Safe Players. Safe Environments. Stronger Soccer.
The Canadian Academy Soccer League (CASL) is committed to promoting a safe and positive environment for every participant.
Players, coaches, clubs, match officials, parents, and league representatives share responsibility for recognizing safety concerns, responding appropriately, and putting participant well-being ahead of competition.
1. Player Safety Comes First
The health and safety of participants must take priority over the outcome of any match.
A player should not be pressured to participate when an injury, illness, unsafe field condition, severe weather, or other circumstance creates an unreasonable risk to their safety.
2. Concussion Awareness
Any player suspected of suffering a concussion or significant head injury must be treated seriously.
Where a concussion is suspected, the player should be removed from participation and managed in accordance with applicable concussion protocols and legal requirements.
A player requiring medical clearance must not return to participation until the applicable return-to-play requirements have been satisfied.
3. Emergency Action Planning
Participating clubs should have appropriate emergency procedures in place for their teams and facilities.
Teams should know how to:
- Contact emergency services.
- Identify their exact field or facility location.
- Provide access for emergency responders.
- Identify responsible team personnel.
- Access available first-aid equipment.
For emergencies requiring immediate assistance, call 911.
4. Safe Playing Conditions
Before and during a match, reasonable attention must be given to field and environmental conditions.
Potential hazards may include:
- Dangerous field conditions or objects.
- Unsafe goals or equipment.
- Severe weather.
- Lightning.
- Extreme heat or other environmental conditions.
- Facility-related safety concerns.
A match should not continue when conditions create an unreasonable risk to participants.
5. Participant Protection
CASL expects all participating organizations to provide environments that protect young athletes from abuse, harassment, bullying, discrimination, exploitation, and other inappropriate conduct.
Adults working with youth participants must maintain appropriate professional boundaries and comply with applicable laws, screening requirements, club policies, and CASL standards.
6. Screening & Responsible Adults
Clubs are responsible for ensuring coaches, team officials, and other individuals working with youth participants satisfy applicable screening and eligibility requirements.
CASL may establish additional minimum requirements as a condition of participation.
7. Rule of Two & Appropriate Environments
CASL encourages practices that reduce situations where a youth participant is unnecessarily isolated with a single adult in a private or unobservable environment.
Clubs should establish appropriate supervision practices for training, competition, travel, communications, and changing environments.
8. Severe Weather & Lightning
Player safety takes priority when dangerous weather develops.
Matches may be delayed, suspended, or abandoned when lightning, severe weather, extreme temperatures, poor air quality, or other environmental conditions create an unsafe environment.
Participants must follow instructions from match officials, facility operators, emergency authorities, and applicable CASL policies.
9. Injuries During Matches
Match officials may stop play when they believe a player requires attention.
Coaches and team officials are responsible for making appropriate decisions regarding an injured player’s continued participation.
A referee allowing play to resume does not constitute medical clearance for an injured player.
10. Reporting Safety Concerns
Serious safety concerns involving CASL activities should be reported promptly through the appropriate CASL reporting process.
Concerns involving immediate danger should be reported directly to emergency services or the appropriate authorities.
CASL may review reported incidents and take appropriate action within its authority.
11. Club Responsibility
Participating clubs are responsible for maintaining appropriate safety procedures within their organizations.
This includes complying with applicable requirements concerning:
Participant Protection • Screening • Concussions • Emergency Planning • Insurance • Safe Facilities • Appropriate Supervision
12. Shared Responsibility
Creating a safe soccer environment requires everyone to participate.
CASL, clubs, coaches, players, parents, referees, and facility operators each have responsibilities within their respective roles.
No game is more important than the safety and well-being of a participant.