Whitecaps London fully implements the Canada Soccer Safety Guide—ensuring national standards for safe sport, concussion care, and player protection across every program.
Whitecaps London fully endorses and implements the standards set out in the Canada Soccer Safety Guide, a nationally recognized framework for safe, ethical, and inclusive sport. This document defines the systems, policies, and behaviors necessary to protect all participants—players, coaches, referees, parents, and volunteers—from harm and to foster a culture rooted in respect, accountability, and care. The Safety Guide serves as the foundation of our club’s own safety protocols, informing how we manage risks, train our staff, and create a safe environment on and off the field.
At its core, the guide is built on Canada Soccer’s Safe Sport Principles—respect, fairness, inclusion, and safety. It clearly defines what constitutes harassment, abuse, discrimination, neglect, and maltreatment, setting behavioral expectations for everyone involved in the game. These standards extend beyond play to include digital communications, locker room conduct, transportation, and social media. The intent is to ensure that every participant in the Whitecaps London community experiences soccer as a safe and positive part of their personal growth and development.
The Safe Sport and Participant Protection Section outlines the responsibilities of all adults working with youth athletes. It mandates adherence to the Rule of Two, meaning that no coach, manager, or official should ever be alone with a player—ensuring that interactions are always open, observable, and appropriate. It also details the Screening and Training Requirements, including current Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Checks, and completion of the Respect in Sport, Making Headway in Soccer, and Emergency First Aid/CPR + AED certifications. These requirements create a clear standard of competence and accountability among all staff and volunteers.
A major focus of the Safety Guide is Concussion Awareness and Management. All suspected concussions must be treated seriously. Players showing signs of a concussion—such as dizziness, confusion, headache, or loss of balance—must be immediately removed from play and evaluated by a medical professional. The guide establishes a Return-to-Play Protocol, which involves progressive stages of recovery and medical clearance before rejoining full training or competition. This approach prioritizes athlete health over competition outcomes and is mandatory for all programs under Whitecaps London.
The Emergency Action and Incident Response Protocols set expectations for preparedness and rapid response. Every team must have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) with key contact information, field addresses, and first aid procedures. Coaches and managers are trained to assess injuries, call emergency services when needed, and record incidents accurately for club records and insurance purposes.
In the Environmental and Facility Safety Section, the guide provides best practices for managing extreme weather, lightning, heat, and playing conditions. It reinforces that participant safety always outweighs the continuation of play. Referees and coaches are expected to act decisively when conditions become unsafe. Whitecaps London facilities must be maintained in accordance with these national standards, ensuring proper field conditions, equipment safety, and accessible emergency exits and first aid kits.
The Reporting and Accountability Framework gives every participant a clear path to raise concerns safely and confidentially. The guide outlines how to report misconduct, unsafe behavior, or policy violations, either through the club, Ontario Soccer, or the Canada Soccer Independent Safe Sport Officer. Reports can be made without fear of retaliation, and the guide ensures full cooperation with law enforcement or independent investigators when necessary.
Finally, the Safety Guide underscores Education and Culture Change as essential to lasting progress. By equipping coaches, parents, and players with knowledge of safe sport principles, it empowers the community to recognize risks, speak up when something is wrong, and model the respectful behavior that makes soccer a lifelong source of joy and growth.
Whitecaps London is proud to uphold the Canada Soccer Safety Guide in all its programs. It reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding every participant, ensuring that soccer remains a place where all can thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially.
🔗 Canada Soccer Safety Guide (PDF)
