Child Protection Policy

Introduction

At the Welland Soccer Club (WSC), the safety and well-being of our youth members are paramount. We are committed to creating a secure and positive environment for all children involved in our programs. This Child Protection Policy outlines our comprehensive approach to safeguarding children, detailing preventive measures, guidelines for adult-child interactions, and procedures for reporting and addressing concerns of abuse or neglect.

Background Checks

• Mandatory Screening: All coaches, volunteers, staff, and anyone else in a position of authority or trust within WSC must undergo a thorough background check, including criminal record and vulnerable sector checks, before engagement.
• Scheduled Updates: Background checks must be conducted biennially. On alternate years, individuals are required to submit a signed declaration affirming there have been no changes to their status.

Guidelines for Interactions Between Adults and Minors

• Rule of Two: It is the policy of the Welland Soccer Club that there must always be at least two screened team  officials present at official soccer activities and events where a minor is involved. This can include  two coaches or a coach and another team official so long as one of the individuals is of the same  gender as the athlete.Any one-on-one interaction between a coach and an athlete must take place within earshot and  view of the second coach or designated screened individual, apart from medical emergencies.  If a second screened official is not available a parent or adult can be recruited.
• Appropriate Boundaries: Adults must maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries at all times. Physical contact should be limited to what is necessary and relevant to the child’s soccer development.
• Open Environments: Activities and interactions should occur in observable and interruptible settings. Private or one-on-one situations should be avoided unless in a public setting with parental consent.
• Communication: Any communication between adults and minors should be transparent and involve parents or guardians. This includes digital communication.

Anti-Bullying Policy

Bullying has become a major issue in today’s society. Whether it is at school or on the soccer  field, bullying is an issue that needs to be addressed. Welland Soccer Club (WSC) recognizes  the seriousness of bullying and wants to bring this issue to the forefront of the club’s policy. As a  community club within Welland, WSC is set on implementing a progressive policy that will aim to  prevent bullying and make for a better overall environment on and off the field for our players.  

Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among children and youth that involves a  real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be  repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting  problems. A safe and inclusive learning environment in our club is critical for our players to  achieve success. Parents and players must be confident in knowing that our club environment is  free from harassment, violence, intolerance and intimidation, all of which are forms of bullying.  WSC would like to make bullying aware to all our players and coaches. The aim is to properly  educate our coaches about bullying so that they are aware of it and can reiterate it to the  players.  

WSC Code of Conduct  

Welland Soccer Club’s code of conduct describes the positive behaviors expected of the club’s  players, coaches, and parents. The code of conduct applies to all, sets standards for behavior,  and covers a focused set of expected positive behaviors. Along with our Code of Conduct we  expect all our players to adhere to this Anti-Bully Policy.  

Coach Education  

WSC will make all our coaches aware of this Anti-Bullying policy. Our coaches will be trained on  how to be more aware about bullying and so they can reiterate that awareness to their players.  We will expect our coaches to employ preventative measures so that bullying is not an issue for  any of our players. If cases of bullying do arise, we have a conflicts and resolution protocol (see  below). 

Conflict and resolution protocol  

Conflict Procedure  

1. Report bullying incidents to the coach, manager, coordinator or a member of the Board  of Directors. 
2. Coach/adult needs to contact the executive immediately. 
3. Parents should be informed and will be asked to come in to a meeting to discuss the  problem. 
4. If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted. 
5. The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated, and the bullying  stopped quickly. 
6. An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour. 7. If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the club will initiate disciplinary  action. 

Recommended Actions for Resolution  

If WSC coaches decide it is appropriate for the parties involved to deal with the situation they  should follow the procedure outlined below.  

1. Reconciliation by getting the parties together. It may be that a genuine apology solves  the problem.  
2. If this fails/not appropriate coach(es) of the team should meet with the parent and child  alleging bullying to get details of the allegation. Minutes should be taken for clarity.  3. The coach(es) should meet with the alleged bully and parent/s and put the incident  raised to them to answer and give their view of the allegation. Minutes should again be  taken.  
3. The coach(es) should talk to anyone else that may have been involved to gather  additional information; again, minutes should be taken.  
4. If bullying has in their view taken place the athletes should be warned and put on notice  of further action. Consideration should be given as to whether a reconciliation meeting  between parties is appropriate at this time.  
5. All other coaches involved with both athletes should be made aware of the concerns and  outcome of the process i.e. the warning.  

Welland Soccer Club’s Anti-Bullying Policy is in line with Bill 14 of the Anti-Bullying Act, 2012  from the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. 

Reporting and Addressing Concerns

• Immediate Reporting: Any suspicions or allegations of child abuse, neglect, or inappropriate conduct by an adult towards a minor must be reported immediately to club officials and law enforcement.
• Confidentiality: All reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity. The identity of the person reporting will be protected to the best of the club’s ability.
• Investigation: WSC will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of abuse or neglect. This may involve cooperation with local authorities if the situation warrants.
• Action: Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. This may include removal of the individual from their position, reporting to law enforcement, and implementing measures to prevent future incidents.

Training and Education

• Awareness Programs: WSC will provide mandatory training and awareness programs for coaches, volunteers, staff, and parents on child protection, recognizing signs of abuse or neglect, and the importance of the Rule of Two.
• Resources and Support: Information and resources on child protection will be made available to all club members.

Policy Review

• Annual Review: The Child Protection Policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure it remains effective and reflects the latest best practices in child protection.

Commitment

WSC is fully committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children in our care. We expect all members of the WSC community to share in this commitment and to adhere to the principles and guidelines set out in this policy.

By fostering a culture of awareness, vigilance, and openness, we can ensure that the Welland Soccer Club remains a safe and nurturing place for every child to grow, learn, and enjoy the game of soccer.