OUR SAFETY POLICIES
Weather, Injury, Conduct, Grievance
We at The Futsal Project understand that although soccer is regularly a fun sport, certain circumstances that cause either players and/or managers to get injured are expected and will almost inevitably happen. To attempt to combat this, we have listed out our policies for any issues regarding player safety and conduct.
Weather Policy
The primary objective of all The Futsal Project programs is to take every reasonable measure to ensure the safety of all participants.
To support this commitment, The Futsal Project’s Inclement Weather Policy will be strictly enforced.
If any individual involved in a The Futsal Project program—including players, coaches, volunteers, and staff—hears thunder or observes lightning, all program-related activities must immediately cease. All participants must leave the field and seek appropriate shelter for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes following the last occurrence of thunder or lightning.
If additional thunder is heard or lightning is observed during the waiting period, the thirty (30)-minute safety delay will restart from the time of the most recent occurrence.
If inclement weather and/or unsafe field conditions, including standing water or other hazardous conditions, require the cancellation of The Futsal Project activities, a league-wide email will be sent to all members with clear instructions regarding the affected programs.
Email notifications will be issued no later than 3:00 PM on the day of the event/activity.
If no email notification is received from The Futsal Project, all activities will proceed as scheduled.
Player Safety & Injury Policy
The primary objective of all The Futsal Project programs is to take every reasonable measure to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
To support this commitment, The Futsal Project’s Player Safety and Injury Policy will be strictly enforced.
In the event that a participant sustains an injury during any The Futsal Project activity, including matches, practices, training sessions, or events, the injured player will be immediately removed from play and evaluated by league staff or designated personnel.
If the injured participant is a minor, their parent or legal guardian will be notified as soon as reasonably possible and will be expected to arrange prompt pickup of the player.
Until a parent or guardian arrives, the injured participant will remain under the supervision of league staff and will not be permitted to return to play.
If a parent or guardian is unable to arrive promptly, the participant will be required to sit out for the remainder of the activity and will receive reasonable first aid or medical attention to the best of the League’s ability and available resources.
In cases of serious or life-threatening injury, The Futsal Project reserves the right to contact emergency medical services immediately, without prior notice, in the best interest of the participant’s health and safety.
The Futsal Project does not permit injured participants to continue playing without proper medical clearance when required and reserves the right to restrict participation until the player is deemed fit to return.
By enrolling in The Futsal Project programs, participants and their parents or guardians acknowledge and agree to comply with this policy.
Player Conduct & Anti-Harassment Policy
The primary objective of all The Futsal Project programs is to provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants.
To uphold this commitment, The Futsal Project’s Player Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy will be strictly enforced.
All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, sportsmanlike, and cooperative manner at all times during The Futsal Project activities, including matches, practices, training sessions, and events.
Any form of harassment, discrimination, intimidation, bullying, or hate speech directed toward another participant, official, staff member, volunteer, or spectator is strictly prohibited.
If a participant engages in uncooperative behavior that escalates to the use of hate speech or discriminatory language, the participant will be immediately removed from the activity.
In the event of such conduct, the participant’s parent or legal guardian will be notified as soon as reasonably possible.
Depending on the severity and frequency of the behavior, disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to:
- Temporary suspension
- Extended suspension
- Permanent removal from the program
The Futsal Project reserves the right to determine appropriate disciplinary measures based on the circumstances of each incident.
Participants who are removed or suspended under this policy will not be entitled to refunds or compensation for missed activities.
By enrolling in The Futsal Project programs, participants and their parents or guardians acknowledge and agree to comply with this policy.
Dispute/Grievance Resolution Policy
Purpose
The Futsal Project is committed to promoting fair play, respect, and positive sportsmanship. This policy outlines how concerns, complaints, and disputes will be reviewed and resolved in a fair and organized manner.
Key Terms
- Complaint: A formal report about unfair treatment, misconduct, or rule violations.
- Complainant: The person submitting the complaint.
- Respondent: The person named in the complaint.
- Review Meeting: Any in-person or virtual meeting held to discuss a complaint.
Oversight Committee
The Futsal Project maintains a Grievance Review Committee to manage and resolve disputes. The Committee works to protect player safety, encourage respect, and maintain a positive playing environment.
Meetings and Decisions
A majority of committee members must be present to make official decisions.
Meetings may take place in person or online.
Members may participate by phone, video call, or written communication.
Decisions are made by majority vote.
Certain fact-finding or mediation efforts may be handled by a single committee member when appropriate.
Conflict of Interest
Any committee member with a personal connection to a dispute must disclose it.
Members with conflicts may be asked to step aside to ensure fairness.
Filing a Complaint
Complaints must be submitted in writing through approved league communication channels.
The complaint must clearly explain the issue and include relevant details or evidence.
The respondent will be notified and given a chance to respond.
Anonymous complaints are generally not accepted unless player safety is at risk.
Privacy and Confidentiality
All grievance-related information will be treated as confidential whenever possible.
Information may be shared when required by law, league policy, or to complete an investigation fairly.
Mediation and Resolution
Whenever possible, The Futsal Project encourages respectful communication and early resolution.
Informal meetings or mediation may be arranged to help resolve disputes before formal action is taken.
Temporary Restrictions
If a situation presents a safety risk or disrupts league operations, the Committee may temporarily limit a person’s participation while a review is ongoing.
These restrictions are short-term and subject to review.
Investigation Process
After a complaint is filed:
The Committee may gather written statements, conduct interviews, and hold hearings.
Parties are expected to cooperate.
If no response is received within a reasonable time, the Committee may proceed.
Outcomes and Discipline
Following the review, the Committee may issue appropriate consequences, including:
- Warnings
- Activity restrictions
- Suspensions
- Removal from the program
Disciplinary actions are determined based on the severity and circumstances of the case.
Written Findings
When appropriate, the Committee will prepare a written summary that may include:
- A brief description of the issue
- Key findings
- Final decision
- Any disciplinary action
This summary may be shared with involved parties and league leadership.
Ongoing Authority
The Futsal Project reserves the right to monitor cases after resolution to ensure:
- Decisions are followed
- No retaliation occurs
- The environment remains safe and respectful