Safeguarding & Safe Sport Policy

Niagara Soccer Association (NSA)

Last Updated: 01/12/2026

The Niagara Soccer Association (NSA) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants, with particular care and responsibility toward children and youth.

This Safeguarding & Safe Sport Policy outlines NSA’s approach to preventing and responding to abuse, harassment, discrimination, and misconduct in all NSA-sanctioned activities and digital platforms.

This policy applies to all participants, including:

  • Players (youth and adult)

  • Parents and guardians

  • Coaches and team officials

  • Match officials and referees

  • Club administrators

  • Volunteers

  • Vendors, affiliates, and contractors

  • NSA staff and board members

1. Safeguarding Commitment

NSA believes that:

  • Every participant has the right to feel safe, respected, and protected

  • Safeguarding is a shared responsibility

  • The welfare of children and youth is the highest priority

NSA adopts a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, harassment, or exploitation.

2. Definitions (Plain Language)

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

Abuse

  • Physical abuse: intentional harm or injury

  • Emotional abuse: threats, humiliation, intimidation

  • Sexual abuse: any sexual activity involving a minor

  • Neglect: failure to provide adequate care or supervision

Harassment & Discrimination

  • Unwelcome behaviour based on race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or nationality

  • Bullying, intimidation, or repeated unwanted conduct

3. Standards of Behaviour

All participants must:

  • Treat others with dignity and respect

  • Maintain appropriate boundaries, especially with minors

  • Communicate in a professional and age-appropriate manner

  • Follow NSA’s Code of Conduct, Rules & Regulations, and Discipline Policy

4. Protection of Minors

NSA enforces the following safeguarding measures:

4.1 Supervision

  • Children must be supervised during NSA activities

  • One-on-one situations should be avoided whenever possible

4.2 Communication

  • Communication with minors must be transparent and appropriate

  • Private or secretive communication outside approved channels is prohibited

4.3 Physical Contact

  • Physical contact must be appropriate, necessary, and respectful

  • Any form of inappropriate contact is strictly prohibited

5. Background Checks

  • Coaches, officials, volunteers, and others in positions of trust may be required to complete a background or police record check

  • Refusal or failure to comply may result in ineligibility to participate

  • Background information is handled confidentially in accordance with privacy laws

6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

6.1 Duty to Report

All participants have a responsibility to report:

  • Suspected abuse or neglect

  • Boundary violations

  • Inappropriate behaviour involving minors

Reports can be made:

  • Through NSA’s Safeguarding / Incident Report Form

  • Directly to an NSA administrator or safeguarding officer

6.2 Immediate Risk

If a child is in immediate danger, contact:

  • Emergency services (911)

  • Appropriate child protection authorities

NSA safeguarding procedures do not replace legal reporting obligations.

7. Confidentiality & Non-Retaliation

  • All safeguarding reports are treated with sensitivity and discretion

  • Information is shared only with those who need to know

  • Retaliation against anyone who reports concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited

8. Investigation & Response

Upon receiving a safeguarding report, NSA may:

  • Take immediate protective action

  • Conduct or cooperate with an investigation

  • Suspend individuals pending outcome

  • Refer matters to external authorities when required

Safeguarding matters may bypass standard disciplinary timelines due to their seriousness.

9. Training & Awareness

NSA encourages:

  • Safeguarding education for coaches, officials, and volunteers

  • Ongoing awareness of safe sport principles

  • Proactive identification of risks

10. Online & Digital Safeguarding

This policy applies to:

  • NSA website

  • Community forums and groups

  • Messaging systems

  • Social media interactions linked to NSA activities

Inappropriate online behaviour involving minors will be treated as seriously as in-person misconduct.

11. Relationship to Other Policies

This Safeguarding & Safe Sport Policy works in conjunction with:

  • Code of Conduct

  • Rules & Regulations

  • Discipline & Appeals Policy

  • Privacy Policy

  • Waivers & Consents

12. Policy Review & Updates

NSA reserves the right to update this policy as needed.
Revisions will be published on the website and take effect immediately unless otherwise stated.

13. Contact – Safeguarding Concerns

For safeguarding questions or reports, contact:

📧 info@niagarasoccerassociation.ca
📍 Niagara Soccer Association – Ontario, Canada

 IMPORTANT NOTICE 

Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility
If you see something that concerns you, speak up. Reporting concerns helps protect children, youth, and the integrity of our sport.