SOCIAL NETWORKING is defined as communication through on-line communities of people such as, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, blogging, etc.
TRAINING SESSIONS AND GAMES
PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
MY KITS
DISCIPLINE
CONSEQUENCES
Player:______________________________________________________ Date:____________________________________ Parent:_____________________________________________________ Date:_
As a parent of a participating player, it is vital you model the kind of safe, inclusive behaviour we wish our players to exhibit. As such, any form of discrimination - be it about race, age, gender identity, orientation or creed - will not be tolerated.
As a parent of a player participating in our programs, you also agree to abide by the following:
1) This is a team sport. It is important for as many players on a team as possible to attend matches and practices consistently, as low attendance affects both the ability of a team to develop their skills and bond with each other, but also can create a negative experience on Match Day. This is especially true when your player's team is playing an away game.
By signing this form you are committing to ensuring your player, within reason, consistently attends practices and games.
2) As a Club we operate Recreational Programs. We are not and never will be an Academy-Level Competitive Program. Matches and Tournaments are played at the Recreational Level and all players, Coaches, Team Managers, Referees and Parents are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that positively reinforces player's development, enjoyment and sportsmanship both at games and at practice.
Friendly Rivalry is encouraged. Nothing more. By signing this form you are committing to ensuring yourself and your player abide by these boundaries.
3) I agree to ensure my player's fees are paid for promptly (By first practice, or show evidence of Jumpstart application) by whatever means works best for my financial situation. I also acknowledge that if I do not have a zero balance by the end of the season, my player will not be allowed to participate in future programs until this debt has been settled.
· Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
· Coaches must place the well being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
· Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down within the Constitution and the Rules of BC Soccer.
· Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
· Coaches must NOT exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
· Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance.
· Coaches must ensure at the activities they direct or advocate is appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
· Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the player (and, where appropriate, their parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
· Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
· Coaches must always promote the appropriate Code of Conduct and positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) to players, parents and spectators alike. Never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behavior contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
· Coaches must consistently display high standards of behavior and experience and be a role model for players, parents, and spectators
· Coaches must not attend soccer events impaired (drugs or alcohol) and must refrain from becoming impaired at soccer events where underaged participants are in attendance. *Events can include but are not limited to: practices, training sessions, games, team building events, tournaments, team parties/celebrations etc
·
Failure to comply with the Code for Coaches may result in your suspension and/or removed from the WKFC soccer program. Serious Misconduct will result in notification to relevant authorities.
Effective Date:
March 1st 2024
West Kootenay Football Club has developed the following Code of Ethics and Conduct to guide our employees/volunteers in their interactions within the club and with children. The safety, rights, and well-being of children we serve are at the core of our daily programs. We nurture supportive relationships with children while balancing and encouraging appropriate boundaries.
Further to this policy, West Kootenay Football Club supports and complies to the British Columbia Universal Code of Conduct (BC UCC) and the BC Soccer Conduct & Ethics Policy for all soccer activities and related events organized, including but not limited to practices, training sessions, competitions, and fundraising events.
IMPORTANCE
Our club is committed to ensuring all children are protected and safe. A Code of Ethics and Conduct is an important part of creating safe environments for children. The safety, rights and well-being of children participating in our programs is a priority in our daily operations. The intent of this Code is to guide our staff/volunteers in developing healthy relationships with the club members and specially with the children involved in our programs and to model appropriate boundaries for children.
STANDARDS
Integrity in Sport
· All participants in soccer have an obligation to ensure that there is integrity in the sport and as such must refrain from:
i. Non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods. More specifically, West Kootenay Football Club adopts and adheres to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. Any infraction under this program shall be considered an infraction of this Code and may be subject to disciplinary action and possible sanction. The Member will respect any penalty enacted pursuant to a breach of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, whether imposed by the club or any other sport organization;
ii. Associating with any person for the purpose of coaching, training, competition, instruction, administration, management, athletic development, or supervision of the sport, who has violated an anti-doping rule and is serving a sanction involving a period of ineligibility imposed pursuant to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program and/or the World Anti-Doping Code;
iii. Consuming alcohol and/or illicit drugs, while participating in soccer programs, activities, and competitions;
iv. Consuming alcohol in excess and using illicit drugs, cannabis, or tobacco in situations where Youth are present;
v. Accepting, encouraging, or participating in forms of bribery and corruption;
vi. Accepting or giving gifts or other benefits that influence an act that is related to their official activities. If in doubt, gifts shall not be offered or accepted;
vii. Offering or accepting cash, other than reasonable per diems, expense reimbursement or salaries, bribes;
viii. Forging or falsifying a document, nor use such;
ix. Betting in connection with soccer and tolerating any form of manipulation of match results whether for financial, sporting, or political gain, and ensure information in any form that is not publicly available is not used for the above purposes for oneself or another party.
· Participants will:
i. Ensure information obtained while carrying out one’s duties is treated as confidential if that information is received or can be understood as confidential;
ii. Respect the confidentiality of the information after the relationship with BC Soccer ceases;
iii. Ensure transparency in all actions and decisions;
iv. Remain politically neutral with respect to sporting matters;
v. Remain responsible for following West Kootenay Football Club’s Code(s) of Conduct.
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR
General
Those participating in sanctioned soccer have a duty and responsibility to conduct themselves appropriately respecting the F.I.F.A. Laws of the Game, Canada Soccer Rules & Regulations, British Columbia Universal Code of Conduct (BC UCC), BC Soccer Rules & Regulations and West Kootenay Football Club’s Rules & Regulations. These laws and rules are published and readily available.
· All participants in soccer have a responsibility to:
i. Comply, at all times, with Canada Soccer’s, BC Soccer’s andWest Kootenay Football Club’s By-laws, Policies, procedures, directives, and Rules and Regulations, as adopted and amended from time to time.
ii. Resolve conflicts in a professional and civil manner on issues that may be in dispute.
iii. Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of all individuals involved in soccer by:
1. Demonstrating respect to individuals regardless of body type, physical characteristics, athletic ability, age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, sex, and sexual orientation;
2. Directing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of participants in soccer and sport;
3. Demonstrating the spirit of fair play, sport leadership, and ethical conduct;
4. Treating individuals fairly and reasonably;
5. Ensuring adherence to the Laws of the Game;
iv. Demonstrate respect for the principle of fair play, which includes:
1. Respect for both the letter and spirit of the rules;
2. Respect for referees and their decisions;
3. Respect for opponents, including modesty in victory and composure in defeat;
4. Facilitation of access to sport;
5. Maintenance of self-control at all times;
· Any adult aged 19 years or older must report any ongoing criminal investigation, conviction, or existing bail conditions, including those for violence, child pornography, or possession, use, or sale of any illegal substance to theWest Kootenay FC Disciplinary Committee. Main Contact: Louise Metcalfe.
Club Officials, Staff and Volunteers
While ignorance of the Laws of the Game or of the rules is not a defense, depending on the nature of the charge, it is viewed that a participant in a position of authority or trust is held to a higher standard when going beyond the norms of proper behaviour, i.e. behaving in an unsporting manner or not in the best interest of the game. Notably directors, committee members, and staff should be aware of various rules, regulations, guidelines, programs, and expectation within the soccer playing and administrative environment; and indeed, are charged with upholding and defending the same. Failure to act properly can be tantamount to unsporting or unethical behaviour and brings the game directly into disrepute and lead to charges. West Kootenay Football Club officials, staff and volunteers must:
· Comply and be familiar with the various laws and governance documents that apply to their responsibilities;
· Act with honesty and integrity and conduct themselves in a manner which maintains the confidence of West Kootenay Football Club, its members and other stakeholders;
· Ensure that their organization’s financial affairs are conducted with due regard for all fiduciary and operational responsibilities;
· Conduct themselves openly, professionally, lawfully and in good faith
· Be independent and impartial and not influenced by self-interest, outside pressure, expectation of reward, or fear of criticism;
· Behave with decorum appropriate to both circumstance and position, and be fair, equitable, considerate, and honest in all dealings with others;
· Keep informed about local, provincial, and national sport community happenings, and general trends in sport;
· Exercise the degree of care, diligence, and skill required in the performance of their duties pursuant to the laws under which Canada Soccer is incorporated;
· Respect the confidentiality appropriate to the business at hand;
· Ensure that Members are given sufficient opportunity to express opinions, and that all opinions are given due consideration and weight;
· Respect the decisions of the majority and resign if unable to do so; unless the decision of the majority is unlawful;
· Commit the time to attend meetings and be diligent in preparation for, participation in, and follow- up from such meetings.
Spectators and Parents
Spectators and Parents are an all-important part of the game and necessary to maintain the sustainability of the game. In appreciating the game to its fullest potential, spectators and parents are expected to behave in a manner that does not bring the game into disrepute and participate in ways that ensure a healthy and safe environment. Spectators and parents must:
· Encourage players to abide by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence;
· Never ridicule a player;
· Only provide positive comments that motivate and encourage participants’ continued effort;
· Respect the decisions and judgments of officials and encourage athletes to do the same;
· Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, and to the coaches, officials, and other volunteers who give their time to the sport;
· Refrain from entering the training or competition area and from interfering with any activities;
· Refrain from any negative or critical comments towards a Match Official.
TREATING CHILDREN WITH DIGNITY AND MAINTAINING BOUNDARIES
Club Officials, Staff and Volunteers must:
· Treat all children with respect and dignity.
· Establish, respect, and maintain appropriate boundaries with all children and families involved in activities or programs delivered by West Kootenay Football Club.
It is important for staff and volunteers to monitor their behaviour towards children and pay close attention to the behaviour of their peers to ensure that interactions are appropriate and respectful, and perceived as such by others.
All interactions with children must be:
· Known and approved by the board, where applicable, and the parents of the child.
· Tied to staff and volunteers’ duties.
· Designed to develop the child’s skills in soccer.
Club Officials, Staff and Volunteers must always consider the child’s reaction to any activities, conversations, behaviour or other interactions. If at any time you are in doubt about the appropriateness of your own behaviour or the behaviour of others, you should discuss it with Executive Director Matthew Wood, email westkootenayfootie@gmail.com.
GENERAL RULES OF BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS CHILDREN
Club Officials, Staff and Volunteers must not, regardless of whether or not they are serving the club at that moment:
· Engage in any sort of physical contactwith a child that may make the child, or a reasonable observer feel uncomfortable, or that may be seen by a reasonable observer to be violating reasonable boundaries.
· Engage in any communication with a child, within or outside of duties, that may make the child uncomfortable or that may be seen by a reasonable observer to be violating reasonable boundaries.
· Engage in any behaviour that goes against (or appears to go against) the club’s mandate, policies, or Code of Conduct to Protect Children.
· Conduct their own investigation into allegations or suspicions of potentially illegal or inappropriate behaviour – it is a staff and volunteer’s duty to report the matter to the designated person, Child Welfare Agency, or law enforcement, not to investigate.
WHAT CONSTITUTES INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR
· Inappropriate Communication. Communication with a child or his/her family outside of the context of duties for the organization, regardless of who initiated the exchange. For example: personal phone calls not tied to duties with the child; electronic communications (email, text message, instant message, online chats, social networking including “friending”, etc.) not tied to duties with the child; personal letters not tied to duties with the child; excessive communications (online or offline).
· Inappropriate Contact. Spending unauthorized time with a child outside of designated duties.
· Favouritism. Singling out a child or certain children and providing special privileges and attention (for example, paying a lot of attention to, giving or sending personalized gifts, or allowing privileges that are excessive, unwarranted or inappropriate).
· Taking Personal Photos/Videos. Using a personal cell phone, camera, or video to take pictures of a child, or allowing any other person to do so, as well as uploading or copying any pictures you may have taken of a child to the Internet or any personal storage device. Pictures taken as part of your job duties are acceptable, however, the pictures are to remain with the organization and not be used by you in a personal capacity.
Inappropriate behaviour also includes:
· Telling sexual jokes to a child or making comments to a child that are in any way suggestive, explicit, or personal.
· Showing a child material that is sexual in nature, including, signs, cartoons, graphic novels, calendars, literature, photographs, screen savers, or displaying such material in plain view of a child or making such material available to a child.
· Intimidating or threatening a child.
· Making fun of a child.
Inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated, especially as it relates to the well-being of the children involved in activities or programs delivered by [Insert the name of your club here].
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
All West Kootenay Football Club staff and volunteers must report suspected child sexual abuse, inappropriate behaviour or incidents that they become aware of, whether the behaviour or incidents were personally witnessed or not.
· All allegations or suspicions of inappropriate behaviour that a staff/volunteer learns of, or witnesses first-hand, must be reported to Executive Director, Matthew Wood. Email westkootenayfootie@gmail.com
· All allegations or suspicions of potentially illegal behaviour (for example, child sexual abuse) that a staff/volunteer learns of, or witnesses first-hand, must be promptly reported to police and/or child welfare and must also be reported to Executive Director Matthew Wood, email westkootenayfootie@gmail.com. Police and/or child welfare will make the determination as to whether the allegation or suspicion requires further investigation.
Keep in mind that you may learn of potentially illegal or inappropriate behaviour through the child or some other third party. Potentially illegal behaviours could come not only from staff or volunteers, but also from a parent, teacher, babysitter, or a coach from a different organization.
If you are not sure whether the issue you have witnessed or heard about involves potentially illegal or inappropriate behaviour, discuss the issue with Executive Director, Matthew Wood, Email westkootenayfootie@gmail.com
FOLLOW UP ON REPORTING
When an allegation or suspicion of potentially illegal behaviour is reported, police and/or a child welfare agency will be notified. West Kootenay Football Club will follow up internally as appropriate.
When an allegation or suspicion of potentially inappropriate behaviour is made, West Kootenay Football Club will follow up on the matter to gather information about what happened and determine what, if any, formal or other disciplinary action is required.
In the case of inappropriate behaviour, if multiple behaviours were reported, inappropriate behaviour is recurring, or the reported behaviour is of serious concern, West Kootenay Football Club may refer the matter to a child welfare agency or to the police.
DEFINITIONS
Participant(s): everyone involved in soccer activities such as players, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, executives, board members, trainers, etc. as well as anyone who has signed a participant code of conduct; for example, a guardian of a minor who is registered and has signed the code of conduct.
Club Officials, Staff and Volunteers: Board Members, Executive Director, Technical Director, Operational Staff, hired Coaches, Volunteer Coaches, General Volunteers, and any other individual in similar roles with West Kootenay Football Club
Spectators and Parents: any individual, related or not to any of the participants, that attend a West Kootenay Football Club session and remain in the premises for its duration.
Match Officials:a referee, assistant referee, fourth official, match commissioner, any person in charge of safety or any other person appointed to assume responsibility in connection with a Match.
Good Faith:the sincere intention to be honest and law-abiding; good and honest intentions; act in a fair and appropriate manner.
BC SOCCER ALIGNMENT
All West Kootenay Football Club policies must align with BC Soccer's Bylaws, Rules & Regulations, and applicable Policies and procedures.
Effective Date:
March 1st 2024
West Kootenay Football Club has adhered to this Anti-Bullying Policy to help guide and protect the children that participate in our activities as players, referees, coaches or in any other capacity. Bullying can be defined as intentional hurtful and aggressive behaviour that makes others feel uncomfortable, scared or upset, and it is the responsibility of the club, our staff and volunteers to create a safe, free of bullying soccer environment.
*Resources below were provided by the Government of British Columbia
IMPORTANCE OF AN ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
According to the data provided by the Provincial Government, 1 in 3 Canadian teens say they’ve been bullied recently and almost half of Canadian parents say their kid has been bullied at some point.
A person who shows bullying behavior usually picks on another person’s culture, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, looks, religion, or sexual orientation - children who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, two-spirited, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) are discriminated against three times more than heterosexual students.
The effects of bullying can be traumatic and long-lasting, affecting even adulthood by causing extended psychological harm.
DEFINING BULLYING
It’s important to know the difference between bullying and single acts of aggression or conflict. Not all mean or rude behavior or conflict is bullying. Understanding the difference helps when it comes to knowing how to intervene.
Bullying is a persistent pattern of unwelcome or aggressive behavior that hurts others physically and/or emotionally. For a situation to be considered bullying, three indicators are usually present:
· Power – children who bully acquire their power through physical size and strength, by status within the peer group, and by recruiting support of the group.
· Frequency – bullying is not a random act. It is this factor that brings about the anticipatory terror in the mind of the child being bullied that can be so detrimental and have the most debilitating long-term effects.
· Intent to harm – children who bully generally do so with the intent to either physically or emotionally harm the other child.
A person who shows bullying behavior says or does something intentionally hurtful to others and they keep doing it, with no sense of regret or remorse – even when it’s obvious that they’ve hurt a person or when they’re asked to stop.
TYPES OF BULLYING
· Physical – hitting, kicking, tripping, pinching, pushing, damaging property.
· Verbal – name-calling, insulting others, teasing, intimidating others, making homophobic or racist comments, verbal abuse.
· Social and emotional (or relational)– Doing things to harm someone else’s reputation or make them feel embarrassed or humiliated by lying, spreading rumors, making mean gestures or jokes, excluding someone.
· Cyber – teasing or humiliating a person online using social media, cruel websites (e.g. posting photos of others on rating websites), video games, instant message or texting. Cyberbullying is constantly evolving and changing with new technology and it can reach a child even in the privacy of their own home.
SIGNS THAT A CHILD IS BEING BULLIED
Kids who are being bullied by others will often display a change in behavior or emotions, like:
· Not wanting to go to school or participate in extra-curricular activities.
· Anxious, fearful or over-reactive.
· Having low self-esteem and making negative comments about themselves or a former friend
· Regular complaints of stomachaches, headaches, and other physical symptoms without any particular cause.
· Less interest in school or soccer.
· Injuries, bruising, damaged clothing, or broken items.
· Unhappy and irritable.
· Trouble sleeping, nightmares, bedwetting.
· Frequently crying.
· Threatens to hurt themself or others.
· Significant changes in social life (i.e. no one is calling or inviting them out).
SIGNS THAT A CHILD IS ENGAGING IN BULLYING BEHAVIOUR
Kids who exhibit bullying behavior may show signs that they are using power aggressively, such as:
· Little concern for the feelings of others.
· Aggressive with siblings, parents, teachers, friends and animals.
· Bossy and manipulative to get their own way.
· Coming home with unexplained objects or extra money.
· Secretive about possessions, activities or where they've been.
· Easily frustrated and quickly angered.
· Believe aggression is an acceptable way to resolve conflicts.
· Abuse others physically or verbally.
· Get into fights and blame others for starting them.
· Have a need to dominate others.
· Have two or three friends who are also aggressive.
· Hang out with increasingly younger children.
· Quick to interpret accidents or neutral events as deliberate hostile acts.
West Kootenay Football Club ANTI-BULLYING REPORTING PROCEDURE
The Club’s Executive Director is the main point of Contact for reporting any instances of bullying within the Club, done so with the utmost discretion. Such instances will be investigated by a member of the Club’s Disciplinary Committee.
The Findings of the Committee will guide the actions to be taken, listed below:
· A meeting to be held between the parents of the offending party and Club Officials to address the issue.
· Suspension of the offending party.
· Dismissal, without refund, of the offending party.
These actions are on a tiered system, which can be escalated depending on the frequency and severity of the bullying being addressed. Failure to cease bullying will also lead to escalation.
REPORTING PROCEDURE:
· A report is to be made to the Club’s Executive Director at westkootenayfootie@gmail.com with the title ‘CONFIDENTIAL – BULLYING REPORT’.
· The Executive Director is trained in dealing with these situations and will respond with discretion, calling a confidential meeting of the Board Disciplinary Committee to launch an investigation.
· All episodes and complaints are recorded in writing and kept secure by Club Administration.
· If deemed necessary, the Club will consult with Police.
From Canada Soccer’s Guide to Safety: “There is no express time limit for initiating a complaint, but every effort should be made to quickly bring the complaint to the attention of the appropriate organizational leadership to stop the bullying behavior as soon as possible and to make sure that memories are fresh, and behavior can be accurately recalled”.]
West Kootenay Football Club ANTI-BULLYING CONFLICT RESOLUTION
· Parents of all the kids involved will be notified of the situation.
· The Club’s Executive Director is the point of contact for parents/guardians of the kids involved.
· The Club Executive Director shall mediate the conversation between the kids involved and their parents/guardians.
· If deemed necessary, the club should consider disciplinary action, as listed above.
BC SOCCER ALIGNMENT
All West Kootenay Football Club policies must align with BC Soccer's Bylaws, Rules & Regulations, and applicable Policies and procedures.
Effective Date:
March 1st 2024
West Kootenay Football Club welcomes all individuals to participate in soccer and believes that embracing differences while removing barriers to promote diversity and equity and foster inclusion, is integral to serving the wider soccer community. The purpose of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral parts of soccer in British Columbia.
DEFINITIONS
· Gender - refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a society assigns to masculinity or femininity.
· Diversity - Diversity is the range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, indigeneity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religion, national origin, political beliefs, body type, athletic ability, ancestry, colour, citizenship, creed, disability, family or marital status. Diversity embraces people’s characteristics and qualities, unique backgrounds, experiences and ways of relating to one another.
· Equity - Equity recognizes that individuals do not always ‘start at the same place’ due to different advantages, challenges or barriers that exist. Equity is taking action to make the appropriate modifications to provide everyone access to the same opportunities.
· Inclusion - Inclusion is when everyone feels welcome and has a sense of belonging.
STANDARDS
- We as a club commit to annually self-assess and seek feedback to maintain their commitment to be a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization.
- The club commits to consider the diversity of their members and soccer participants when developing policies, procedures, programs, and internal operations.
- The club commits to review and implement initiatives from the Canada Soccer Guide to Accessibility and Inclusion.
- The club’s board and staff will participate in diversity and inclusion training, where applicable.
- The club will consider making accommodations for individuals where doing so would support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- The club will actively seek viewpoints and experiences from the soccer community to foster a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.
- The club will support members in fostering diverse, equitable and inclusive environments through educational initiatives and by providing resources.
- The club will encourage gender-balanced representation on the Board of Directors and all its Committees by ensuring that no more than 60% of the positions are from one gender.
REPORTING CONCERNS
Any concerns or complaints regarding discrimination, harassment, or any other violation of this policy should be reported to West Kootenay Football Club Disciplinary Committee.
RESPONSIBILITY
All members, volunteers, staff, and participants of West Kootenay Football Club are responsible for upholding the principles of this policy.
BC SOCCER ALIGNMENT
All West Kootenay Football Club policies must align with BC Soccer's Bylaws, Rules & Regulations, and applicable Policies and procedures.
Effective Date:
[March 1st 2024]
West Kootenay Football Club believes in the health, safety, and wellness of all club participants and in particular the protection of our children, and that everyone involved in soccer has the right to participate in safe and inclusive environments free of abuse, harassment, discrimination, and to enjoy the sport at whatever level or capacity they participate in.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the policy is to provide West Kootenay Football Club staff and volunteers direction on the Rule of Two to ensure adult interactions with athletes, coaches and referees protect the health, safety and wellness of all participants.
STANDARDS
· All interactions and communications between all participants must be open, observable, and justifiable.
· Interaction, physically or virtually, must include more than one adult present, noting there may be exceptions in emergency situations.
· In-person interactions between an adult with an individual minor must take place within earshot and in view of other individuals (team officials, players, parents, match officials and/or association officials).
· E-mail communication must be communicated directly to the parent/guardian of the individual minor with another adult, copied on the communication. If the communication is directly to the individual minor, then the parent/guardian as well as another adult must be copied on the communication.
· Phone calls and text messaging will not be the chosen form of communication between an adult and an individual minor.
· Virtual Settings, for example using a virtual meeting platform, at a minimum must include one other adult in attendance and preferably the individual minors’ parents in attendance as well.
DEFINITION
Minor: “British Columbia, Person under 19 years” - Government of Canada Website
BC SOCCER ALIGNMENT
All West Kootenay Football Club policies must align with BC Soccer's Bylaws, Rules & Regulations, and applicable Policies and procedures.