Purpose

This policy provides clear guidance for parents, coaches, and team personnel to respond appropriately and effectively if they witness or suspect inappropriate conduct, ensuring the safety and well-being of children in soccer programs. 

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals involved in soccer activities, including parents, coaches, volunteers, team officials, and administrative staff. 

Definition of Inappropriate Conduct 

Inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to: 

• Physical abuse or excessive physical force. 

• Verbal abuse, including shouting, threats, or demeaning language. 

• Sexual abuse, exploitation, or grooming behaviour. 

• Harassment, bullying, or discrimination. 

• Neglect, such as failure to provide proper care or supervision. 

Responsibilities of Witnesses

If you witness inappropriate conduct:

 Immediate Actions 

1. Ensure Immediate Safety 

• Prioritize the safety and well-being of the child or children involved. If necessary, remove them from the situation and ensure they are in a safe and supervised space. 

• If there is an immediate threat, call 911 or local emergency services. 

2. Document Observations

• Write down the details of the incident as soon as possible. Include:

• Date, time, and location of the incident. 

• Names of individuals involved. 

• Description of the behaviour or conduct observed. 

• Any actions taken in response. 

Reporting the Incident 

3. Report to Authorities 

• Inform the appropriate authority immediately:

• For Coaches and Team Personnel: Report to the team’s Child Protection Officer (CPO), club executive, or designated safeguarding lead. 

• For Parents: Report to the coach, CPO, or club official in writing. 

• If the incident involves potential abuse or neglect, contact Child Protection Services or law enforcement directly, as required by law. 

4. Confidentiality 

• Do not discuss the incident with others except as required by this policy. Protect the privacy of all parties involved while the matter is being addressed. Follow-Up Actions.

5. Cooperate with Investigations 

• Cooperate fully with any internal or external investigations conducted by the club, Canada Soccer, or legal authorities. o Provide honest and detailed accounts of what you witnessed.

 6. Support the Child

• Reassure the child involved and provide emotional support. Do not interrogate or press the child for details—leave this to trained professionals. 

Club Responsibilities 

The club must: 

1. Acknowledge and Act on Acknowledge receipt of reports immediately. 

• Take appropriate steps to investigate and address the issue, including contacting legal authorities if necessary. 

2. Protect Whistleblowers

• Ensure that individuals who report inappropriate conduct are protected from retaliation or negative consequences. 

3. Provide Training

• Regularly train all personnel on recognizing and responding to inappropriate conduct. 

4. Maintain Records

• Keep detailed records of all reports, investigations, and outcomes.

Prohibited Actions 

• Ignoring or dismissing reports of inappropriate conduct. 

• Retaliating against individuals who report concerns. 

• Conducting informal investigations without involving the appropriate authorities. 

When in Doubt 

If you are unsure whether a behaviour constitutes inappropriate conduct, err on the side of caution and report the incident. It is better to raise a concern than to overlook a potential risk to a child’s safety. 

Contact Information for Reporting 

Please report any incidents to Futsal Club Toronto  personnel and/or contact Brandon Cooper (brandon@futsalclubtoronto.com / 647.913.4777) 

This policy is reviewed annually and updated to reflect changes in legal and organizational standards. By working together, we can ensure a safe and positive environment for every child in soccer.