Whereas: The safety, welfare and well-being of our youth players are the primary concern and responsibility of Sporting City

All members, employees, volunteers, and contractors acting as a representative of or on behalf of Sporting City, in the course of doing business with Sporting City, or attending a Sporting City event will adhere to the following:

1. All children will be equally treated with respect regardless of sex, race, religion, and culture.
   
   
2. Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, players, coaches, managers, staff and spectators serving as role model for good sportsmanship.
   
   
3. Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game by promoting fair play and displaying high standards of behavior.
   
   
4. Always respect the official’s decision. Never approach and/or confront a match official before, during or after a game in any manner that is not positive.
   
   
5. Children will not be touched in ways that make them feel uncomfortable, and their right to say no will be respected at all times.
   
   
6. At no time during a Sporting City game, practice or other Sporting City event will any employee, volunteer, or contractor be alone with a single child where they cannot be observed by others.
   
   
7. Children will not be left unsupervised. Coaches will not leave any child unsupervised until the child is picked up.
   
   
8. Any type of abuse will not be tolerated and may be cause for immediate dismissal.
   
   
9. No player will ever be subjected to:
10. Physical abuse – including but not limited to: striking, spanking, shaking, slapping, etc.
11. Verbal abuse – including but not limited to: humiliation, degrading comments, threats.
12. Sexual abuse – including but not limited to: inappropriate sexual touching or exposure or
13. conduct which creates a sexually hostile environment.
14. Mental abuse – including but not limited to: shaming, cruelty, or neglect such as withholding
15. food, water, basic care, etc.
    
    
16. Use of positive techniques of guidance is encouraged, including redirection, positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than comparison and criticism. Staff, volunteer coaches, and team officials will have age-appropriate expectations and set up guidelines and environments that minimize the need for discipline.
    
    
17. Physical restraint will be used only when necessary, to protect the child or other children from harm. When physical restraint is administered, the situation must be immediately documented in writing to the Sporting City Director of Coaching.
    
    
18. The use, possession, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs immediately before and during or immediately following Sporting City events involving Sporting City players and parents is prohibited. Employees, volunteers, and contractors may be subject to drug screening.
    
    
19. Smoking/vaping or the use of tobacco is prohibited when representing Sporting City
    
    
20. The use of profanity in the presence of Sporting City players is prohibited.
    
    
21. Inappropriate jokes and sharing intimate details of one’s personal life are prohibited.
    
    
22. Social Networking between adults and individual Sporting City Players is discouraged. Electronic and phone communications with Sporting City players should be limited to soccer specific topics.
    
    
23. Follow the SPORTING City core values.