Guidelines for Appropriate / Inappropriate Conduct Between Adults / Adolescents and Children
At Newstars Futbol Academy, we believe sport plays a vital role in the healthy development of children and youth. Positive, safe, and respectful interactions between coaches, volunteers, and athletes form the foundation of a strong learning environment.
These guidelines outline clear expectations for appropriate conduct between adults and children, helping ensure safety, accountability, and trust within our academy community.
Definitions
- “Coach or Adult” refers to any individual—staff, volunteer, trainer, team manager, or support personnel—who works with or interacts with NFA players.
- “Children” or “Youth Athletes” refers to any participant under the age of eighteen (18).
1. The Coach–Athlete Relationship
Coaches hold positions of trust and authority. Because athletes rely on coaches for guidance, mentorship, and skill development, there is an inherent power imbalance in this relationship.
Maintaining professional boundaries is essential. When boundaries are crossed—whether emotionally, verbally, or physically—the relationship becomes compromised and can place athletes at risk.
It is always the adult’s responsibility to establish, uphold, and model proper boundaries.
2. Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Behaviour
All adults at NFA are expected to demonstrate behaviour that fosters respect, confidence, safety, and professionalism.
Examples of Appropriate Behaviour
- Using respectful language, tone, and attitude.
- Respecting personal space and emotional boundaries.
- Responding to youth athletes’ needs, not personal needs of the adult.
- Interacting in ways that would be clearly acceptable to a reasonable observer.
- Keeping training sessions open to parent or staff observation.
- Ensuring all communication (including electronic messages) is transparent, professional, and related to coaching duties.
Examples of Inappropriate Behaviour
- Disrespectful, demeaning, or intimidating language.
- Humiliating, threatening, or verbally abusing athletes.
- Inappropriate physical contact (e.g., massaging, caressing, tickling, roughhousing).
- Sharing overly personal information with a youth athlete.
- Asking athletes to keep secrets.
- Personal or private electronic communication unrelated to coaching responsibilities.
- Flirtatious or sexual comments or messages.
- Taking photos in private spaces such as change rooms or with personal devices in non-approved contexts.
3. Standards for Maintaining Boundaries
All interactions—whether in person, by phone, or online—must be:
- Transparent
- Accountable
- Directly related to coaching/volunteering duties
- Focused on the needs and well-being of the athlete
4. Legal Considerations: Age of Protection
In Canada, the general age of consent is 16; however, when a relationship involves authority, trust, dependency, or potential exploitation—such as coach–athlete relationships—consent laws change.
For athletes aged 12–17, sexual activity with a coach or other authority figure is illegal, regardless of age differences.
Key points:
- Ages 14–15: Age difference must be less than 5 years, and no position of authority exists.
- Ages 16–17: A youth still cannot legally consent to any sexual activity with an adult who holds authority, trust, or influence (including coaches).
The law recognizes the power imbalance present in sport and protects youth athletes from exploitation.
5. Role of Parents and Coaches
Parents and coaches share responsibility for creating a safe, transparent, and supportive environment.
- Anyone who witnesses or suspects inappropriate conduct should report concerns to the NFA Discipline Representative.
- Parents and coaches are encouraged to speak with athletes about personal boundaries, healthy relationships, and how to seek help if something feels uncomfortable.