Softball Parents,
About an hour ago in San Diego John Gardner was sentenced for the rape and murder of Chelsea King and Amber Dubois as well as the attempted rape of another woman. Child predators live among us and our daughters are their prey. This is the start of tournament season and it is imperative that we parents are proactive and take steps to protect our children. After the news of Chelsea's abduction broke a few months ago, and that a registered sex offender was the prime suspect, I did a search of our Megan's Law website and learned that 23 sex offenders live within 10 miles of my home rec fields.
Tournaments are a perfect time for these monsters to scout for victims. Tournaments have hundreds if not thousands of attendees and you have no idea who belongs and who does not. I am taking several protective steps and I encourage you to do so as well. First I printed off booklets that contain the picture and information on over 100 sex offenders that live within 25 miles of my home rec fields. The key board members have a copy as do the managers and the snack shack. We have asked a few of the parents that are in law enforcement to provide a presence at our fields during the tournament. I have also implemented rules that require all players go in pairs or with their parents everywhere at the tournaments. These are 14U girls so those with younger teams may want to implement even stricter standards. I have also spoken to my parents about the importance of keeping an eye on their other children. I have seen too many times parents focused on their DD on the field and their younger child playing out of sight.
Tournament season is an exciting time and the girls will have memories for a lifetime. As parents we need to take steps and action to ensure they are positive and happy memories. God bless.
About an hour ago in San Diego John Gardner was sentenced for the rape and murder of Chelsea King and Amber Dubois as well as the attempted rape of another woman. Child predators live among us and our daughters are their prey. This is the start of tournament season and it is imperative that we parents are proactive and take steps to protect our children. After the news of Chelsea's abduction broke a few months ago, and that a registered sex offender was the prime suspect, I did a search of our Megan's Law website and learned that 23 sex offenders live within 10 miles of my home rec fields.
Tournaments are a perfect time for these monsters to scout for victims. Tournaments have hundreds if not thousands of attendees and you have no idea who belongs and who does not. I am taking several protective steps and I encourage you to do so as well. First I printed off booklets that contain the picture and information on over 100 sex offenders that live within 25 miles of my home rec fields. The key board members have a copy as do the managers and the snack shack. We have asked a few of the parents that are in law enforcement to provide a presence at our fields during the tournament. I have also implemented rules that require all players go in pairs or with their parents everywhere at the tournaments. These are 14U girls so those with younger teams may want to implement even stricter standards. I have also spoken to my parents about the importance of keeping an eye on their other children. I have seen too many times parents focused on their DD on the field and their younger child playing out of sight.
Tournament season is an exciting time and the girls will have memories for a lifetime. As parents we need to take steps and action to ensure they are positive and happy memories. God bless.