SafeZone

BC Soccer continues to take its commitment to wellbeing in sport very seriously.

As part of our commitment, BC Soccer is pleased to offer a program to ensure that everyone involved in soccer in British Columbia can participate in one-on-one confidential conversations.

SafeZone is a safe and welcoming space where athletes, coaches, parents, officials, and volunteers can share and ask questions about issues including questions about harassment, abuse, bullying or discrimination.

Those who contact SafeZone will be welcomed by a safe sport and conflict management consultant who together will determine what additional support might be needed.

It is our hope that SafeZone will encourage people to reach out, find answers to their questions and walk away more confident to address any conflict or harm they may have experienced or observed.

This anonymous, confidential and independent service offers:

A safe space where you can share your concerns with someone who cares and will not judge
Emotional support and an opportunity to talk through your feelings and any challenges you are facing with what you have experienced or witnessed
The opportunity to discuss available options and possible next steps
Information about additional support services and resources

Reaching out for support does not mean you are filing a complaint and all information will remain confidential unless you determine otherwise.

Please send an email to safezone@itpsport.ca

Then fill out the auto-reply form.

Who is ITP?

The Independent Third Party (ITP), ITP Sport, is an independent organization hired by BC Soccer to Manage its complaint process. The ITP handles complaints about violations to the BC Universal Code of Conduct and BC Soccer policies. The ITP decides if a complaint falls under BC Soccer's jurisdiction and determines the appropriate procedure to follow.

Complaints must involve registered individuals or organizations affiliated with BC Soccer.

If a complaint does not fit the categories below, it may not be handled by the ITP for BC Soccer.

Major Infraction

Maltreatment includes bullying, harassment, neglect, grooming or boundary violations, following the BC Universal Code of Conduct (BCUCC).

Example: Assaults during a match, coaches punishing athletes through exercise

Governing Document

Involves misconduct or breaches of BC Soccer's rules by Member Organizations (such as Youth Districts, Adult Leagues) or their officials.

Example: Violating BC Soccer's Code of Conduct and Ethics, Social Media Policy violations

Field of Play

Related to incidents during matches violating FIFA Laws of the Game or BC Soccer event regulations (e.g., BCSPL, or Provincial Championships).

Example: playing unregistered athletes, threatening behaviour, or misconduct involving match officials.

Appeals

Decisions made by Youth Districts, Adult Leagues, Inter-District Leagues, BC Soccer Committees or Judicial Bodies can be appealed to BC Soccer.

Interested in how the ITP Complaint Process operates?

Click here for the Complaint Management Flow Chart.