Behavioral Policy


INTRODUCTION
Wrangell Parks & Recreation is committed to providing a safe, positive environment for both patrons and staff. Consistent rule enforcement and appropriate behavior management help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Staff must understand the purpose behind each rule, recognize actions that may lead to injury, and prioritize safety at all times.

Rule enforcement is intended to promote safety, not to punish or demean. Many violations occur simply because patrons are unaware of the rules. Clear, respectful communication - especially when paired with a brief explanation - usually resolves issues. When it does not, staff must follow the department’s Behavior Policy.
 
GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE
Staff must consistently enforce rules to maintain a safe environment. Stay attentive to all activity in your assigned area and promptly redirect unsafe behavior. Our goal is to maintain a disciplinary approach that is reasonable, consistent, and fair. When addressing a patron:
  1. Know all rules, their purposes, and when they apply.
  2. When possible, explain why a rule exists and what risk it prevents.
  3. Support disciplinary actions taken by other staff to present a unified approach.
  4. Treat all patrons fairly - no exceptions or favoritism.
  5. Apply rules consistently in all situations.
  6. When feasible, bring patrons closer to speak calmly without raising your voice.
  7. Avoid overusing the whistle so it remains effective.
  8. Be firm but respectful.
  9. If you cannot maintain control of a situation, seek assistance from a head guard or supervisor.
If a patron becomes upset, listen attentively and try to resolve the concern. If the issue persists, notify a supervisor. In situations that escalate or become unclear, document what occurred.
 
DISCIPLINARY ACTION PROCEDURES
Refer to the Behavior Policy for full guidance. The following summarizes the three levels of disciplinary action. Note documentation requirements carefully.
WARNING
Explain the rule violation and ask the patron to stop the behavior. Briefly state the reason for the rule and inform them of the next steps if the behavior continues.
TIMEOUT
The patron must sit out for 5–15 minutes, depending on the severity of the behavior, under staff supervision. Staff must document the incident on the Disciplinary Action Recap Sheet. Parent/guardian contact is optional and based on the seriousness of the situation.
REMOVAL
The patron is referred to the office. Staff must contact the parent/guardian (if under 18) and inform them of the situation and suspension length, if applicable. An Incident Report Form is required. Staff must also notify the Director or Recreation Coordinator.


If a patron becomes violent, verbally abusive, or refuses to leave, contact the police. Document the incident.
 
TIERS UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORS CONSEQUENCES
 
 
1		  
· Defiance, disrespect, non-compliance
· Disruption
· Inappropriate language/music
· Inappropriate location (employee only area)
· Property misuse

  Warning
 Time out of the pool
 Parent or guardian contact
 3rd offense moves to Tier 2   consequences
 
 
 
2		  
· Abusive language, inappropriate language, profanity (major)
· Defiance, disrespect, insubordination, non-compliance (major)
· Disruption (major)
· Harassment or bullying
· Inappropriate location (employee only area)
 		  Removal from the facility for 1 day at a   minimum
 Parent and supervisor meeting
 3rd offense moves to Tier 3   consequences
 
 
 
3
 
· Property damage or vandalism
· Harassment or bullying
· Theft (<$50)
· Use or possession of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol		  
 1st offense = Removal from facility for 1 week at a minimum, parent and supervisor meeting
 2nd offense = Removal from the facility for 2 weeks at a minimum, parent and supervisor meeting
 3rd offense moves to Tier 4 consequences
 
 
 
4		  
· Fighting
· Physical aggression or assault
· Use or possession of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol
· Use or possession of combustible
· Severe theft (>$50)
 		  
 Removal from the facility for 1 month to 1 year depending on severity and repeat   offenses
 Parent and supervisor meeting is   mandatory
 Police may be called
 
 
 
 
Please note that it is the intention of Wrangell P&R to ensure that children can enjoy all recreation opportunities and facilities safely and frequently. If unacceptable behaviors persist within a short period of time (2 weeks up to a month) the next tier of recommended consequences will be explored. However, it is always the goal to have a clean slate upon returning to activities following a set of consequences



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