BRYC Recreational Soccer Conduct & Safety Policy
Last Modified: May 05, 2025

Introduction

This policy establishes the minimum standard of behavior for all BRYC Recreational Soccer activities. It incorporates the requirements of the U.S. Soccer SafeSport Code, the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) Participant Safety Policy, the FIFA Code of Ethics, and Fairfax County Athletic Field Rules. These guidelines apply equally to coaches, players, officials, volunteers, parents, guardians, spectators, and all other invitees. Abuse of any kind—physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal—is not tolerated.

General Guidelines

• Comply with federal, state, and local laws related to child protection and participant safety.
• Report suspected abuse or policy violations to law enforcement, the League Director, and VYSA (safesport@vysa.com) within 24 hours.
• Follow directions of referees, coaches, and BRYC officials at all times.
• Refrain from alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or illegal substances at youth events.

Sexual Conduct

• Any sexual contact, romantic relationship, or grooming behavior between an adult and a minor is strictly forbidden, regardless of perceived consent.
• Grooming behaviors—including repeated gifts, favoritism, secret communication, or private social-media exchanges—are prohibited.
• Indecent gestures, lewd remarks, indecent exposure, unwanted physical contact, or sexual harassment will result in immediate removal and possible legal action.
• All adult participants must complete annual SafeSport Core Training and pass a background screening before interacting with youth.
• Players who turn 18 during the season must complete the SafeSport Core Training before further participation.
• Private electronic communication with a minor is not permitted unless another screened adult is copied.
• BRYC will cooperate with the U.S. Center for SafeSport and VYSA in any investigation. Confirmed violations may be forwarded to the Center for additional sanctions.

Physical Conduct

• Physical abuse—including striking, kicking, biting, hazing, intimidation, or corporal punishment—is forbidden.
• Reasonable physical activities (push-ups, running) may reinforce discipline only when constructive, developmentally appropriate, and never intended to demean or humiliate.
• Minimal physical contact is allowed solely to teach a skill, treat an injury, or provide brief congratulations or consolation, and must remain observable by another adult.

Emotional & Verbal Abuse

• Insulting, threatening, mocking, or demeaning language—especially remarks about race, gender, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or age—is prohibited.
• Offensive, vulgar, or discriminatory language toward any official, coach, player, or spectator is grounds for immediate removal from the venue.

Social Media Conduct

• Do not post confidential or identifying team information without authorization.
• Obtain parental consent before sharing images or video of minors.
• Harassing, defamatory, or discriminatory content referencing BRYC or its members is forbidden.
• Private messages, disappearing media, or location-sharing with minors are prohibited unless another screened adult is included.
• Violations may result in suspension or removal from BRYC activities.

In-Person Social Conduct

• Two screened adults, at least 21 years of age, must be present at every team activity.
• One-on-one interactions must be observable and interruptible; doors remain open whenever possible.
• Proper, non-provocative attire is required at all BRYC-sponsored events.
• Overnight travel: players are paired by similar age and gender; chaperones stay in separate, adjacent rooms of the same gender when practical.

Health & Well-Being Procedures

• Keep a medical-release form and first-aid kit at every practice and game.
• Implement an emergency action plan that identifies nearby hospitals and family contacts.
• Immediately remove any athlete with suspected concussion, severe injury, or disorientation; medical clearance is required for return.
• Stop play for bleeding injuries until bleeding is controlled and contaminated items replaced.
• Inspect fields for hazards and suspend play during lightning, high winds, or extreme temperatures, following Fairfax County field-use rules.
• Seat belts must be worn by all passengers when transporting players; never leave a minor unattended.
• Adults must remain vigilant for signs of neglect or abuse and report concerns promptly.

Coaching & Supervision Guidelines

• The coach sets the tone for sportsmanship and is accountable for assistants, players, and spectators.
• All team discussions take place within sight and earshot of others.
• No adult drives alone with a non-related minor without written parental permission, except in an emergency.
• Individual skills training requires a second screened adult present or must occur in an open, observable area.
• Coaches lead by example by following referee instructions and modeling respectful communication.

Reporting & Enforcement

• Suspected violations must be reported within 24 hours to law enforcement, the League Director, and VYSA (safesport@vysa.com).
• BRYC will forward credible allegations to the U.S. Center for SafeSport for potential additional sanctions.
• Confirmed violations may result in suspension, removal, or permanent ban from BRYC programs.

Reference Policies & Resources

• U.S. Soccer SafeSport Code
• VYSA Participant Safety Hub
• FIFA Code of Ethics (2023)
• Fairfax County Athletic Field Rules