Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct identifies the standard of behavior, which is expected of all Club members, including players, coaches, parents, directors, officials, managers, volunteers and employees. The Club is committed to providing a sport environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and integrity. Members of the Club shall conduct themselves at all times in a fair and responsible manner. Members shall refrain from comments or behaviours that are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist.

During the course of all Club activities and events, members shall avoid behavior, which brings the Club or the sport of soccer into disrepute, including but not limited to abusive use of alcohol and non-medical use of drugs.

• Respects officials, opponents, representatives of other soccer clubs, parents, players and coaches,
• Promotes fair play and skill development,
• Enhances the reputation of the Club, and
• Adds to the enjoyment of the game for all participants.

The Club expects that the standards of behavior outlined in this Code of Conduct to be followed by everyone. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in the member losing privileges that come with membership in the Club, including the opportunity to participate in activities.

Harassment

Harassment by nature is disrespectful and therefore considered unacceptable by the Club. Harassment is defined as a comment, conduct or gesture directed toward an individual or group of individuals which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive. The OSA’s policy deals with harassment that fits -the definition “to disturb persistently; torment, bother continually; persecute; to trouble by repeated attacks or hostilities. Harassment is generally the result of an ongoing pattern of unwanted or unacceptable behaviour however it can also result from a single isolated act such as: physical assault, sexual touching or sexual assault, unwanted comments about a person’s race, religion or sexual orientation. Harassment is defined as any unwelcome advances, for sexual favours or other verbal or physical conduct when

1. submitting to or rejecting this conduct is used as the basis for making decisions which affect the individual
2. such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individuals performance
3. such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment

Clubs should first attempt to resolve the issues that violate their code of conduct in a manner that is specified by the club for Code of Conduct infractions. Codes of Conduct should not deal with more serious behavior and the Club must direct these concerns to the Provincial Harassment Officers should they fit into the harassment definition provided.

Abuse

The Club, is required to ensure the safely of all members. If you have a. reasonable belief to suspect that a child is .or may be suffering or may have suffered abuse or neglect, you are to directly report this to Family and Children’s Services. A child is defined as any person 16 years of age and younger.

Fair Play

The notion of Fair Play is a universally understood concept, which underpins all of sport. Without fairness, sport is devoid of any meaning or purpose. Worse still, it can be a detrimental experience for its participants. Fair Play is also a philosophy — one of respect for others, and respect for the institution of sport. It leads to an agreement, between all those involved in sport, on the values and lessons that we want sport to teach our children, and ourselves. Playing fair also has to do with making choices. As we interact with each other in sport, or as spectators, we must regularly consider and define what we think is right and what is not. Sport engages us in a collective effort to pursue human excellence. As our children interact with each other in sport, their ability to make goad choices about fair play issues matures along with their ability to think and learn about what makes for a rewarding and fulfilling life in society.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES

• I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that players have other interests and obligations.
• I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
• I will ensure that all players receive equal instruction, support and playing time.
• I will not ridicule or yell at my players for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
• I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the players’ ages and abilities.
• I will remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and will endeavour to set a good example.
• I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.
• I will remember that it is a privilege, not a right, to coach.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS

• I will participate because I want to, not just because my parents or coaches want me to.
• I will play by the rules of soccer and in the spirit of the game.
• I will control my temper. Fighting, “mouthing off and ‘trash talking* (verbal abuse) spoils the activity for everybody.
• I will do my best to be a true team player
• I will acknowledge all good plays/performances of my team and of my opponents.
• I will remember that winning isn’t everything – that having fun, improving skills, Making friends and doing my best are also important.
• I will acknowledge all good plays/performances — those of my team and of my opponents.
• I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. will accept their decisions and show them respect.
• I will respect my team’s opponents.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS?GUARDIANS

• I will not force my child to participate in sports.
• I will remember that children play soccer for their own enjoyment, not for mine.
• I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
• I will teach my child that doing one’s best is as important as winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game/event.
• I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.
• I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
• I will remember that children learn best by example.  I will applaud good plays/performances by both my child’s team and their opponents.
• I will never question the officials’ judgment or honesty in public.
• I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.
• I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to provide sport activities for my child.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SPECTATORS

• I will remember that children play soccer for their own enjoyment, not for mine.
• I will not have unrealistic expectations. I will remember that players are not professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards.
• I will respect the official’s decisions and I will encourage participants to do the same.
• I will never ridicule a player for making a mistake during a competition. I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.
• I will condemn the use of violence in any form and will express my disapproval in an appropriate manner to coaches and league officials.
• I will show respect for my team’s opponents, because without them there would be no game.
• I will not use inappropriate language, and I will not harass players, coaches, officials or other spectators.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR OFFICIALS

• I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my officiating skills.
• I will make sure that every player has a reasonable opportunity to perform to the best of their ability, within the limits of the rules.
• I will avoid or put an end to any situation that threatens the safety of a player(s).
• I will maintain a healthy atmosphere and environment for competition.
• I will not permit the intimidation of any player either by word or by action. I will not tolerate unacceptable conduct toward officials, athletes, spectators or myself. I will report unacceptable conduct to the appropriate people.
• I will be consistent and objective in calling all infractions, regardless of my personal feelings toward a team, coach or individual player.
• I will handle all conflicts firmly and with dignity.
• I accept my role as a teacher and role model for fair play, especially with young players.
• I will be open to discussion and contact with the players and coaches before and, after the game.
• I will remain open to constructive criticism and show respect and consideration for different points of view.
• I will follow the rules of the game and will consider the appropriate age and skill level of the players.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LEAGUE ORGANIZERS

• We will do our best to see that all children are given the same chance to participate regardless of gender, ability, or ethnic background.
• We will make sure that all equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes’ ages and abilities.
• We will make sure that the age and maturing level of the participants are considered in program development, rule enforcement and scheduling
• We will remember that play is done for its own sake and make sure that winning is kept in proper perspective.
• We will make sure that coaches and officials are capable of promoting fair play as well as the development of good technical skills and we will encourage them to become certified.
• We will distribute to guardians a Code of Conduct to coaches, athletes, officials and parents.

COVID-19 PARENTS HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

• We will Complete Ontario COVID-19 Self-Assessment for child at least once a week.
• We will sign the Ontario Soccer Covid-19 waiver of liability. Please print and sign and deliver to team manager prior to start of the sessions– no exceptions.
• We will complete NEW waivers online- no waivers, no playing
• We will ensure son/daughter has all items needed for sessions (equipment + water bottle)- all labeled.
• We will wash my hands with soap and water (minimum 20 seconds) or use a 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer before heading to the field & After sessions.
• We will ensure all player’s equipment is washed separately from other household items and before and after every session.
• We will ensure child is healthy before every session and any changes should be reported to your coach & Club RTP Lead (Business Manager).
• If a player is showing symptoms during a session, they must immediately be isolated and sent home – no exceptions.
• Will will supply my child with individual hand sanitizer
• We will stagger my arrival & departures – plan for 15 minutes before & leave immediately following sessions.
• We will avoid congregating at field entry/exit points to limit bottle necking.
• We will try and wait in their cars during sessions (in case of emergency)

COVID-19 PLAYERS HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

• I will complete Ontario COVID-19 Self-Assessment at least once a week – no exceptions
• I will sign the Ontario Soccer Covid-19 waiver of liability. Please print and sign and deliver to team manger prior to start of the sessions – no exceptions.
• I will bring my own labeled equipment in my own individual bag, placed into a socially distanced location, field side
• I will have my own hand sanitizer, water bottle, clearly labeled
• I will bring all kits including soccer ball to sessions
• I will not share, no high-fives, no handshakes, no touching of any sorts
• I will wash my hands prior to and following each session for a minimum of 20 seconds.
•  I will clean all my equipment
• I  will remove myself to the side away from everyone if I experience any signs of illness sneezing, temperature, coughing.
• I will avoid touching my eyes, nose or mouth at all times
• I will touch the equipment used for the sessions. Only move the ball with my feet (no other part of your body), if asked.

COVID-19 COACHES HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

• I will sign the Ontario Soccer Covid-19 waiver of liability. Please print and sign and deliver to drop box at the office prior to start of the sessions – no exceptions.
• I will complete Ontario COVID-19 Self-Assessment at least once a week – no exceptions.
• I will focus on individual technical, physical, and cognitive abilities (individual ball work preferred; no heading/handling of ball)
• I will help the Arrivals & Departures from sessions are to be staggered
• I will time manage effectively & utilize virtual/online tools for session discussions
• I will work with ISC Technical Manager on Session Planning & attend virtual workshop
• I will position players in designated space & maintain same players within same grouping for week training sessions
• I will monitor, enforce and educate players on arrival & departure guidelines
• I will will move all discussions virtually/online if possible to mitigate risks
• I will sanitize ALL equipment handled during a session (before, during & after a session) *no shared equipment*
• I will bring my own equipment/water bottle/clearly marked and kept separate from players.
• I will bring my own ball and equipment name tagged.

COVID-19 TEAM OFFICIALS HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

• We will Complete Ontario COVID-19 Self-Assessment for child at least once a week.
• We will sign the Ontario Soccer Covid-19 waiver of liability. Please print and sign and deliver to team manager prior to start of the sessions– no exceptions.
• We will be physically preparing for the demands to return to the pitch.
• All sessions to be mindful of Municipality Phase & Requirements
• All post-game discussions amongst match officials should be mindful of social distancing requirements
• Do not share equipment- bring own water bottle, pen, whistle, cards, & other items as needed
• We will wash hands prior to each game and bring personal hand sanitizer
• Face masks/coverings are at the discretion of the match official & recommended for Associate Referees (when used)

COVID-19 TEAM MANAGER HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

• We will Complete Ontario COVID-19 Self-Assessment for child at least once a week.
• We will sign the Ontario Soccer Covid-19 waiver of liability. Please print and sign and deliver to team manager prior to start of the sessions– no exceptions.
• We will ensure staggered arrivals & departures of players to parking lot
• If we suspect any player or parent experiencing any symptoms of illness (fever, coughing, sneezing) we will ask the appropriate screening questions and if confirmed to any of the above, we will ask the individual to be isolated from the rest of the crowd and until she or he is send home & will report to Club
• I will ensure all players entering the field are disinfecting their hands
• I will ensure that all parents around the field are using Masks
• I will ensure that all players arrive to the field with their own soccer ball and their own hand sanitizers name tagged. No Handshake