Code of Conduct

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Code of Ethics - CLICK HERE

1. Definitions

The following terms have these meanings in this Code:

“Officials” means anyone, with the exception of players, performing an activity connected with Aurora Soccer Club Inc., regardless of title, the type of activity (administrative, sporting or any other) and the duration of the activity. It includes, but is not limited to, all Directors, Officers, committee members, Judicial Body members, coaches, trainers, referees, assistant referees, fourth officials, match commissioners, referee inspectors, diversity officers, persons in charge of safety, and any other person responsible for technical, medical and/or administrative matters in Aurora Soccer Club Inc., as well as all other persons obliged to comply with the Aurora Soccer Club Inc. By-laws.

“Staff” means any paid or volunteer person in a permanent or temporary position.

“Team Personnel” includes, but is not limited to, coaches, assistant coaches, guest coaches, managers, gender representatives, heads of delegation, medical or other personnel in a position of influence on the athletes.

 

2. Purpose

1. The purpose of the Aurora Soccer Club Inc. Code of Conduct and Ethics (hereinafter referred to as the Code) is to ensure a safe and positive environment (within Aurora Soccer Club Inc.’s programs, activities, and events) by making individuals aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with Aurora Soccer Club Inc.’s core values. Aurora Soccer Club Inc. supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.
2. This Code is not intended to specifically outline every instance of misconduct. Misconduct that is not in line with the values of Aurora Soccer Club Inc. or with the purpose of this Code may still constitute a breach of the Code and be subject to sanctions even though not specifically included in the Code.

 

3. Application of this Code

 

This Code applies to Officials, Athlete Members, Life Members, players and individuals employed or engaged by Aurora Soccer Club Inc.

The Code also applies to the Directors, Community Association Members, Associate Members or League Members or any other individuals who perform duties on behalf of these Members when the Members are engaged in soccer-related activities sanctioned by Saskatchewan Soccer Association.

This Code focuses on the conduct of actions on and off the field of play. Any breach of this Code will be addressed as described in the Aurora Soccer Club Inc. League Operating Rules and Regulations; Discipline Procedures.

 

 

4. Responsibilities

All parties referred to in Section 3 have a responsibility to:

1. Comply, at all times, with the Aurora Soccer Club Inc. By-laws, Rules and Regulations, policies, procedures and directives.
2. Work in a spirit of partnership to collaborate with Aurora Soccer Club Inc. and all its Members and stakeholders to align efforts to achieve the Mission of Aurora Soccer Club Inc. and Saskatchewan Soccer Association.
3. Resolve conflicts in a professional and civil manner on issues that may be in dispute
4. Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of Aurora Soccer Club Inc. Members and other individuals by:

a) 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;

b) Directing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of Members;

c) Consistently demonstrating the spirit of fair play, sport leadership, and ethical conduct;

d) Consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably;

e) Adhering to the FIFA Laws of the Game;

f) Demonstrating respect for the principle of fair play, which include:

- Respect for both the letter and spirit of the rules;

- Respect for referees and their decisions;

- Respect for opponents, including modesty in victory and composure in defeat;

- Facilitation of access to sport; and

- Maintenance of self-control at all times.

g) Refraining from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to engage in inappropriate activities;

h) Promoting the sport in the most constructive and positive manner possible;

i) Respecting the property of others and not willfully cause damage; and

j) Adhering to all federal, provincial, municipal and host country laws.

 

4.1 Integrity in Sport

All parties referred to in section 3.0 have a responsibility to:

1. Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods and adhere to the requirements of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program;
2. Respect any penalty enacted pursuant to a breach of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, whether imposed by Canada Soccer or any other sport organization;
3. Refrain from 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;
4. Refrain from consuming alcohol in excess and from the use of illicit drugs while participating in Aurora Soccer Club Inc. programs, activities, competitions, or events;
5. Refrain from consuming alcohol and using tobacco in situations where minors are present;
6. Reject and condemn all forms of bribery and corruption;
7. Refrain from 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;
8. Refrain from offering or accepting cash, other than reasonable per diems, expense reimbursement or salaries;
9. Refrain from forging or falsifying a document nor use such;
10. Ensure information obtained while carrying out one’s duties is treated as confidential if that information is received or can be understood as confidential. Respect the confidentiality of the information after the relationship with Aurora Soccer Club Inc. ceases;
11. Ensure transparency in all actions and decisions;
12. Remain politically neutral; and
13. Refrain from betting in connection with soccer and not tolerate 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.

4.2 Harassment

All parties referred to in Section 3.0 have a responsibility to:

1. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment, where harassment is defined according to the Canadian Human Rights Commission (http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/eng/content/what-harassment) as a form of discrimination that involves any unwanted physical or verbal behaviour that offends or humiliates. Generally, harassment is a behaviour that persists over time. Serious one-time incidents can also sometimes be considered harassment.
2. Types of behaviour that constitute harassment include, but are not limited to:

a) Written or verbal abuse, threats, or outbursts;

b) The display of visual material which is offensive or which a reasonable person ought to know is offensive in the circumstances;

c) Unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo, or taunts;

d) Leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures;

e) Condescending or patronizing behaviour which is intended to undermine self-esteem, diminish performance or adversely affect conditions of participation;

f) Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety, or negatively affect performance;

g) Any form of hazing;

h) Retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports harassment;

i) Bullying;

j) Offensive or intimidating phone calls, texts, voice mails or emails;

k) Displaying or circulating offensive pictures, photographs or materials in printed or electronic form;

l) Psychological abuse;

m) Discrimination;

n) Words, actions or an environment which is known or should reasonably be known to be offensive, embarrassing, humiliating, demeaning or intimidating; and

o) Behaviours such as described above that are not directed towards a specific individual or group but have the same effect of creating a negative or hostile environment.

 

3. Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes violence, where violence is defined as the exercise of physical force, that causes or could cause physical injury; an attempt to exercise physical force that could cause physical injury; or a statement or behaviour that it is reasonable to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force. Types of behaviour that are applicable to this section include, but are not limited to:

a) Verbal threats to attack;

b) Sending or leaving threatening notes, texts, voice mail or emails;

c) Making threatening physical gestures;

d) Wielding a weapon;

e) Hitting, pinching or unwanted touching which is not accidental or deemed to be generally accepted as a part of sport participation;

f) Throwing an object in the direction of someone;

g) Blocking normal movement or physical interference, with or without the use of equipment; and

h) Any attempt to engage in the type of conduct outlined above.

Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment, where sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or conduct of a sexual nature. Types of behaviour that constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

a) Sexist jokes;

b) Sexual violence;

c) Display of sexually offensive material;

d) Sexually degrading words used to describe a person;

e) Inquiries or comments about a person’s sex life;

f) Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, requests, invitations or propositions;

g) Inappropriate sexual touching, advances, suggestions or requests;

h) Unwanted physical contact including, but not limited to, touching, petting, pinching, or kissing; and

i) Physical or sexual assault.

 

5. Additional Responsibilities

5.1 Directors, Committee Members, Judicial Body Members, and Staff

Aurora Soccer Club Inc.’s Directors, Committee Members, and Judicial Body Members must also:

1. Comply and be familiar with all Aurora Soccer Club Inc. governance documents applicable to their role and responsibility;
2. Act with honesty and integrity and conduct themselves in a manner which maintains the confidence of Members and other stakeholders;
3. Ensure that Aurora Soccer Club Inc.’s financial affairs are conducted with due regard for all fiduciary and operational responsibilities;
4. Conduct themselves openly, professionally, lawfully and in good faith in the best interests of Aurora Soccer Club Inc.;
5. Be independent and impartial and not influenced by self-interest, outside pressure, expectation of reward, or fear of criticism;
6. Behave with decorum appropriate to both circumstance and position, and be fair, equitable, considerate, and honest in all dealings with others;
7. Keep informed about Aurora Soccer Club Inc.’s activities, the provincial and national sport community, and general trends in sport;
8. Exercise the degree of care, diligence, and skill required in the performance of their duties pursuant to the laws under which Aurora Soccer Club Inc.. is incorporated
9. Respect the confidentiality appropriate to the business at hand;
10. Ensure that Members are given sufficient opportunity to express opinions, and that all opinions are given due consideration and weight;
11. Respect the decisions of the majority and resign if unable to do so; and
12. Commit the time to attend meetings and be diligent in preparation for, participation in, and follow-up from such meetings.

Aurora Soccer Club Inc.’s Staff must also:

1. Comply and be familiar with the Aurora Soccer Club Inc. Rules and Regulations and operational policies applicable to their role, responsibilities and /or their involvement in an event sanctioned by Saskatchewan Soccer Association and/or Canada Soccer; and
2. Exercise the degree of care, diligence, openness, honesty, decorum and skill required in the performance of their duties.

5.2 Team Personnel

The team personnel-athlete relationship is a privileged one and plays a critical role in the personal, sport, and athletic development of the athlete. Team personnel must recognize the power inherent in the position of team personnel and respect and promote the rights of all participants in sport. This is accomplished by establishing and following procedures for confidentiality (right to privacy), informed participation, and fair and reasonable treatment. Team personnel have a special responsibility to respect and promote the rights of participants who are in a vulnerable or dependent position and less able to protect their own rights. This section applies equally to the relationship between match officials and their coaches, instructors, accessors, and mentors.

 

Team personnel must also:

1. Ensure a safe environment by selecting activities and establishing controls that are suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of the involved athletes;
2. Prepare athletes systematically and progressively, using appropriate time frames and monitoring physical and psychological adjustments while refraining from using training methods or techniques that may harm athletes;
3. Avoid compromising the present and future health of athletes by communicating and cooperating with sport medicine professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of athletes’ medical and psychological treatments;
4. Provide athletes (and the parents/guardians of a minor) with the information necessary to be involved in decisions that affect the athlete;
5. Act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person;
6. Respect other team personnel;
7. Report any ongoing criminal investigations, previous convictions or existing bail conditions;
8. Under no circumstances provide, promote, or condone the use of drugs (other than properly prescribed medications) or performance-enhancing substances and, in the case of minors, alcohol and/or tobacco;
9. Respect athletes playing with other teams;
10. Not engage in a sexual relationship with an athlete under 18 years old, or an intimate or sexual relationship with an athlete over the age of 18 if in a position of power, trust, or authority over the athlete;
11. Dress professionally, neatly, and inoffensively; and
12. Use inoffensive language, taking into account the audience being addressed.

 

5.3 Athletes

Athletes must also:

1. Report any medical problems in a timely fashion, when such problems may limit their ability to travel, practice, or compete; or in the case of carded athletes, interfere with the athlete’s ability to fulfill requirements under the Athlete Assistance Program;
2. Participate and appear on time, well-nourished, and prepared to participate to their best abilities in all competitions, practices, training sessions, tryouts, tournaments, and events;
3. Adhere to Canada Soccer’s requirements regarding clothing and equipment;
4. Never ridicule a participant for a poor performance or practice; and
5. Act in a sportsmanlike manner and not engage in violent behaviour, foul language, or offensive gestures.

5.4 Match Officials

Match Officials must also:

1. Conduct themselves with dignity both on and off the field of play, and by example seek to inspire the principles of fair play in others;
2. Adhere to all standards and directives established by Aurora Soccer Club Inc., Saskatchewan Soccer Association, Canada Soccer, International Football Association Board and FIFA;
3. Be neat in appearance and maintain a high level of physical and mental fitness;
4. Study and enforce the current Laws of the Game and any event-specific rules and regulations;
5. Perform his/her designated duties, including attending organized clinics and lectures, etc. and shall assist their colleagues in upgrading and improving their standards of officiating, instructing and assessing;
6. Adhere to the Canada Soccer’s Anti-Doping Policy;
7. Honour any appointments accepted, unless unable to do so by virtue of illness or personal emergency;
8. Not publicly criticize other referees or Aurora Soccer Club Inc., Saskatchewan Soccer Association, or Canada Soccer;
9. Not make any statement to the media (newspaper, television, radio, etc.) related to a game in which the referee has officiated, or to the performance of the players or other officials;
10. Not accept any appointment to officiate in any competitive game in which an immediate member of his/her family by marriage or common law is a registered player or coach. An immediate member of the family is a parent, a spouse, a son or daughter, a brother or sister;
11. Not accept any appointment to officiate in unsanctioned events;
12. Be fair, equitable, considerate, independent, honest, and impartial in all dealings with others;
13. When writing reports, set out the true facts and not attempt to justify any decisions; and
14. Report any approach to fix the result of a match.

 

5.5 Spectators and Parents

Spectators and Parents are expected to:

1. Encourage athletes to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence;
2. Never ridicule a participant for making a mistake during a performance or practice;
3. Provide positive comments that motivate and encourage participants’ continued effort;
4. Respect the decisions and judgments of officials and encourage athletes to do the same;
5. Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, and to the coaches, officials, and other volunteers who give their time to the sport; and
6. Refrain from entering the training or competition area and from interfering with any activities.

 

6. Duty of Disclosure, Reporting and Cooperation

Any behaviour prohibited by this Code that is experienced or observed must be reported confidentially and in writing to programs@saskatoonyouthsoccer.ca.

When a report is submitted, the following shall apply:

1. A person reporting a violation of this Code shall be provided the opportunity to remain anonymous, save and except in those circumstances where the nature of the disclosure and/or the resultant investigation make it necessary to disclose identify (for example, legal investigations or proceedings). In such cases, all reasonable steps shall be taken to protect the person reporting from harm as a result of having made a disclosure.
2. The identity of the person submitting a report shall remain confidential unless the person and the Ethics Committee Members agree otherwise.
3. A person is protected against retaliation as a result of having made, in good faith, a report which the person believes to be valid or as a result of such person having otherwise assisted in the investigation of the report. Retaliation against a person who raises a concern, in good faith, will not be tolerated and is considered a violation of this Code.

All parties must cooperate fully with the Ethics, Disciplinary and Appeals Committees as requested.

7. Coming Into Force

 

This Aurora Soccer Club Inc. Code of Conduct and Ethics came into force on September 24, 2019 and will be reviewed on an annual basis and may be amended, deleted or replaced by Ordinary Resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

A PDF version of code of conducts can be found here.

 

Code of Conduct to Protect Children

 

Introduction

Aurora Soccer Club Inc. has adopted the following Child Protection Code of Conduct from the Commit to Kids Program, to guide our employees/ volunteers in their interactions 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.

 

Why a Child Protection Code of Conduct is important?

 

Our organization is committed to ensuring all children are protected and safe. A Code of 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 the Code of Conduct is to guide our staff/volunteers in developing healthy relationships with the children involved in sport programs delivered by our organization and to model appropriate boundaries for children as seen in the Aurora Soccer Club Inc. Rule of Two, Abuse and Safety policy, and Aurora Soccer Club Inc. Guide to Interacting with Children and Adolescents.

 

Treating Children with Dignity and Maintaining Boundaries

 

All staff/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 the organization

It is important to monitor your own behaviour towards children and pay close attention to the behaviour of your peers to ensure that behaviour is appropriate and respectful and will be perceived as such by others.

All your interactions and activities with children:

- should be known to, and approved by the board, where applicable, and the parents of the child

- tied to your duties, and

- designed to develop the child’s skills in the sport program

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 the designated person within your organization (Zone/SYSI).

Examples of unacceptable behaviour toward a child:

• embarrassing

• shaming

• blaming

• humiliating

• putting them down

 

General rules of Behaviour

Staff/volunteers of the organization must not:

• Engage in any sort of physical contact with 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 with the child, that may make the child uncomfortable or that may be seen by a reasonable observer to be violating reasonable boundaries.

•Must adhere to the policies set out by Aurora Soccer Club Inc. in their Rule of Two, Abuse and Safety policy, and Aurora Soccer Club Inc. Guide to Interacting with Children and Adolescents, including travelling with children.

• Engage in any behaviour that goes against (or appears to go against) the organization’s mandate, policies, or Code of Conduct to Protect Children, regardless of whether or not they are serving the organization at that moment

• Conduct their own investigation into allegations or suspicions of potentially illegal or inappropriate behaviour - it is a staff/ 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 behaviour includes:

1. 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)

2. Inappropriate Contact. Spending unauthorized time with a child outside of designated duties with the organization.

3. 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.)

4. 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:

5. Telling sexual jokes to a child, or making comments to a child that are or is in any way suggestive, explicit or personal.

6. 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

7. Intimidating or threatening a child

8. 8. 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 the sport organization.

Whether or not a particular behavior or action constitutes inappropriate behaviour will be a matter determined by the organization having regard to all of the circumstances, including past behaviour, and allegations or suspicions related to such behaviour.

 

Reporting Requirements

All 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.

Where to report:

1. All allegations or suspicions of potentially illegal behaviour (for example, child sexual abuse) that a staff/volunteer witnesses first-hand, must be promptly reported to police and/or child welfare.

2. To ensure the protection of all children in our care, all allegations or suspicions of potentially illegal behaviour that a staff/volunteer learns of must also be promptly reported to police and/or child welfare. Police and/or child welfare will make the determination as to whether the allegation or suspicion requires further investigation.

3. All allegations or suspicions of inappropriate behaviour (see above examples), that a staff/volunteer learns of or witnesses first-hand, must be reported to the designate for the sport organization.

 

Keep in mind that you may learn of potentially illegal or inappropriate behaviour through the child or some other third party, or you may witness it first-hand. Examples of the type behaviour you may learn of or witness and that you must report as set out above includes:

a. Potentially Illegal behaviour by a Staff/Volunteer of the organization

b. Potential Illegal behaviour by a third party, such as a Parent, Teacher, Babysitter, Coach

If you are not sure whether the issue you have witnessed or heard about involves potentially illegal behaviour or inappropriate behaviour, discuss the issue with the designated person within your organization who will support you through the process. Remember: You have an independent duty to report all suspicions of potentially illegal behaviour directly to police and/or child welfare.

 

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. The sport organization will follow up internally as appropriate.

When an allegation or suspicion of inappropriate behaviour is made, the sport organization 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 the organization may refer the matter to child welfare agency or police.

 

Based on the above code, we have established guidelines with interacting with adolscents and adopted SYSI rule of two.

 

 Aurora Soccer Club Inc. Guidelines for Adults Interacting with Children and Adolescents

Note: This document is not meant to be used or viewed as an exhaustive list or acceptable and unacceptable conduct nor does it address every situation that could arise and should not be used in place of legal consultation. The document intends to provide a framework within sport, in which individuals are expected to exercise common sense and good judgment when interacting with children. For the purpose of this document “a coach or adult” refers to any person working, volunteering or otherwise interacting with children in sport. “Children” refers to anyone registered as a player or involved in Saskatoon Youth Soccer Programming, and not a parent.

Sport presents children and adolescents with amazing experiences fundamental to boosting growth and development. Positive experiences are tied to wholesome relationships between coaches and athletes and are conducted in safe environments where there is a high degree of accountability for adult behaviour and actions. The reason for these guidelines is to establish expectations and understanding around adults interacting with children/adolescents in sport and creating a safe space for those who need to bring to light any concerns of misconduct toward children.

Coach and Athlete Relationships

When taking on the responsibilities of the role of the coach you are also taking on a position of trust for the athlete. This trust us built on boundaries of professionalism inherent in the coach and athlete relationship. Once the trust is broken so are the foundations of this professional relationship. This relationship is also typified by a power balance of coach over the athlete, as they are taught at an early age to respect and listen to their coaches, as well athletes depend on the knowledge and training provided by the coach to increase their skills and development in their sport of choice.

As a result, both this power and trust can be used to violate the coach-athlete relationship and more often than not is a result of boundary violations where adults place their needs above the needs of the child athlete in order to receive professional or personal gains at the child’s expense. The responsibility of maintaining the professional relationship and appropriate boundaries always lies with the adult.

 

**This document is adopted from the Commit to Kids Program, Guidelines for Adults Interacting with Children in Sport published by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection

 

 

Roles of Parents and Coaches

In instances where it appears that a coach-athlete relationship seems to have been broken, it can be a hard to process and respond to this situation. However, reporting any suspected inappropriate behaviour creates accountability whereby appropriate actions can be implemented to restore and re-establish expectations. Parents and coaches who have any concerns should speak to SYSI and the zone organization as outlined in the SYSI Abuse and Safety Policy. Regular age-appropriate discussions around personal safety and boundary-breaking behaviour with children, should be conducted regularly by parents and coaches. Some examples of topics to discuss would be:

• Qualities and attributes of a healthy relationship
• Personal boundaries and their importance
• Where and who to bring concerns to and how to get help

 

For these topics and more, please visit: kidsintheknow.ca/safetysheets. Any concerns about any sexual images that have been shared, please visit: Cybertip.ca. As well, for more information around reporting inappropriate conduct and child sexual abuse you can visit: commit2kids.ca/safesport.

Example of Behaviour: Appropriate and Inappropriate

Individuals working or volunteering in sport are expected to model behaviour that upholds public confidence and enhances healthy relationships with children and families. Again, the example show below are not meant to be exhaustive, but illustrative.

Examples of appropriate behaviour in coach-athlete relationships:

• Use of respectful language, tone and attitude towards others
• Be respectful of personal, emotional and physical boundaries
• Respond to children to their needs and not the adult’s

• ? Interacting with children in a manner that would be seen by a reasonable observer as maintaining reasonable boundaries
• Keeping practices and games open to observation by parents
• Communication with children/adolescent (including electronic) is transparent and accountable

Examples of inappropriate behaviour in coach-athlete relationships:

• Inappropriate and/or disrespectful language
• Humiliating or intimidating children/adolescent
• Improper touching of children/adolescent (e.g., massaging, stroking, caressing, roughhousing, tickling)
• Divulging or sharing overly personal information with a child
• Asking/telling children/adolescents to keep secrets
• Electronic communication with children/adolescents that is personal and not directly tied to coaching duties
• Sexual or flirtatious communication
• Pictures taken with personal devices or in change rooms

 

Maintaining Appropriate Boundaries: Standards of Measure

Any and all interactions and activities with children/adolescents should be (including electronic communication):

• Accountable
• In response to meeting the child’s needs
• Related to coaching/volunteer duties
• Transparent

 

 

 Aurora Soccer Club Inc. has adopted the policy below:

SYSI Rule of Two Policy

1.0 General

1.1 The Rule of Two serves to protect minor athletes in potentially vulnerable situations by ensuring that more than one adult is present. Vulnerable situations can include closed doors meetings, travel, and training environments. SYSI Zone Associations are encouraged to create and implement policies and procedures that limit the instances where these situations are possible and can occur.

1.2 The Rule of Two states that there will always be two screened and Respect in Sport and NCCP trained or certified coaches with an athlete, especially a minor athlete, when in a potentially vulnerable situation. One-on-one interactions between a coach and an athlete, without another individual present, must be avoided in all circumstances except medical emergencies. SYSI expects that all organizations affiliated with SYSI will work toward attaining the Gold Standard.

1.3 In the event where screened and NCCP trained or certified coaches are not available, a screened volunteer, parent, or adult can be recruited. In all instances, one coach/volunteer must reflect the genders of the athletes participating or be of an appropriate identity in relation to the athlete(s).

1.4 As depicted in the diagram above, the Gold Standard is the preferred environment, it is not expected that it will be reached at all times. The alternatives presented, although increasing risk, are acceptable and would be considered to be in alignment with the Rule of Two. However, the one-on-one interaction between a coach and an athlete without another individual present, as depicted at the lowest stair in the diagram, is to be avoided in all circumstances.

2.0 Situational Guidelines

2.1 Saskatoon Youth Soccer recommends the following guidelines for organizations to ensure they are following the Rule of Two. In the guidelines below, a ‘Person in Authority’ is defined as an NCCP-trained or certified coach, a screened volunteer, or other adult. The organization is meeting the Gold Standard for the Rule of Two if the Person in Authority is always an NCCP-trained or certified coach.

2.1.1 Travel

• A Person in Authority may not be alone in a car with an athlete unless the Person in Authority is the athlete’s parent or guardian
• A Person in Authority may not share a room or be alone in a hotel room with an athlete unless the Person in Authority is the athlete’s parent or guardian
• Room or bed checks during overnight stays must be done by two Persons in Authority

 

2.1.2 Training / Competition Environment

The following guidelines are strongly recommended for the training and competition environment (including before, during, and after practices and games):

• A Person in Authority should never be alone with an athlete prior to or following a game or practice, unless the Person in Authority is the athlete’s parent or guardian. If the athlete is the first athlete to arrive, the athlete’s parent should remain until another athlete or Person in Authority arrives. Similarly, if an athlete would potentially be alone with a Person in Authority following a game or practice, the Person in Authority should ask another Person in Authority (or a parent or guardian of another athlete) to stay until all the athletes have been picked up. If an adult is not available, then another athlete should be present in order to avoid the Person in Authority being alone with a single athlete.
• Persons in Authority giving instructions, demonstrating skills, or facilitating drills or lessons to an individual athlete should always be doing so within earshot and eyesight of another Person in Authority.

 

2.1.3 Gender Identity

A Person in Authority who is interacting with athletes should be of the same gender identity as the athletes. The following guidelines are strongly recommended:

• For teams consisting of athletes of just one gender identity, a Person in Authority of the same gender identity should be available to participate or attend every interaction
• For teams consisting of athletes of more than one gender identity (e.g., co-ed teams), a Person in Authority of each gender identity should be available to participate or attend every interaction

 

The Following Codes of conducts PDF version can be found here:

Code of Conduct to Protect Children

Aurora Soccer Club Inc. Guidelines for Interaction

SYSI Rule of Two