Facility and Equipment Safety Policy

Orangeville Minor Soccer Club (Storm FC) – Facility and Equipment Safety Policy
At Orangeville Minor Soccer (Storm FC), we are committed to ensuring that all venues and facilities—public and private—are safe, well-maintained, and in good working order for our community of parents, players, officials, spectators, and patrons.

Soccer Field/Facility Safety Checklist
Prior to each practice or game, coaches, officials, and designated volunteers should perform a field and area
inspection following the checklist below.

Ball Size:
Use appropriately sized balls based on the age and gender of the players. This ensures a better playing experience
and helps in skill development.

Goal Post Safety:

Verify that permanent goals are secure, and in good condition.

Under no circumstances, children or adults should be allowed to climb, swing on, or play with the goalpost
structures.

Ensure portable goals are properly secured and anchored, with no hazards to participants.

Only authorized personnel are allowed to move portable goal posts.

Portable goals must be taken down and returned to storage after use.

Field and Area Safety:

Inspect for foreign objects such as stones and glass.

Inspect the field for holes. Notify the club about any unsafe conditions.

Ensure sprinkler heads are seated properly.

Check the safety of bleachers and players’ benches, alerting spectators to any potential hazards.

Lightning Safety/Severe Weather:
The safety of players, coaches, and spectators is our top priority during any weather event. Follow these guidelines
to enhance safety:

The referee has the authority to delay or restart matches due to weather.

If you hear thunder, seek shelter immediately. Remember, more people are struck by lightning before and
after a storm than during it.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.

Ensure parents are aware of procedures for addressing weather-related safety concerns.

Jewelry
Players are not permitted to wear any items that could pose a danger to themselves or others. This includes all
jewelry, such as rings, bracelets (except medical alert bracelets, which must be made of Velcro or similar soft
material or covered with a sweatband), earrings, necklaces, and visible body piercings. Taping jewelry is not
acceptable.

Reporting Procedures
If any safety issues arise, follow these steps:
1. Document the Issue: Record any facility or equipment problems in your evening report and checklist
submission.
2. Detail Actions Taken: Include any measures you took to address the issue, such as removing debris or
cordoning off areas.
3. Notify When Necessary: If the conditions pose a risk and require intervention beyond your control,
immediately inform the Club and postpone any scheduled events in the affected area.

In cases of safety or integrity concerns regarding facilities or equipment, Storm FC will inform its members and post signage to alert patrons. Communication will be provided once the safety issue is resolved.