St. Anthony Soccer Club

Facility & Equipment Safety Policy

Purpose

St. Anthony Soccer Club is committed to providing a safe environment for all players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators. This policy outlines the procedures used to ensure that club facilities and equipment meet appropriate safety standards in accordance with the recommendations of Canada Soccer and Ontario Soccer.

Facility Inspections

Prior to all training sessions and matches, coaches and staff must conduct a basic inspection of the playing environment to ensure it is safe for participation.

Inspection includes:

  • Playing surface free of hazards (holes, debris, water accumulation, ice)

  • Goals properly secured and anchored

  • Nets properly attached and in safe condition

  • Corner flags and field equipment properly positioned

  • Adequate lighting when applicable

  • Safe access to emergency exits and surrounding areas

If unsafe conditions are identified, activities must be modified, relocated, or cancelled until the issue is resolved.

Goal Safety

All portable soccer goals used by the club must be properly anchored, counterweighted, or secured in accordance with Canada Soccer safety guidelines.

At no time may participants:

  • Climb on goals

  • Hang from crossbars

  • Move goals without supervision

Coaches and staff are responsible for confirming goal stability before each session.

Equipment Safety

All equipment used during club activities must be safe, appropriate for the age group, and maintained in good condition.

Examples include:

  • Training equipment (cones, poles, hurdles)

  • Soccer balls appropriate for age group

  • Portable training goals

  • Pinnies and training bibs

Damaged or unsafe equipment must be removed from use immediately.

Weather & Environmental Safety

Training and matches may be modified, postponed, or cancelled in the case of unsafe environmental conditions, including:

  • Lightning or severe thunderstorms

  • Extreme heat

  • Unsafe field conditions

  • Ice or freezing rain

The club follows Canada Soccer and Ontario Soccer weather safety recommendations when making decisions regarding participation.

Emergency Procedures

All coaches and staff should be familiar with emergency procedures including:

  • Contacting emergency services when required

  • Identifying the nearest access point for emergency vehicles

  • Ensuring players remain supervised during any emergency situation

The club encourages all coaches to maintain First Aid and Safe Sport training certifications.

Responsibility

Ensuring a safe environment is a shared responsibility of:

  • Club leadership

  • Coaches and team staff

  • Players

  • Parents and guardians

  • Facility operators

Any safety concerns should be reported immediately to club leadership.

Reference

This policy follows the safety recommendations outlined in:

Canada Soccer – Guide to Safety
https://canadasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CanadaSoccer_Guide_Safety_EN.pdf