Purpose
This policy provides clear guidance for parents, coaches, staff, and volunteers at Newstars Futbol Academy on how to recognize, report, and respond to inappropriate conduct. The goal is to ensure the highest level of safety, protection, and well-being for all NFA athletes.
Scope
This policy applies to all individuals participating in or supporting NFA programs, including:
- Coaches
- Team officials
- Volunteers
- Administrative staff
- Parents and guardians
- Club partners and affiliates
Definition of Inappropriate Conduct
Inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to:
- Physical abuse or the use of excessive physical force
- Verbal abuse such as yelling, threats, intimidation, or demeaning language
- Sexual abuse, exploitation, or grooming behaviour
- Harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behaviour
- Neglect, including failure to provide proper care, supervision, or safety
Responsibilities of Witnesses
1. Ensure Immediate Safety
- Prioritize the safety of the child or children involved.
- Remove them from harm and ensure they are supervised in a safe space.
- If there is an immediate threat, call 911 or local emergency services.
2. Document What You Observed
Record important details as soon as possible, including:
- Date, time, and location
- Individuals involved
- Description of the behaviour or incident
- Any steps you took in response
Reporting the Incident
3. Report to Appropriate Authorities
- Coaches or Staff: Report to the club’s Child Protection Officer (CPO) or the designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Parents/Guardians: Report the concern to the coach, CPO, or NFA official—in writing when possible.
- If the incident involves potential abuse or neglect, you may be legally required to contact Child Protection Services or law enforcement directly.
4. Maintain Confidentiality
- Do not share details of the incident except with individuals involved in the reporting or investigation process.
- Protect the privacy of the child, the reporter, and all individuals involved.
Follow-Up Actions
5. Cooperate with Investigations
- Provide accurate, honest, and detailed information when contacted by NFA, provincial soccer bodies, Canada Soccer, or legal authorities.
6. Support the Child
- Offer reassurance and emotional support.
- Do not question or press the child for details—leave this to trained professionals.
Club Responsibilities
1. Acknowledge and Act
- Respond promptly to all reports.
- Take appropriate steps to investigate and escalate to authorities if required.
2. Protect Whistleblowers
- Ensure no individual faces retaliation for reporting concerns in good faith.
3. Provide Training
- Deliver regular training to NFA staff, coaches, and volunteers on recognizing and responding to inappropriate conduct.
4. Maintain Detailed Records
- Securely store all reports, findings, actions, and outcomes related to investigations.
Prohibited Actions
- Ignoring or minimizing reports
- Retaliating against individuals who raise concerns
- Conducting informal or unauthorized investigations
When in Doubt
If you are unsure whether behaviour is inappropriate, report it anyway. It is better to raise a concern than to overlook a potential risk to a child.
Reporting Contact Information
All concerns or incidents should be reported to Newstars Futbol Academy’s Child Protection Officer or Club Director. Contact David Pilgrim (davidp@newstarsfutbol.com / 416-843-7794
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually and updated to align with evolving legal standards and best practices in child safeguarding.