Newstars Futbol Academy (NFA) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all players, families, staff, volunteers, and partners. Membership in NFA is a privilege that comes with responsibilities, including adhering to all Academy policies, procedures, and standards of conduct. Any behaviour that compromises the integrity, safety, or well-being of our community will be addressed promptly and seriously.
Objectives of the Anti-Bullying Policy
- NFA has zero tolerance for bullying in any form.
- All players, coaches, managers, staff, and parents must understand what bullying is and how to respond.
- All NFA coaching staff and team officials must know and follow this policy whenever bullying is reported or suspected.
- All players must understand what bullying looks like and who they can approach for help.
- NFA ensures all concerns are taken seriously, and players and families will be supported throughout the reporting and resolution process.
Definition of Bullying
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of harming another person. It causes emotional, physical, or psychological distress to the victim. Bullying can be:
Forms of Bullying
- Verbal: Derogatory comments, teasing, name-calling, false rumours, lies, ridicule.
- Emotional: Social exclusion, isolation, unfriendly behaviour, cyberbullying, hurtful online messages.
- Physical: Hitting, kicking, punching, pushing, or any unwanted physical contact.
- Discriminatory: Targeting someone because of religion, race, ethnicity, colour, gender, identity, or sexuality.
- Sexual: Inappropriate comments, gestures, contact, or behaviour.
- Technological misuse: Unwanted photos or videos, harmful social media exposure.
Signs & Indicators of Bullying
Adults should be aware of possible signs, including when a player:
- Expresses fear or reluctance to attend practices or games
- Appears withdrawn, anxious, or lacking confidence
- Feels sick before training
- Becomes nervous when receiving messages
- Returns home with damaged clothing or equipment
- Asks for or takes money (possibly to give to a bully)
- Has unexplained bruises or injuries
- Gives unlikely excuses for troubling situations
- Seems afraid to speak up
Severe Indicators
- Crying or nightmares
- Aggressive or unreasonable behaviour
- Bullying siblings or others
- Loss of appetite
- Self-harm or running away
Directions for Coaches & Managers When Bullying Is Suspected
- Speak directly and calmly with the player
- Treat all reports seriously
- Document what was shared
- Reassure the player they did the right thing speaking up
- Help the player identify safe and appropriate behaviours
- Do not confront other parents directly
- Do not encourage retaliation
- Submit an NFA Inappropriate Behaviour Report to your Head Coach and NFA administration
Reporting Procedures
- Report all bullying concerns immediately to NFA.
- Initial reports may be verbal but must be followed in writing (email or NFA Behaviour Report Form).
- NFA will investigate and respond in a timely and fair manner.
- In serious cases, parents/guardians may be asked to meet with NFA leadership.
- Police will be contacted when necessary and appropriate.
- If bullying is confirmed, the offending participant(s) may be temporarily removed from NFA programming until requirements for reinstatement are met.
- Records of incidents and actions taken will be maintained.
- Offenders may be placed on probation for a minimum of six (6) months or, in severe cases, removed from the Academy.
Harassment, Anti-Bullying & Zero-Tolerance Policy
NFA is committed to a harassment-free environment where all individuals are treated with dignity. Harassment in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Workplace Harassment Includes:
- Unwelcome conduct, comments, or actions known or reasonably expected to be unwelcome
- Behaviour related to any protected ground under applicable human rights laws
NFA leadership will investigate all concerns in a confidential, timely, and appropriate manner.
Nothing in this policy prevents any individual from pursuing legal avenues, including filing complaints through the Human Rights Tribunal or law enforcement.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
NFA strictly prohibits all forms of abuse—verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual—within any Academy setting. All relationships within NFA must be built on trust and respect.
NFA will investigate and act upon all complaints or reports of inappropriate behaviour.
Definitions of Abuse
Verbal Abuse
Rude, threatening, degrading, or discriminatory comments, including racial or ethnic slurs.
Physical Abuse
Punching, hitting, slapping, kicking, spitting, pushing, or any form of physical aggression.
Emotional Abuse
Insults, intimidation, humiliation, or behaviour that undermines an individual’s emotional well-being.
Sexual Abuse
Includes but is not limited to:
- Non-consensual sexual contact or behaviour
- Any sexual activity involving a minor
- Sexual touching
- Sexual remarks, gestures, or intimidation
All allegations of sexual abuse will be reported to police immediately.
Reporting Abuse — Guidelines & Procedures
- Report violations immediately to NFA.
- Initial reports may be verbal but must be followed in writing (email or NFA Incident Report).
- If allegations involve physical or sexual abuse, NFA will contact police (with consent).
- All written complaints will be reviewed by NFA’s Discipline Committee (minimum three members).
- A Discipline Hearing will be scheduled within ten (10) business days.
- Penalties may include probation, suspension, or permanent removal from NFA.
- Individuals facing criminal charges related to NFA activities will be suspended until charges are resolved.
- Anyone convicted of physical or sexual abuse involving NFA will be banned for life.
Handling Abuse Incidents During Games
- Referees must suspend games if abuse (verbal, physical, or emotional) occurs.
- Coaches will be warned or removed if behaviour continues.
- If a parent/spectator is the source, the responsible coach must intervene immediately.
- Games will resume only when the abuse stops.
- Incident reports must be filed within 24 hours.
Scope of this Policy
This policy applies to:
- NFA Leadership
- All NFA staff
- Coaches & Managers
- All players
- Parents, families, guardians
- Referees
- Volunteers
- Supporters/spectators
This policy will be communicated to all members at the start of each program cycle and posted on the NFA website.
Lack of awareness does not excuse violations.