Rule of Two (parents & coaches)

Simple version: a player should never be alone with one adult in a position of authority. Keep interactions open, observable, and easy to explain.

Best practice

Two screened adults with the athlete(s) — ideally two background-checked coaches.

Acceptable minimum

One screened coach plus another screened adult (parent, manager, or official).

Everyday examples

• Don’t drive a player home alone or share a hotel room — use 3-person carpools and separate rooms
• Don’t give a locker-room talk alone — two adults, or wait outside an open door
• No 1-on-1 DMs or texts with a player — use group chats; CC a parent or second coach
• Treat injuries in the open, not behind a closed door

Physical contact stays public (high-fives, fist bumps). For girls’ teams, it’s strongly recommended that at least one screened adult present is female.

Coach reference sheet: THE RULE OF TWO — Coach’s Reference Sheet (PDF).

Course link for team officials: Understanding the Rule of Two.