Active Searching for Active Pastimes Finding the Right Time to Get Your Children Into Sports
Whether you were the star player or the kid who picked flowers in the middle of the field all game, almost everyone has memories of being on a sports teamwhen they were young. Some lose interest over time and pursue other activities, while others find they really enjoy their sport, maybe have a real talent for it, and continue playing until they are young adults. Whatever the case, parents should take a couple of factors into consideration when determining if their child is ready for sports. If they begin playing too early, it might turn them off to the sport before they really understand it. It could also result in premature wear on muscles and bones that prevents them from playing their sport later on. Most experts believe that the proper age for introducing your child to sports is somewhere between 6 and 9 years old. When they are younger than 6, it is important for them to be active, but their motor skills are not yet
appear before the university or institution’s Title IX board. At these hearings, both parties are asked to provide statements regarding the alleged event, and the institution determines what disciplinary action, if any, is warranted. This could include expulsion, suspension, dismissal from clubs and activities, and class schedule changes. These hearings are separate from possible criminal proceedings, but any information accumulated in the investigation may be submitted to legal authorities for potential prosecution. Title IX, in a lurch. In any criminal case, you have a right to remain silent, but a school can submit an accused person’s answers to the police. Because of the possible educational and legal repercussions of these situations, this can be very traumatic for those who are accused. This is why legal representation is so important. Lawyers help defendants prepare their statements and provide clear guidance through their Title IX hearing and possible criminal case. The best solution to Title IX’s complexities is to refrain from behavior that could lead to these types of allegations. When you are Some children might not show interest in organized sports at all. If your child does not seem interested in any sports, even though they are old enough to understand the rules and are coordinated enough to play, you might want to This leaves defendants, who have legal rights according to the same constitution that houses If your child does not seem to enjoy team sports, you might see if they may like more individual sports, like running or swimming. Their personality can be just as significant as their age when it comes to choosing the right sport. developed enough to play most competitive sports. Trying to get them to understand this fact at that age might only make them frustrated with the sport and make them dislike it before they can even give it a try. Even when children are between the ages of 6 and 9, they might not be ready for sports that require higher forms of coordination, like football or hockey. Instead, try sports like T-ball, soccer, or karate. Theywon’t be ready for more intensive sports until they are 10–12 years old.
consider other activities, like art or music classes. Still, it is essential that they are active for at least an hour every day, no matter their interests.
engaged in sexual activity, be sure there is no doubt involved and have an open discussion with your partner; these accusations often involve students who have been engaged in a consensual sexual relationship. Be extra vigilant when drugs and alcohol are involved by either participant. When alcohol is involved, you are in dangerous territory of valid consent. Additionally, any text messages between the parties will be scrutinized and what would normally be classified as typical relationship “spats” could be interpreted as evidence of abusive behavior. seem to like the sport you signed them up for, encourage them to at least finish out the season. They might just need a little more time to warm up to it. However, if they still aren’t enjoying it at the end of the season, help them find other activities that they might like better. Ultimately, when a child is ready to play sports, it is important to stay in tune with what brings them joy and what keeps them mentally and physically healthy. Sexual assault and harassment are never acceptable, and survivors deserve the protections Title IX and criminal trials produce. But those being accused have rights too, and those rights can be in jeopardy in the Title IX arena without proper legal representation. Accused students usually feel compelled to speak out and defend themselves. But any statements can be used against the accused in the Title IX investigation as well as any resulting criminal investigation. Any type of sexual assault criminal charge has serious implications, including incarceration. If you or a loved one are facing a Title IX hearing, Phyllis Law can offer guidance. Find out how by calling 404.514.3397. Sometimes kids will get frustrated with the sports they play (even if they like playing them), and they might want to quit. If your child doesn’t
Understanding Your Rights The Complexities of Title IX and Being Accused
Title IX is a well-known constitutional amendment, and its ratification in 1972 paved the way for female sports in schools. It was a solid victory for equal rights, however, since its implementation, it has also created important and complex stipulations on sexual assault and harassment within educational institutions. Specifically, Title IX states, “No person in the United States, on the basis of sex, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” This is applied to occurrences of sexual assault and harassment at federally funded educational institutions because courts have ruled that if a school has authority over an accused abuser, the institution is required to take action.
When someone is accused of sexual assault, they — and the person accusing them — must
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