Amplify “3 Strikes” Po licy Introduced 10/24/2012; Implemented 11/7/2012 Purpose:This policy has been created to set a standard of behavior for all students in the youth ministry while they are attending Amplify Youth Ministry functions. When we meet as a group to worship God through singing, prayer, group discussion, study, and fellowship it is extremely important that distractions are kept at a minimum. Our primary goal as a ministry is to create opportunities where students can meet, be changed by, and grow with Jesus. When distractions are present these opportunities can be greatly diminished and even destroyed. Therefore we are going to take every m easure necessary to protect these environments and opportunities. When students become distractions to themselves and others around them by taking the focus away from the opportunities to meet and grow with Jesus and each other it is then that this policy will take effect. Strike meaning & Consequence: -The 1 st strike is a simple warning to the student to stop doing whatever it is that is creating the distraction. -If a 2 nd strike is given, the student will be moved to another part of the room where they are far less likely to be a distraction and reminded that another incident will result in their 3 rd strike. -If a 3 rd strike is given, the student will either: be taken to their parents wherever they are in the building and stay with them the remainder of the evening or an adult sponsor will call their parents to come get them. If parents can’t be reached then the student will be completely removed from the room until a parent can be reached to come pick them up. *Obviously Adult Sponsors will not be “ou t to get” students with strikes. That would be counter-productive to our purpose as a ministry in many ways, but the job of a sponsor is to facilitate and protect each function of the yo uth ministry. Therefore they wil l make informed and fair decisions on when to implement strikes. **While on trips the method of implementing strikes will be determined based on the nature of the trip and the nature of the distraction (For example: fun trips like amusement park trips or concerts would naturally be much more relaxed then spiritual retreats), but the progression and consequences of the strikes will remain the same. Carry-over: We assume the best in all people and so we assume that every time a student attends they will be a vital part of what takes place at ‘AMP’ or ‘ReCharge’ or any other event/activity. Therefore, each time a student attends a function they will receive a c lean slate to start over with zero strikes; so there will be no carrying strikes over from week to week or activity to activity. However, if a student is continually a distraction week after week, then a conversation with parents will take place about what needs to happen for that kind of behavior to stop so they can continue to be a vital and active part of the work of God with the youth ministry. Trips & Retreats:This policy will apply to all activities, trips, and retreats away from the church grounds as well a s on them. We do not want to send students home from retreats and trips that in many cases can be the best opportunity a student has to meet Jesus; however, this policy will apply to all activities. While on trips any effort to keep a student on the trip and not sent home will be made (i.e. - calls to parents with 2 nd strike occurrences, sitting out of major activities during trip, etc); however, if a student refuses to cooperate and continues to be a discipline problem and a distraction to others then parents will be contacted and the student will be sent home. Student’s Signature of Agreement Parent’s Signature of Agreement DATE Signed ____________________________ ___ _____ ___-___-___Write Legibly Please Write Legibly Please
