Safe Soccer for All: Required Policy Review

As we seek to provide the best possible soccer experience, the health, safety, and wellbeing of the young athletes who take part in Westwood Youth Soccer are our primary concerns.

Working under the aegis of Mass Youth Soccer, a set of policies and procedures has been developed and is collectively known as MA Safe Soccer. We encourage all participants, coaches, and parents to read and review them. Adherence is required.

Full text versions of the required policies can be found on the Mass Youth Soccer website in their MA Safe Soccer section. 

http://www.mayouthsoccer.org/about/ma-safe-soccer/

Brief summaries are provided below.

Athlete and Participant Safety Policy

Basic tenet: Safety Above All and Report any observed or suspected abuse/misconduct

• All WYS coaches and adult volunteers are required to:
• Be registered, affiliated, and insured through Mass Youth Soccer.
• Clear an expanded state/federal background check and screening process including CORI/SORI.
• Complete the comprehensive initial abuse prevention training offered online by the US Center for SafeSport.
• Refresher courses are then required annually
• Limit the one-to-one contact with minors when not observable or interruptible by another adult.
• Avoid situations where an athlete under the age of 18 may be alone with an adult who is not their parent.
• Report any observed or suspected abuse to all parties detailed on the WYS Risk Management/Reporting page

Concussion Policy

Basic tenet: When in doubt, sit them out!

• All WYS coaches are required to complete the online Heads Up concussion awareness training course offered by the CDC every soccer year.
• Any player experiencing a significant blow to the head or body who exhibits any concussion symptoms or is suspected to have a head injury should be removed from the game or practice and not allowed to return to play until cleared by a health care professional after following a graduated return to play protocol.

Weather Policy

Basic tenet: If you can see it or hear it, clear it! 

• If thunder is clearly heard or lightning seen, everyone should go to shelter (vehicle or inside a building). A game may resume only after 30 minutes passes without thunder or lightning.
• Games should not be played if there is significant snow or standing water.
• In hot weather, water breaks are allowed and recommended.
• In cold weather, gloves, soft hats, and long sleeve clothing are allowed (no hooded sweatshirts or clothing with trailing strings).

Goal Safety Policy

Basic tenet: Avoid using unsafe goals or using goals in an unsafe manner.

• Goals must be anchored before play starts. Sandbag anchors should be checked before every game.
• Climbing or hanging on goals is not permitted.