North York Hearts Soccer Club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and positive soccer environment for every player. Our programs follow the guidelines and policies of Canada Soccer and Ontario Soccer.
Helpful Information
Clear guidance, practical procedures and trusted resources to help protect the physical, emotional and social well-being of every North York Hearts player.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. North York Hearts is committed to creating an environment where players feel protected, supported and confident speaking up when something does not feel right.
The club’s safety approach includes concussion management, emergency planning, child protection, injury response, inclusion and mental wellness. Coaches, families and players all have a role in recognizing concerns early and following the correct reporting and response procedures.
North York Hearts Soccer Club (“The Club”) has developed the following Child Protection Code of Conduct to guide our coaches, staff and volunteers in their interactions with children.
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North York Hearts Soccer Club is committed to ensuring all children are protected and safe. The Rule of Two policy is an important part of creating safe environments for children.
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The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that North York Hearts Soccer Club is equally accessible to all.
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If you are concerned about an injury, concussion, unsafe behaviour, bullying, safeguarding issue or a player’s well-being, report it through the appropriate club process. For immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 911.
Why Hearts Is Different
North York Hearts takes a proactive approach to safety by combining prevention, preparation, clear reporting procedures and appropriate support.
Suspected concussions require immediate removal from activity and no same-day return to play.Every session or venue should have clear emergency roles, exact location information, first-aid access and emergency contacts.Adult interactions with minors should follow the Rule of Two and avoid isolated or unnecessary one-to-one situations.Coaches should listen to wellness concerns but should not diagnose medical or mental-health conditions.Personal and medical information should be handled respectfully and shared only when appropriate for safety or care.Injuries, near misses and serious incidents should be documented and reviewed so procedures can continue to improve. Helpful Information
The player should be removed from activity immediately and must not return the same day. The player should follow the club’s concussion protocol, appropriate medical guidance and the required graduated return-to-sport process.
Rowan’s Law establishes concussion-safety requirements in Ontario sport. North York Hearts should provide current age-appropriate awareness resources, collect required acknowledgements and follow recognized removal-from-sport and return-to-sport procedures.
Each activity should have designated adults responsible for managing the emergency, calling for assistance and directing emergency responders. Exact field access details, AED information, first-aid supplies and emergency contacts should be readily available.
The Rule of Two helps protect young athletes by ensuring interactions between adults and minors are open, observable and justifiable. Whenever possible, another screened adult or parent should be included in communications and interactions.
Yes. Players should feel comfortable reporting stress, low mood, bullying, sleep difficulties, eating concerns, fear or other challenges. Coaches should listen respectfully, protect privacy within safety limits and involve parents, qualified professionals or emergency services when appropriate.
Concerns should be reported through the club’s safeguarding and incident-reporting process as soon as possible. Serious or urgent situations may also require reporting to emergency services or the appropriate legal authority.
The club’s safety framework should also include weather and air-quality procedures, accessibility and accommodation, medication and allergies, facility safety, injury reporting, travel, photography and privacy, late pickup procedures and duty-to-report guidance.
