Player Safety & Reporting
Arlington Soccer is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all players, families, volunteers, coaches, and staff. We take all concerns seriously and are dedicated to maintaining a culture where participants feel protected, valued, and heard.
Our Commitment
Arlington Soccer has zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, bullying, discrimination, or misconduct of any kind across all programs, age groups, and club activities. Creating a safe environment is a shared responsibility among coaches, volunteers, parents, players, and staff.
Arlington Soccer is committed to providing a safe, positive, and supportive environment for every player, coach, referee, staff member, volunteer, and family in our community.
Player safety and well-being remain at the center of everything we do. We believe youth sports should foster personal growth, teamwork, confidence, respect, and a lifelong love of the game.
We remain committed to ensuring that Arlington Soccer is a place where all participants can learn, grow, compete, and enjoy the game in a safe and supportive environment.
What We Stand For
Core Commitments
Prioritizing the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of all participants at every level of the club.
Promoting respect, inclusion, sportsmanship, and accountability throughout our entire community.
Maintaining clear reporting procedures and appropriate response protocols so every concern is handled with care.
Providing ongoing education and training for coaches, staff, and volunteers to uphold the highest standards.
Fostering a culture where concerns can be raised openly and without fear of retaliation from anyone in the club.
Continuously reviewing and strengthening our policies and practices to raise the standard for player safety.
Prevention
Arlington Soccer maintains policies and procedures designed to promote appropriate conduct and reduce the risk of unsafe or inappropriate interactions across all programs and activities.
What Our Policies Cover
Policy Scope
- Coaches and volunteers
- Players and families
- Training environments
- Communication standards
- Reporting procedures
- Participant conduct expectations
- Ongoing education and awareness are important components of our player safety efforts
- We encourage all members of our community to remain informed about player safety best practices
- All participants are encouraged to speak up when concerns arise — every concern is taken seriously
Report a Concern
If you wish to report suspected misconduct, abuse, or inappropriate behavior, use the reporting form below. Reports are reviewed by Arlington Soccer leadership and handled with appropriate care and confidentiality. You may choose to remain anonymous.
How It Works
Reporting Process
- Suspected misconduct or abuse
- Harassment or bullying
- Discrimination of any kind
- Inappropriate behavior by coaches, staff, or volunteers
- Any concern about player safety or well-being
- All reports are reviewed by Arlington Soccer leadership
- Reports are handled with appropriate care and confidentiality
- You may choose to remain anonymous when submitting a report
- If a player or participant is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (911) immediately
Education & Training
All Arlington Soccer coaches are required to complete SafeSport training. Additional resources are available for parents and athletes to help support a safe and positive youth sports experience.
Requirements
Coach Training Requirements
- Abuse prevention
- Mandatory reporting responsibilities
- Emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct awareness
- Creating a positive and respectful sport environment
- All coaches complete annual refresher training to remain current on player safety standards
- Additional educational resources are available for parents and athletes
- Arlington Soccer recommends annual concussion education for coaches, players, and parents/guardians
Concussion Management
Arlington Soccer follows established protocols for identifying, managing, and responding to concussions — aligned with applicable Virginia laws and guidelines regarding concussion education, recognition, and return-to-play procedures.
"When in doubt, sit them out." If a player is suspected of having sustained a concussion, they must be removed from participation immediately.
- A direct blow to the head
- A hit to the body causing rapid movement of the head
- Falls or collisions during play
- Sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head or body
- Headache or dizziness
- Confusion or nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Balance problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure activity
- Repeated vomiting
- Worsening symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Neck injury concerns
- Any serious or rapidly worsening condition
- 1. Remove the player from participation immediately
- 2. Notify a parent or guardian as soon as possible
- 3. Have the player evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider
- 4. Player may not return until medically cleared in writing
- Return-to-play decisions are medical decisions made by a qualified licensed healthcare provider
- Arlington Soccer requires written medical clearance before an athlete may resume participation following a suspected or diagnosed concussion
Policy Updated: March 23, 2018
Emergency Resources
If a player or participant is in immediate danger, contact emergency services immediately. Below are key contacts and additional safety resources for our community.
Emergency Contacts
Key Contacts
Additional Resources
Safety & Legal Resources
Have a Concern?
Arlington Soccer takes all safety concerns seriously. Use the form to submit a report or contact us at info@arlingtonsoccer.com