Anti-Harassment Policy

At Halifax Hotspurs Soccer Club (HHSC), we are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, or any other personal characteristic. We believe in the principles of equality, fairness, respect, and tolerance, and we expect all members of our organization to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds these values.

Our Anti-Harassment Policy is designed to promote a culture of mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding, and to prevent all forms of harassment, abuse, discrimination, and misconduct within our organisation. This policy applies to all members of the Halifax Hotspurs Soccer Club (HHSC) community, including Board members, staff, coaches, managers, players, parents, family members, caregivers, volunteers, and referees.

Halifax Hotspurs Soccer Club (HHSC) supports a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of abuse. This policy attempts to respect diverse individual and cultural viewpoints while protecting individuals from real or perceived abuse.

Definitions of Harassment:

Verbal Harassment: Verbal harassment includes any speech, language, or behavior that is hostile, offensive, or discriminatory, including slurs, jokes, or other comments related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or other personal characteristics.

Physical Harassment: Physical harassment refers to any unwelcome or inappropriate physical contact or gestures, such as touching, grabbing, hugging, or kissing.

Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is any form of unwanted, unwelcome, or inappropriate sexual conduct, including but not limited to verbal comments, physical contact, and nonverbal behaviour. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwanted touching, sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and sexual assault.

Emotional Harassment: Emotional harassment includes any behaviour that is intimidating, threatening, humiliating, or isolating. This includes spreading rumours or gossip, excluding or ostracising someone, or otherwise creating a hostile or toxic environment.

Reporting Procedures:

Halifax Hotspurs Soccer Club (HHSC) takes all allegations of harassment, abuse, discrimination, and misconduct seriously, and we encourage all members of our community to report any incidents promptly. Anyone who witnesses or experiences any form of harassment or misconduct is encouraged to speak up and report the incident to the appropriate authority.

All reports of harassment will be promptly and thoroughly investigated by the Club, and appropriate action will be taken to address the situation. The Club will maintain the confidentiality of all reports and will protect the privacy of all parties involved to the fullest extent possible.

The Halifax Hotspurs Soccer Club (HHSC) Board of Directors will respond quickly to any and all allegations of harassment within the organization. Any violation of this policy may involve a disciplinary hearing and/or action, including suspension or expulsion from Halifax Hotspurs Soccer Club (HHSC) and related activities. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for all members of our community, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping us achieve this goal.