Hotel Safety

Traveling with your soccer team is fun and exciting, but it’s important to make safety a priority. No matter where you are traveling, or where you are staying, be sure to keep the following tips in mind. We hope you have a fun and winning season!

• Plan ahead. Ensure team leads have a rooming list and all team members are clear on curfews, rules, codes of conduct and contact information for coaches and chaperones.

• Use the buddy system – no individual team member should leave their room or the hotel without a buddy (preferably an adult) and without notifying their coach/chaperone.

• Team members should never answer the door without verifying who it is. If a person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and confirm that someone from the staff has a valid reason to access to your room. If at all possible only an adult should answer the door.

• Keep personal information, including room numbers, secure at all times. Room information should not be shared where it can be overheard by other guests.

• If possible, leave room key access with chaperones and coaches. Keys should be kept with guests at all times and not be needlessly displayed in public. Should a key be misplaced, notify the front desk immediately.

• Close and lock room doors at all times. Do not prop doors as this leaves room access for ALL hotel guests. Close and lock all doors and windows whenever you exit the room.

• Team members should not draw attention to themselves by displaying money, expensive phones, or electronics. When leaving valuables in the room, use the room safe or ask about the hotel’s safe deposit box.

• Always be aware of your surroundings. In the evening, stay in well-lighted areas and when coming and going from the hotel, use the main entrance.

• Have an emergency plan. Ensure all team members are familiar with the nearest exit and have a designated meeting place for everyone to congregate. Roll call should be taken as soon as possible.

• If you see any suspicious activity or persons, notify the hotel operator or a staff member immediately.