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Optional Gathering Response

Honor the choice after the invitation is declined.

Fifteen minutes for one practical decisionFree · Two-page fillable PDF

Companion to An Optional Team Prayer Must Stay Optional When a Child Declines.

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See a worked example

Hypothetical example: A child declines an actually permitted optional gathering. The coach follows the existing supervised alternative and answers the child’s next coaching question normally, without asking peers to intervene.

01Let the declined invitation mean what it says

Record the actual invitation and the child’s response.

What was actually described as optional

Response given without inferred motive

Program arrangement to verify

02Offer an ordinary next place without a spectacle

Confirm the ordinary supervised alternative.

Supervised alternative already agreed

Adult responsible for the whole group

Practical issue requiring a changed plan

03Keep the coaching relationship independent

Check coaching and teammate conduct after the choice.

Next coaching interaction observed

Peer pressure that needs addressing

Relevant assessment criteria retained

04Answer the family through the proper route

Record the family question and responsible program follow-up.

Actual concern raised

Adult wording or conduct to correct

Responsible person and next review