Sun County United Soccer Club
Safety, Welfare, and Participant Protection Policy

1. Purpose
Sun County United Soccer Club (SC United) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants involved in its programs and activities. The purpose of this policy is to formally affirm the Club’s commitment to safeguarding the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and spectators.

2. Guiding Principles
SC United recognizes that participation in sport must take place in an environment that prioritizes safety, respect, and enjoyment. The Club acknowledges its legal and moral duty of care and is committed to acting in the best interests of all participants, with particular emphasis on the protection of children and youth.

3. Alignment with Canada Soccer
SC United follows, to the best of its ability, the principles, standards, and best practices outlined in the Canada Soccer Guide to Safety. The Club governs its operations in alignment with Canada Soccer policies and safety guidelines, including but not limited to Codes of Conduct and Ethics, child protection and safeguarding, responsible coaching practices, injury prevention and management, and psychological safety .

4. Codes of Conduct and Behaviour
SC United is committed to maintaining clear standards of behaviour for all participants. The Club supports and enforces Codes of Conduct that promote respect, integrity, inclusion, and fair play, and that prohibit all forms of abuse, harassment, discrimination, bullying, and misconduct. All individuals involved with the Club are expected to uphold these standards both on and off the field.

5. Child Protection and Safeguarding
SC United is dedicated to creating a safe environment for children and youth. The Club supports safeguarding principles that include appropriate boundaries between adults and minors, education and awareness, clear reporting procedures, and a culture of transparency and accountability. The Club encourages compliance with recognized child protection programs and practices promoted by Canada Soccer.

6. Responsible Coaching and Screening
SC United supports responsible coaching practices that place athlete safety and well-being at the forefront. This includes reasonable efforts to ensure coaches and team personnel are appropriately screened, trained, and educated, and that coaching environments minimize risk through supervision, ethical conduct, and adherence to recognized safety standards.

7. Health, Injury, and Return to Play
The Club recognizes the importance of injury prevention, emergency preparedness, and proper injury management. SC United supports the implementation of emergency action planning, concussion awareness, and medically guided return-to-play processes to protect the short- and long-term health of participants.

8. Facilities and Equipment Safety
SC United is committed to promoting safe playing environments through reasonable measures related to facility inspection, equipment safety, and weather-related risk management, in accordance with applicable guidelines and best practices.

9. Reporting and Accountability
SC United encourages the timely and appropriate reporting of safety concerns, misconduct, or suspected maltreatment. Reports will be handled in a manner that is respectful, confidential where appropriate, and consistent with applicable laws, governing body requirements, and Club procedures.

10. Ongoing Commitment
SC United recognizes that safety is an ongoing responsibility. The Club is committed to continuous improvement through education, review of practices, and alignment with evolving standards established by Canada Soccer and other recognized sport safety organizations.