Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct to Protect Children and Youth

RYSA has developed the following code of conduct to protect children to guide our employees

and volunteers in their interactions with children. The safety, rights, and well-being of the

children are at the core of our programs. We aim to treat all children with respect and dignity.

RYSA and its employees, and volunteers will establish, respect and maintain appropriate boundaries with all children and families involved in programs delivered by RYSA.

Children and youth will be protected through intentional practices including appropriate:

• consent forms/waivers
• coach/player interactions

Guidelines on appropriate and inappropriate conduct between child and adults:

Appropriate Touch:

• Recognising that children need appropriate displays of affection. Appropriate touch with

children will be age and developmentally appropriate. We encourage coaches and

assistant coaches to:

• Speak to a child at eye level and listen with your eyes as well as your ears
• Ask permission to put hands on shoulders to show a child proper soccer technique
• All touch must be done in view of others

Inappropriate Touch:

• Recognizing that the innocence of children must be protected, coaches will be made

aware that the following actions are deemed inappropriate and will not be permitted:

• Do not kiss a child or coax a child to kiss you
• Do not engage in hugging and tickling
• Do not hold a child’s face when talking to or disciplining the child
• Do not touch a child in any area that would be covered by a bathing suit
• Do not carry older children and do not allow them to sit on your lap
• Avoid prolonged physical contact with any child or youth
• Coaches/Assistant Coaches are not to be left alone with a child or youth

Reporting Guidelines:

All personnel, staff, and volunteers affiliated with Revelstoke Youth Soccer Association are mandated to immediately report any suspected incidents of child sexual abuse or inappropriate behavior involving minors. This obligation extends to instances whether the behavior was personally witnessed or simply brought to their attention.

1. Any employee or volunteer who directly witnesses potential illegal behavior, such as child sexual abuse, must expeditiously notify law enforcement and/or child welfare authorities.

2. To ensure the safety of all children under our care, any suspicions, or allegations of potentially illegal conduct that an employee or volunteer becomes aware of should also be promptly reported to law enforcement and/or child welfare agencies. The authorities will decide whether the suspicion or allegation warrants further investigation.

3. Allegations or suspicions of inappropriate behavior, whether witnessed or learned of by an employee or volunteer, should be reported to:

RYSA via Email: contactrysa@gmail.com

These reporting procedures are designed to uphold the safety and well-being of all children associated with Revelstoke Youth Soccer Association and ensure swift and appropriate actions are taken in response to any concerning incidents or behaviors.