RESPECT IN SPORTS
VICTORIA YOUTH SOCCER CLUBS’ JOINT STATEMENT ON RESPECT IN SPORTS
The Lower Island Soccer youth club Presidents/Boards are jointly committed to a community soccer environment free from harassment, discrimination, violent conduct or retaliation of any kind. We firmly believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect, and professionalism.
In response to a few recent incidents we felt compelled to let our membership; volunteers, players and parents know that we will all collectively stand behind each other to ensure that this is minimized and eventually eliminated from our sport and community. When incidents do happen, we will collectively work together, collaborate, to try to get to the bottom of the situation and resolve the problems – even if this means ultimately disciplining players, coaches and parents (e.g. suspension from training, games, park).
Our clubs take allegations of misconduct very seriously. As a combined group, we have taken steps to make sure people have multiple ways to report concerns about soccer field behavior and are comfortable coming forward with those concerns. Through this partnership, the club Presidents and Boards will help lead the discussion on appropriate playing field behavior
We will ensure our respective clubs are always working hard to improve by engaging with our community, building an inclusive culture, advancing new knowledge, and leading the way in seeking creative solutions to ever-changing challenges.
These responsibilities are also delegated to every member of our Board and staff. We have made it clear to our organizations that any level of bullying, harassment, violent conduct or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.
Behavior described above is strictly prohibited under the BC Soccer Policies (Link to BCSoccer Policy on Conduct) and LISA Harassment Policy (Link to LISA Policy on Harassment) and also contravenes the codes of participants conducts at each of the clubs.
