and relies solely on volunteers to run the operation. In keeping in line with the safety of the children, every coach, referee and board member must be Safe Haven certified. In addition, a background check is performed on every volunteer each year.   Safe Haven is a child and volunteer protection program that was the first of its kind in youth sports. The child protection aspect is intended to stop child abuse, promote education and awareness, enforce policies, screen volunteers and train volunteers. It includes proactive steps that promote a positive, healthy environment for child.   Volunteer protection comes in to play as a result of volunteer training, certification and continuing education. The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 provides certain legal protections for volunteers who have been trained and certified, and act in accordance with a written job description. Safe Haven has these three elements, giving volunteers the highest degree of protection available under the law.   All volunteers are required to take the Safe Haven Training Course. Safe Haven Training is offered online.   Safe Haven Training