Click each area to review or download the policy.
REFUNDS AND CUT OFF DATES:
FESTIVAL ON THE GRAND REFUND DEADLINE:
APRIL 30TH 2023
ALL FESTIVAL ON THE GRAND REFUNDS ARE LESS A $50.00 PROCESSING FEE
2022/2023 House League Refund Policy – Requests for refunds must be in writing and submitted to:
Brantford City Soccer Club, 566C West Street, Brantford, ON N3R 6M7
All refund requests must state the player’s name, mailing address, date of birth, and phone number.
2022 Fall Indoor Refunds and Cut off Dates: September 19th 2022
2022 Fall Indoor Medical Refund Cut Off Dates: October 7th 2022
2023 Winter Indoor Refunds and Cut off Dates: December 16th 2022
2023 Winter Indoor Medical Refund Cut Off Dates: January 8th 2023
2023 Summer Outdoor Refunds and Cut off Dates: April 30th 2023
2023 Summer Outdoor Medical Refund Cut Off Dates: May 12th 2023
Registrations
- Any NSF cheque will be assessed a $25.00 administrative fee.
Refunds
- A full refund will be given only if a child cannot be placed on a team
- Once the player is registered in our system, a refund will be given less a $25 administration fee
- After September 19th 2022 – there will be no refund, except for medical reasons (Doctor’s note is required). A refund will then be given less a $25 administration fee (Applies to Fall Indoor 2022).
- After December 16th 2022 – there will be no refund, except for medical reasons (Doctor’s note is required). A refund will then be given less a $25 administration fee (Applies to Winter Indoor 2023).
- After April 30th 2023 – there will be no refund, except for medical reasons (Doctor’s note is required). A refund will then be given less a $25 administration fee (Applies to Summer Outdoor 2023).
- After October 7th 2022– there will be no medical refunds (Applies to Fall Indoor 2022)
- After January 8th 2023 — there will be no medical refunds (Applies to Winter Indoor 2023)
- After May 12th 2023 — there will be no medical refunds (Applies to Summer Outdoor 2023)
- All medical refunds refunds require a doctors note.
- There are no refunds for the Open Women’s or Over 18/19 Co-ed Soccer Leagues
Schedules/ Player Requests/Equipment
Schedules
- Schedules are subject to change without notice. If schedules do change, refunds will not be granted
Player Requests
- PLAYERS MAY MAKE ONE RECIPROCAL REQUEST, and BOTH PLAYERS MUST REQUEST ONE ANOTHER. Although you MAY HAVE requested for your child to be placed on the same team as another child, we cannot guarantee that this request will be accommodated. REFUNDS WILL NOT BE GRANTED IF REQUEST IS NOT GRANTED.
Summer Outdoor Equipment
- Tiny Tots – Jersey provided by BCSC – shin pads & running shoes (or soccer cleats) are needed
- U5/6 – U18 – Jersey/shorts/socks provided by BCSC – shin pads and soccer cleats are needed
- Over 19 Co-ed – Jersey provided by BCSC (only for individuals) – shin pads and soccer cleats are needed
The Brantford City Soccer Club is a strong supporter of making sport safe for our youth. Over the past few years, verbal abuse directed towards referees, players and volunteers has been a particular problem. Because of this, the BCSC is taking the following steps to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all involved in the sport of soccer in our City.
Policy
Any coach, or spectator judged by the BCSC Disciplinary Committee to be guilty of abusive conduct towards a game official, fellow coach or player during a BCSC House League game – including playoff games, will be reprimanded in writing. A second conviction, during the same season will result in them being banned from attending any BCSC House League games – including playoff games. In extreme cases, as determined by the Disciplinary Committee, the ban may be evoked after the first offence. This policy applies to all non-playing attendees at BCSC House League games- including playoff games.
Policy Procedures
When a game official feels that they are being abused, as per the scope of this policy, by either a coach or fan, the official will be allowed to suspend the playing of the game. If the abuse is physical, the game official is advised to inform the coaches that the game has been abandoned and then proceed with step 4.1. The official will then verbally advise both coaches that the game has been stopped due to the abuse and inform both coaches as to the source of the abuse. If the source is one of the coaches, the official will advise the coach that the next occurrence of a similar nature will result in their dismissal from the field of play and surrounding area, or an abandonment of the game and that a report to the BCSC Disciplinary Committee will be sent in for review. If the source is a fan, the appropriate coach will provide the official with the name of the fan and the coach must advise the fan that the next occurrence of a similar nature will result in an abandonment of the game. Further, a report to the BCSC Disciplinary Committee will be sent in for review. If the fan is not associated with either team, both coaches are asked to speak to the fan and ask the individual to leave. Once the prescribed action in step 2 has been completed, the game will restart with a dropped ball between the two teams at the location where the play was stopped. If the abuse continues, the official will be allowed to stop any further playing of the game and advise the coaches that the game has been abandoned and that a special incidence report will be forwarded to the BCSC Disciplinary Committee. The official must clearly indicate on the game sheet that the game was abandoned due to abuse.
If the abuse is from a coach or parent towards another coach or a player, a written complaint should be submitted to the BCSC Disciplinary Committee. Only complaints submitted in writing will be dealt with by the Committee.
4.1 The game official must contact either their referee coordinator or a member of the Executive to verbally report the incident within 24 hours.
4.2 A special incidence report, with the assistance of the referee coordinator or a member of the Executive, if required, must then be forwarded to the BCSC within 72 hours.
4.3 The BCSC Disciplinary Committee will then review and deal with the report as per their guidelines.
4.4 If the game was abandoned due to the conduct of a fan not associated with either team, the Executive will determine the status of the game.
If the game continues without any further incident, the game official is advised to inform their referee coordinator that the game was temporarily suspended due to abuse towards a game official. Further, a note should be made on the game sheet.
BRANTFORD CITY SOCCER CLUB
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Brantford City Soccer Club is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our members so they can participate in soccer in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all children and parents should be able to openly communicate the situation and know that any and all incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are an open club. This means that anyone who knows bullying is suspected or happening is expected to notify the club immediately.
OBJECTIVES OF THIS POLICY
-Bullying will not be tolerated.
-All players, coaching staff members and parents of Brantford City Soccer Club should have an understanding of what bullying is.
-All coaching staff members should know what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
-All players should know what the club policy is on bullying and what they should if bullying occurs or is suspected.
-As a club we take bullying seriously. Players and parents should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.
WHAT IS BULLYING
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim. Bullying consists of three basic types of abuse – emotional, verbal and physical bullying can be and does include:
-Verbal bullying including derogatory comments, lies, false rumors, teasing, ridicule and bad names.
-Emotional bullying includes being unfriendly, sending hurtful or tormenting messages via social media forms.
-Bullying through social exclusion of isolation, being ignored and/or left out.
-Physical bullying includes pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any other use of violence.
-Being attacked because of their religion, race, color, gender or sexuality including but not limited to taunts, graffiti, gestures, etc.
-Sexually unwanted physical contact as sexually abusive comments.
-Misuse of associated technology such as unwanted camera and video usage and social networking exposure.
SIGNS AND INDICATORS
Players may indicate they are being bullied by signs or behavior. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and investigate if:
-A player says he or she is being bullied
-Is afraid or unwilling to go to training, practice or games
-Becomes withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence
-Feels ill before practices/training sessions
-Is nervous and/or jumpy when a message is received (eg. Text, social network)
-Comes home with clothes torn or training equipment damages
-Asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay the bully)
-Has unexplained cuts or bruises
-Is frightened to say what’s wrong
-Gives improbable excuses for any of the above
-Cry themselves to sleep or night or has nightmares
-Becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
-Is bullying other children or siblings
-Stops eating
-Attempts suicide, runs away or hurts themselves deliberately (self-harm)
PROCEDURES
1) Immediately report the bullying incidents/behavior to the BCSC Administration Manager
2) The club will take every concern seriously, investigate the issue and report back to you in a timely manner
3) In serious cases, parents may be asked to come in to discuss the problem
4) If necessary and appropriate, the police will be consulted
5) If bullying is found, it will be stopped immediately by removal of the player(s) who is bullying from the club until as suitable process has been met through club policy.
6) A record will be kept on the incident(s), investigation and any action(s) taken
7) The Bully will be placed on probationary period with the club of no less than six (6) months
Click to open a PDF of playing rules: BCSC Outdoor House League Playing Rules
A referee needs to be registered with any club within Brantford or Brant County.
It is at the Discretion of BCSC to schedule the referee.
Rowan’s Law
Concussion Resources
Overview
Effective July 1, 2021, under Rowan’s Law, clubs must ensure that athletes under 26 years of age, parents of athletes under 18, Coaches, Team Trainers and Team Officials MUST confirm every year that they have reviewed Ontario’s Concussion Awareness Resources. The Concussion Awareness Resources can be accessed free of charge at the following web location (additional information is available at the bottom of this document). A Confirmation Receipt for review of Concussion Awareness Resources must be completed by each registered participant and managed by the community sport organization for athletes under 26 years of age, parents of athletes under 18, Coaches, Team Trainers and Team Officials before participating in their sport (a sample of the BCSC code of Conduct for Parents, Athletes and Guardians is below as is a sample of the Confirmation Receipt will be required to be completed). This process is completed at the time of registration.
Concussion Code of Conduct for ATHLETES & PARENTS/GUARDIANS
I will help prevent concussions by ensuring my child/I is/am:
Wearing the proper equipment for the sport and wearing it correctly.
Developing their/my skills and strength so that they/I can participate to the best of their/my ability.
Respecting the rules of the sport or activity.
Committed to fair play and respect for all (respecting other athletes, coaches, team trainers and officials).
I will care for my child’s/my health and safety by taking concussions seriously, and I understand that:
A concussion is a brain injury that can have both short- and long-term effects.
A blow to my child’s/my head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that causes the brain to move around inside the skull may cause a concussion.
My child/I don’t need to lose consciousness to have had a concussion.
I have a commitment to concussion recognition and reporting, including self-reporting of possible concussion/reporting of a possible concussion by my child and reporting to a designated person when I suspect that another individual may have sustained a concussion.
By allowing by child/myself to continue to participate in further training, practice or competition with a possible concussion increases my child/my risk of more severe, longer lasting symptoms, and increases my risk of other injuries.
I will not hide concussion symptoms. I will speak up for myself and others”
I will not hide my child/my symptoms. I will tell a coach, official, team trainer, parent or another adult I trust if my child/I experience any symptoms of concussion.
If someone else tells me/my child about concussion symptoms, or I see signs they might have a concussion, I will tell a coach, official, team trainer, parent or another adult I trust so they can help.
I understand that if my child/I have a suspected concussion, my child/I will be removed from sport and that my child/I will not be able to return to training, practice or competition until my child/I undergo a medical assessment by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner and have been medically cleared to return to training, practice or competition. My child/I have a commitment to sharing any pertinent information regarding incidents of removal from sport with the athlete’s school and any other sport organization with which the athlete has registered.
My child/I will take the time my child/I need to recover, because it is important for my child/my health.
I understand my commitment to supporting the return-to-sport process.
I understand my child/I will have to be medically cleared by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner before returning to training, practice or competition.
My child/I will respect my coaches, team trainers, parents, health-care professionals, and medical doctors and nurse practitioners, regarding my health and safety.
My child/I can help prevent concussions, through my child/my:
Commitment to zero-tolerance for prohibited play that is considered high risk for causing concussions.
Acknowledgement of mandatory expulsion from competition for violating zero tolerance for prohibited play that is considered high risk for causing concussions.
Acknowledgement of the escalating consequences for those who repeatedly violate the Concussion Code of Conduct.
Confirmation Receipt of Review of Concussion Awareness Resource
Thank you for completing your review of the Concussion Awareness Resource.
Under Rowan’s Law, Brantford City Soccer Club, will ask you to confirm that you reviewed one of the Concussion Awareness Resources in this website (Ontario.ca/concussions) before you can register/participate in soccer.
You must review one of the resources once a year, and then confirm that you have completed the review every time you register with Brantford City Soccer Club.
Once you complete this form, you can save it (to your personal device/computer) or print this page to share with other sports organization and/or to serve as a reminder of when to review the Concussion Awareness Resources again next year.
I have reviewed the Concussion Code of Conduct for ATHLETES & PARENTS/GUARDIANS and agree that my child and I/I will adhere to the protocols listed in the Code of Conduct.
Receipt of Review
I, __________________ (name) confirm that I have reviewed a Concussion Awareness Resource.
____________________ ___________________
Signature Date
Rowan’s Law Documents
Concussion Management Protocol
Removal from Sport and Return to Sport Template
Concussion Code of Conduct for Coaches and Trainers
Additional Concussion Management Resources
Concussions are the most common form of head injury caused by an impact or forceful motion of the head or other part of the body, resulting in rapid movement of the brain within the skull.
A concussion can happen to anyone at any time. Common causes include falls, motor vehicle crashes, and sports and recreational activities.
MYTH: If the person was not hit in the head or did not lose consciousness, they do not have a concussion.
FACT: A blow to the head is not the only way someone can sustain a concussion—a concussion may be caused by a direct blow to the head, face, neck, or a blow elsewhere on the body with an ‘impulsive’ force transmitted to the head. Concussions occur from blows to different parts of the body of varying magnitude. A relatively minor impact may result in a concussion, while a high-magnitude hit may not. There is therefore no way to know for certain whether a particular blow will lead to a concussion.
Any head injury needs to be taken seriously. Most concussions, managed appropriately, resolve without complications. On some occasion, concussion injuries can be more serious and result in long-term disabilities.
The real danger of most concussions occurs when the injury is not recognized or is managed incorrectly. Returning to activities too early can put a person at increased risk for future concussions, prolonging their symptoms and potentially leading to serious complications.
Second Impact Syndrome is a rare but typically fatal injury that may result if a person sustains another concussion before their brain has healed.
MYTH: Concussions aren’t a big deal, and a person with a concussion or a suspected concussion doesn’t need to go to the Emergency Room.
FACT: If the person shows any of the Red Flag Symptoms call 911 IMMEDIATELY.
- Neck pain or tenderness
- Double vision
- Weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs
- Severe or increasing headache
- Seizure or convulsion
- Loss of consciousness
- Deteriorating conscious state
- Vomiting
- Increasingly restless, agitated, or combative
If there are no Red Flag symptoms:
- Notify an emergency contact person, parent or guardian
- Do not leave the person alone
- Continue to monitor for Red Flag and signs of a concussion
- Do not let the person return to the activity or sport
- Do not give the person any immediate medication
- Do not let the person leave alone
- Do not let the person drive or ride a bike
MYTH: A person with a potential concussion can return to sport, play, or normal activity the same day.
FACT: If a person has a suspected concussion, they should NOT return to sport or activity and should be seen by a medical professional and/or monitored for delayed symptoms for 48 hours.
A person with a suspected concussion should not be left alone initially. The person should NOT BE woken up, but should be monitored throughout the night for anything out of the ordinary. Only wake the person if you have concerns about the person’s breathing, changes in skin colour, or how they are sleeping. Call 911 if the person is slow to wake or shows any of the Red Flag symptoms. If sleeping normally, let them sleep to allow the brain to rest. Sleep is an important part of the recovery process.
If no signs or symptoms appear within the first 48 hours, the person can return to normal activities but should be monitored for several days. If no signs or symptoms appear, chances are that no concussion was sustained. If unsure, please see your medical professional for clearance.
Depending on the circumstance, the emergency contact person, parent, or guardian should take the person to a medical professional and/or monitored for delayed symptoms for 48 hours.
MYTH: Complete recovery from a concussion only takes 2 to 3 days.
FACT: Children and youth tend to experience a longer recovery period than adults. On average, an adult takes 7 to 10 days to recover, whereas children and youth may take 2 to 4 weeks to heal. Most concussion cases (about 85%) will fully recover within 3 months; however, some symptoms can last for months and have the potential to cause long-term difficulties.
MYTH: A person needs to stay in bed and rest for at least a week to recover from a concussion.
FACT: The recovery process for concussion begins with resting the brain for up to 2 days, followed by a gradual and well-managed return to activity. This is best done in collaboration with key individuals in the person’s life such as health care providers, family members (parent/partner/caregiver), friends, employers, teachers and school staff, coaches, etc.
Recovery from concussion spans the home and work/school/sport settings. It starts immediately following the concussion causing incident and ends when the person has gradually returned to normal activities including school, work, and physical activity.
A concussion can have a significant impact on someone’s physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. The recovery process involves balancing activity levels so that the person does not do too much or too little. It is a fluctuating process where the person can be doing well one day but not the next. Having had a previous concussion increases the chance a person will have a delayed recovery.
MYTH: There is nothing a person can do to prevent a concussion.
FACT: Although not all concussions can be prevented, there are steps you can take to decrease the risk of sustaining one or reducing the severity of a potential concussion.
Promote: Fair play
Behaviour and attitude have a major impact on concussion causing incidents. You can encourage fair play by modelling respect and sportsmanship in the presence of others.
Encourage: Support concussion reporting
People will often hide symptoms of concussion because they don’t want to fall behind or disappoint their parents, coaches, and/or teammates. Supporting a positive environment for reporting concussion symptoms sooner can make the biggest difference in preventing more serious concussion outcomes and associated risks.
Awareness: Educating yourself and others
Learning about concussions helps to understand how serious a concussion can be. It also provides the tools to recognize and report a concussion if suspected. An informed person is more likely to follow the guidelines during the recovery process.
FOR ADDITIONAL CONCUSSION GUIDELINES CHECK THE FOLLOWING LINKS:
Athletes Guidelines for Concussions
Coaches & Trainer Guidelines for Concussions
Parents & Caregivers Guidelines for Concussions
Return to Play Guidelines for Concussions
NCPP Concussion Sports Training Module
See also Dr. Tyler Fletcher of Cobblestone Medicine Rehab for Baseline Concussion Testing
RULE OF TWO POLICY
This policy states that there will always be two vulnerable sector screened and NCCP trained/certified coaches with any minor athletes when in a potentially vulnerable situation.
This requires that any one-on-one interaction between a coach and an athlete must take place within view and earshot of a second coach, excluding medical emergencies. One of these coaches must also be the same gender of the athlete.
If one of the aforementioned Vulnerable sector screened and NCCP training/certified coaches are unbailable a parent who has been screened for the vulnerable sector may be used as a substitute to ensure the policy is always followed.
Vulnerable situations can include closed door meetings, travel, training environments amongst others. This policy is implemented to reduce and eliminate these interactions.
ANTI-DOPING POLICY
As a member club of Ontario Soccer and the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) respectively, Brantford City Soccer Club fully supports and hereby adopts the Ontario Soccer and CSA anti-doping policy from the Canadian Anti-Doping Program.
Please see below for details from the CSA on the Canadian Anti-Doping Program and anti-doping resources from Ontario Soccer:
Canadian Anti-Doping Program: http://www.canadasoccer.com/anti-doping-program-s15641
Ontario Soccer Anti-Doping Resources: http://www.ontariosoccer.net/anti-doping-resources
Brantford City Soccer Club follows the Long Term Player Development matrix and accordingly has the following Player Pathway:
FACILITY & EQUIPMENT SAFETY POLICY
Brantford City Soccer Club strives to ensure all venues and facilities, both public and private, utilized by our community of parents, players, officials, spectators and patrons at large are safe, well maintained and in good working condition at all times.
Prior to the commencement of each game and facility usage, all staff and officials are required to complete the enclosed checklist to ensure the integrity and safe operation of the premise and related equipment utilized.
In the event that any of the following has occurred the reporting procedure is as follows:
-Note in your evening report and checklist submission the issue with the facility/equipment encountered
-Note in your report any actions you took to rectify the situation such as removing the debris, cordoning off the area, etc.
-If the conditions are such that the safe operation of the field/facility/equipment is not possible without intervention that is beyond your control, you must notify the office immediately at 519-759-6963 and postpone any events that have/are scheduled in the area/with the equipment.
In the event of an issue with the safety/integrity of the facility/premise/equipment Brantford City Soccer Club will communicate this to its membership and post signage informing patrons of the issue. Communication will then be disseminated upon resolution of the safety concern.
Soccer Field/Facility Safety Checklist:
Prior to each practice or game, coaches, officials and/or designated volunteers should develop the habit of a field and area safety check. This checklist is designed to be a general guide for all fields. Certain fields will have other specific areas of concern that should be inspected.
Goal Post Safety:
- Portable goal properly secured and anchored. Confirm anchoring system is not a hazard to participants.
- Permanent goals properly secured and anchored. Confirm anchoring system is not a hazard to participants.
- Inspect goal net and goal post for sharp corners, loose bolts and general integrity.
- Forbid any horseplay by players or members of the general public on or around any goal post.
- Portable goal posts should only be moved by authorized personnel.
Field and Area Safety:
- Inspect for foreign objects such as stones, glass, etc.
- Check field for holes, depressions, torn sections (if artificial turf), etc. Notify the club of unsafe field conditions in writing. Keep a copy for your records.
- Make sure sprinkler heads are seated.
- Make sure water drains beyond the touch line are marked for player awareness.
- Observe 3′ restraining line from the touch line. Area must be obstruction free, except for coaches. · Review fencing. No climbing to retrieve balls.
- Check bleachers/players benches for safety. Make spectators aware of bleachers that may not be safe.
- Inspect the condition of and access to locker rooms, restrooms and portable toilets.
- Survey parking lots, concessions and vendors areas for any obvious hazards. Make spectators and players aware of any hazardous conditions; and notify the club of unsafe conditions in writing as soon as practical
BRANTFORD CITY SOCCER CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT TO PROTECT CHILDREN
Brantford City Soccer Club has developed the following Child Protection Code of Conduct 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.
Child protection liaison: Rob Coleman email: Robcoleman@rogers.com
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 of 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.
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.
- 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:
- 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 with the organization.
- 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.
- Telling sexual jokes to a child, or making comments to a child that are or is 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 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Potentially Illegal behaviour by a Staff/Volunteer of the organization
- 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 a child welfare agency or police.
I agree to comply with the Code of Conduct to Protect Children for Brantford City Soccer Club.
____________________________________ ____________________________
Staff/volunteer’s signature Date
Brantford City Soccer Code of Conduct to Protect Children Link.
Our Code of Conduct acts in conjunction with our Club’s “Zero Tolerance Policy” and is structured to identify and address behavior that is deemed to be irreconcilable with this policy and resultantly is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary actions. The Brantford City Soccer Club code is formulated from the Ontario Soccer policies and procedures. A listing of all behaviour and conduct that will result in disciplinary actions can be viewed on the Ontario Soccer website (https://www.ontariosoccer.net).
-All affiliated Game Officials are required to enforce Ontario Soccer game rules.
-All affiliated Team Officials are required to ensure their players, parents, spectators and other team officials are compliant with the BCSC with the code of conduct.
-The Brantford City Soccer Club Disciplinary Committee is responsible for dealing with all non-compliance issues in accordance with the Ontario Soccer guidelines. Appeals of decisions rendered by the Disciplinary Committee are handled by the Hamilton and District Soccer Association.
-Violation of municipal and provincial laws will be referred to the proper authorities (police, by-law officers, etc.), as required.
Players, Team Officials, Game Officials, Spectators and Patrons must observe the following:
-No one shall assault, attack or physically abuse any other player, team official, game official, spectator, league official or patron. Assault includes but is not limited to punching, kicking, slapping, biting, shoving, spitting, throwing of an object.
-No one shall threaten any other player, team official, game official, spectator, league official or patron.
-No one shall swear at, make rude, vulgar, offensive or insulting gestures at any other player, team official, game official, spectator, league official or patron.
-No one shall verbally insult, abuse or offend another player, team official, game official, spectator, league official or patron
-No one shall touch, fondle or in any way make physical conduct with any other player, team official, game official, spectator, league official or patron that may be construed as inappropriate, offensive, or illegal.
-No one shall instruct, incite or encourage any other player, team official, game official, spectator, league official or patron to violate game rules or code of conduct measures.
VISION, MISSION AND VALUES STATEMENT
It is the mission of the Brantford City Soccer Club to promote, develop and oversee soccer in the Brantford area. Our goal is to provide both competitive and recreational opportunities, in a safe environment, for youth and adults of all ages. Our club encourages sportsmanship, skill improvement and teamwork while promoting friendship and healthy living through the game of soccer.
Annual Education & Training Plan
Brantford City Soccer Club in conjunction with Brantford Galaxy and the Brantford Referee Association host annual Small-Sided and Entry-Level referee courses each year for interested individuals in the community who want to take the first steps to becoming a match official.
Brantford City Soccer Club sees the ongoing education and advancement of referees as instrumental in the development of the game of soccer across the region.
Beginning in 2022 Brantford City Soccer Club will host four annual education sessions, one occurring quarterly, with the Laws of the Game Referee Seminar for Junior Referees occurring in the spring prior to the start of the summer outdoor season. The other three seminars will be Laws of the Game Referee Seminar for All Referees, a Non-Laws of the Game Referee Seminar for Junior Referees and a Non-Laws of the Game Referee Seminar for All Referees. These courses will be held within Brantford at the BCSC soccer club office and will be free to attend. These courses will be provided by the Ontario Soccer Learning Facilitators until such time as BCSC officials attain said designation.
Also commencing in 2022 Brantford City Soccer Club Will host training sessions featuring practical on field knowledge. For 2022 the on-field training will be led by Ontario Soccer officials with the support of our Club Head Referee. The current Club Head Referee is George Whittingham. Beginning in 2023 our Club Head Referee will spearhead this training themselves. These training sessions will both occur in April at the BCSC indoor soccer turf with one course open to only junior referees and the other open to all referees.
Brantford City Soccer Club will be enhancing our Mentor Training Program in 2022 to ensure our current referee mentors are fitted with the new Ontario Soccer designation. The referee mentor will meet and review at least one game of each new match official per season to provide them with feedback. Afterwards the referee mentor will continue to check in and be engaged with the referees via a weekly check-in email to ensure any concerns are addressed and feedback is answered immediately to any questions that arise.
The Brantford City Soccer Club Club Head Referee will be reviewing/auditing all game officials during the season to gauge the level of competency, following of the laws of the game and general conduct of the officials to recommend those who are ripe for promotion to a higher level/district pool of referees, and those who may need additional support moving forward to help them further blossom into successful officials.
Brantford City Soccer Club is committed to enhancing the ranks of females as match officials with the club. Beginning in 2023 Brantford City Soccer will employ a female lead who has undertaken the Mentor Training Program designation to serve primarily as a liaison to female match officials. They will focus upon the engagement and outreach to women providing the support and feedback needed to keep them interested and sustain their presence as match officials.
Brantford City Soccer Club promotes the Long Term Official development in accordance with the matrix utilized by Ontario Soccer.
