Walking soccer is a game for everyone, and we all share responsibility for maintaining a respectful, safe, and positive environment both on and off the pitch. This code of conduct applies to all players, coaches, and anyone representing or supporting their club from the sidelines.

As a player, I commit to the following:

• I will put wellbeing first – always place the safety, enjoyment, and welfare of all players ahead of competition or results.
  
• I will play by the rules – follow the laws of the game at all times.
  
• Demonstrate positive conduct – uphold and promote the highest standards of behaviour. No 'Winning at all costs' mentality.
  
• I will support fair play – treat everyone equally and fairly, on and off the field.
  
• I will respect officials, organisers, and TWSC representatives – accept decisions calmly and respectfully, even when I disagree. The referees are always right and will not be questioned in any shape or form.
  
• I will maintain appropriate behaviour – avoid offensive, abusive, or disrespectful language or actions.
  
• I will oppose bullying and harassment – do not engage in or tolerate intimidation or harassment of any kind.
  
• I will show respect to all – communicate courteously with teammates, opponents, coaches, and spectators.
  
• I will encourage inclusion – welcome and support the participation of all players, regardless of ability, background, or experience.
  
• I will take personal responsibility – follow the direction of coaches and referees and care for my own equipment and belongings.
  
• I will respond constructively to mistakes – recognise that errors are part of the game and react positively.
  
• I will compete with dignity – celebrate success respectfully and accept defeat with grace.
  
• I will display sportsmanship – acknowledge opponents and officials with a handshake at the end of each match.
  
• I will act as a club ambassador – represent my club in a positive manner at all times, both on and off the pitch.
  
• I will help create a safe environment – raise concerns about unsafe behaviour or conditions and support fellow players.
  
• I will use social media responsibly – show respect online and avoid sharing content that could damage the reputation of the club, its members, or the sport.
  

Accountability

Any player, coach, or individual who fails to follow this code of conduct may be subject to TWSC’s disciplinary process, which may include sanctions, suspension, or other appropriate corrective measures.

Toronto Walking Soccer Club is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for referees and match officials. We believe officials are an essential part of the game and must be treated with the utmost respect.

To support this:

• Only the designated captain may speak to the referee, and only in a respectful, non-confrontational manner.
  
• Questioning, dissent, or abuse of match officials—verbal or non-verbal—will not be tolerated from players, coaches, or spectators.
  
• Referee decisions are final and must be accepted without argument.
  
• Thanking the referee before and after matches is encouraged as a sign of respect and sportsmanship.
  

Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including warnings, removal from matches, suspension, or further sanctions as deemed appropriate by the club.

Our aim is to reflect the spirit of rugby union—where respect for officials is non-negotiable and the game is played in the right way.

Toronto Walking Soccer Club is dedicated to ensuring that members, participants, partner clubs, sponsors, and supporters can trust that all programs, services, and activities are conducted with the highest levels of professionalism and ethical integrity. As a non-profit organization committed to the growth and promotion of walking soccer in Canada, TWSC holds a position of trust in relation to its affiliations, memberships, and community partnerships. Everyone involved with the Club shares responsibility for maintaining and protecting its reputation and standing.

TWSC is committed to upholding strong ethical standards and responsible organizational practices through the following principles:

• Legal and regulatory compliance – Adherence to the Laws of the Game (as adapted for walking soccer), Safe Sport and safeguarding requirements, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) non-profit obligations, and all relevant federal, provincial, and municipal laws is a baseline expectation.
• Responsible delivery of programs – Walking soccer activities and all organizational operations must be conducted using credible, transparent, and accountable practices.
• Management of conflicts of interest – Any actual or potential conflict of interest must be disclosed. Steps will be taken to ensure that individuals with a direct or material interest are excluded from related decision-making.
• Prohibition of improper benefits – Bribes, facilitation payments, or inappropriate inducements are not permitted. Members or volunteers acting on behalf of TWSC may not give or receive gifts, benefits, or hospitality of significant value, or anything that could reasonably be viewed as influencing decisions.
• Transparency and accuracy in reporting – Clear, honest, and timely reporting of financial matters, performance, risks, and opportunities is required so the Board can make informed decisions.
• Ethical conduct and social responsibility – Ethical concerns must be handled openly and without delay. TWSC is committed to contributing positively to society, particularly within the communities where walking soccer is delivered.
• Ethical partnerships – TWSC expects partners and suppliers to operate with integrity and accountability and will encourage those it works with to reflect similar ethical standards.

Leadership and Accountability

The Board of Directors and senior leadership are responsible for ensuring that all members and volunteers understand TWSC’s values, policies, and expected standards of conduct. They are expected to lead by example and demonstrate honesty, integrity, and accountability in all actions undertaken on behalf of the organization.

These commitments are reinforced and overseen through TWSC’s governance structures, including active Board oversight.

Responsibility of All Representatives

Every member, volunteer, and representative of TWSC is responsible for upholding the principles set out in this Business Integrity & Ethics Policy and for ensuring that TWSC continues to be regarded as a trusted, respected, and valued non-profit organization within the walking soccer community across Canada.

Toronto Walking Soccer Club is dedicated to carrying out all of its activities with honesty, fairness, and strong ethical standards. As a non-profit organization that promotes and supports walking soccer across Canada, TWSC is committed to excellence in governance, service, and integrity. We aim to earn and protect a reputation built on trust, respect, responsibility, sound judgement, and ethical conduct.

Unlawful, dishonest, or unethical behaviour by any member, volunteer, or representative does not serve the interests of TWSC and will not be tolerated. The Club will not sacrifice its values for short-term benefit. TWSC’s ethical standing depends on the conduct of every individual acting on its behalf, and all are expected to maintain high standards of personal and professional behaviour.

Conflicts of Interest

Members, volunteers, and representatives must ensure that their personal, financial, or professional interests do not interfere, or appear to interfere, with the interests or activities of TWSC.

No individual should act on behalf of TWSC in situations where external business relationships, financial interests, or personal connections could influence, or be perceived to influence, their judgement. Opportunities, contacts, or resources obtained through involvement with TWSC must never be used to benefit private interests at the expense of the Club, its members, or its partners.

Gifts and Improper Benefits

Offering, soliciting, giving, or accepting bribes, kickbacks, incentives, or any other inappropriate payments in connection with TWSC activities is strictly prohibited.

Members, volunteers, and representatives must not give or receive gifts, payments, favours, or excessive hospitality that could reasonably be seen as affecting decisions, relationships, or outcomes involving TWSC.

Confidentiality and Information Management

Members, volunteers, and representatives may be entrusted with confidential, sensitive, or proprietary information related to TWSC’s operations, members, participants, or partners.

Such information must be protected with care, used responsibly, and disclosed only when necessary and authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, strategic documents, financial data, membership information, safeguarding matters, and any information shared with TWSC by third parties.

Confidential information must never be disclosed improperly or used for personal advantage.

Integrity and Accountability

All individuals acting on behalf of TWSC are expected to:

• Conduct themselves honestly, ethically, and openly in all interactions
• Accept responsibility for their actions and decisions
• Protect and promote the values, mission, and reputation of TWSC
• Follow all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies

Any violation of this Code of Ethics will be addressed seriously. Where appropriate, this may result in disciplinary measures, sanctions, or legal action. TWSC will fully cooperate with regulatory bodies or law enforcement authorities when required.

Introduction

People are the most valuable asset of any non-profit organization, and volunteers play a vital role in helping it succeed. At TWSC, trustees are responsible for providing leadership to volunteers by recognising and supporting their contributions and by promoting the standards of behaviour outlined in this Code of Conduct.

Trustees are also expected to support volunteers in carrying out their responsibilities and to lead by example, demonstrating conduct that reflects the values and principles of the organization.

Purpose of a Volunteer Code of Conduct

A Volunteer Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for volunteer behaviour to ensure that:

• the organization operates effectively, transparently, and with accountability; and
• volunteers maintain positive, respectful, and productive relationships with one another, staff, and all individuals who interact with TWSC.

This Code of Conduct applies to all TWSC volunteers and should be provided to new volunteers as soon as they agree to take on a role within the organization. The Board of Trustees will review this Code every three years, or sooner if required.

The purpose of this Code is to clearly outline the standards of behaviour expected of all TWSC volunteers.

Volunteer Responsibilities

All volunteers are required to read, understand, and comply with this Code of Conduct. Volunteers are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour while carrying out their duties by:

• Carrying out their assigned role as described in their volunteer role description to an acceptable standard;
• Performing their duties safely, effectively, competently, and to the best of their ability;
• Following all TWSC policies, procedures, and any reasonable instructions provided;
• Acting with honesty, integrity, and responsibility at all times;
• Treating all individuals with fairness, equality, dignity, and respect;
• Reporting any concerns or suspected wrongdoing encountered during their role to the President;
• Honouring agreed commitments and giving adequate notice if they are unable to attend or fulfil responsibilities;
• Acting in ways that support TWSC’s mission and values and enhance the organization’s work;
• Communicating clearly, respectfully, and truthfully at all times;
• Following all health and safety procedures and taking reasonable care for the welfare of others, in line with training received;
• Reporting any health or safety issues promptly;
• Directing questions about policies, procedures, supervision, or support to the President or a Trustee;
• Raising concerns or difficulties related to their role or management through TWSC’s grievance procedures;
• Declaring any actual or potential conflicts of interest, including business or employment interests, and seeking guidance from the President if unsure;
• Protecting confidential information and respecting privacy at all times;
• Handling documents, materials, or devices containing confidential information with care and returning them when their involvement with TWSC ends;
• Obtaining authorization before communicating externally on behalf of TWSC;
• Maintaining appropriate standards of dress and personal hygiene;
• Informing TWSC if they have been charged with or convicted of a criminal offence.

Prohibited Conduct

Volunteers are expected not to:

• Act in any way that could harm the reputation of TWSC, including through email, social media, websites, or engagement with the media;
• Request or accept gifts, benefits, rewards, or hospitality in connection with their volunteer role;
• Engage in behaviour that could cause physical or emotional harm to others, including abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, or intimidation of any kind;
• Perform volunteer duties while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that impairs their ability to carry out responsibilities safely;
• Provide false, misleading, or inaccurate information, statements, or records relating to TWSC;
• Damage property or misuse organizational resources;
• Take possession of property without authorization;
• Engage in unlawful activities while volunteering;
• Improperly disclose confidential information during or after their involvement with TWSC.

Breaches and Termination

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct or any other TWSC policies may result in disciplinary action, including termination of a volunteer’s role. TWSC reserves the right to end a volunteer’s involvement at any time, with or without cause.

Volunteers acknowledge that their role does not create an employment relationship with TWSC.

Oversight and Review

The TWSC Board of Trustees will review this Code of Conduct every three years or as required. The President is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of this policy, with the support and cooperation of trustees, staff, and volunteers.

Toronto Walking Soccer Club is dedicated to acting with integrity and maintaining the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our work. As a non-profit organization that supports and promotes walking soccer across Canada, TWSC recognizes its duty to ensure the sport is free from bribery and corruption.

Bribery and corrupt practices harm communities, damage the reputation of walking soccer, and go against TWSC’s core values of fairness, honesty, and respect. They divert resources from community impact, weaken social development, and erode trust in both the organization and the wider sport.

This policy expresses TWSC’s commitment to preventing bribery and corruption and clarifies the responsibilities of all members, volunteers, officials, and individuals associated with the Club to remain alert and act in accordance with these principles.

All individuals connected with TWSC are expected to:

• Conduct themselves with integrity, honesty, and transparency in every interaction.
• Never offer, provide, solicit, or accept bribes, inducements, or any improper payments.
• Disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest that could, or could appear to, influence decisions.
• Promptly report any suspected or confirmed instances of bribery or corruption through the appropriate TWSC channels.

The success of this policy relies on the shared commitment of everyone involved with TWSC to act ethically and responsibly. By upholding these standards, we safeguard the integrity of our organization and ensure a strong, trusted future for walking soccer in Canada.

Toronto Walking Soccer Club sets the standards and values that guide the walking soccer community across Canada, including affiliated clubs, members, volunteers, staff, and representatives.

Walking soccer is a sport for everyone, and TWSC is committed to making it accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for all participants. We strive to ensure that everyone involved is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

TWSC has a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination in any form. Discrimination will not be accepted on any grounds, including but not limited to:

• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity or expression
• Marital or family status
• Race or ethnicity
• Nationality
• Colour
• Religion or belief
• Ability or disability

We actively promote equal opportunities in all programs, activities, and operations. No one will be treated less favourably based on any protected characteristic.

TWSC is committed to:

• Ensuring all members, volunteers, staff, and representatives are treated equitably, fairly, and with respect
• Making participation in walking soccer open and accessible to everyone in the community
• Preventing harassment, bullying, abuse, or victimization—whether physical, verbal, or online—including sexual, racial, or other discriminatory behaviour on social media or any other platform

Within our governance framework, TWSC will investigate any allegations of discrimination promptly and fairly. When discrimination or harassment is confirmed, immediate action will be taken to stop the behaviour and apply appropriate corrective or disciplinary measures.

TWSC is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for everyone involved in walking soccer.

Introduction

Toronto Walking Soccer Club has developed this policy to provide clear guidance on the responsible use of social media, online platforms, and interactions with the media.

The objectives of this policy are to:

• Ensure clubs, members, volunteers, staff, and representatives understand their responsibilities when using social media or engaging with online or traditional media.
• Clarify what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behaviour online, noting that failure to follow this guidance may result in disciplinary action.
• Protect all members by maintaining safe, positive, and respectful online spaces.
• Explain the support TWSC can provide to members, clubs, and officials when engaging with, or approached by, the media.

Social media and online platforms—such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and others—are important tools for promoting walking soccer and highlighting the positive work of our community. When used responsibly, they increase visibility, attract new players, engage sponsors, and strengthen connections within the walking soccer community.

However, careless or inappropriate use of online platforms can damage reputations, undermine trust, and bring TWSC or member clubs into disrepute. This policy is designed to ensure safe, responsible, and positive use of these platforms.

Responsibilities

• All members, volunteers, staff, and representatives are accountable for their online conduct and interactions with the media.
• Clubs are responsible for the actions of their members, representatives, and anyone posting on the club’s behalf.
• Breaching this policy may constitute a violation of TWSC’s Codes of Conduct and could result in disciplinary action.

Key Principles

Respect and Integrity

• Avoid posting negative, disrespectful, or derogatory comments about clubs, players, referees, officials, TWSC representatives, WFS, or competition organisers.
• Do not engage in arguments, hostile exchanges, or inflammatory debates online.

Media Relations

• Contact TWSC before providing comment or coverage to the media.
• Do not share confidential or private information without proper authorization.
• Clubs should designate a representative (e.g., Club Secretary or Media Manager) to oversee and approve media communications.

Safeguarding

• Do not engage in private online communications with players under 18 or vulnerable adults.
• Report any inappropriate, threatening, or offensive material to TWSC immediately.

Transparency and Security

• Ensure more than one person has access to official accounts to prevent misuse or “account takeover.”
• Review privacy settings regularly and comply with GDPR requirements.
• Remove account access promptly when a coach, official, or volunteer leaves the club.

Positive Promotion

• Use online platforms to showcase walking soccer positively, celebrate achievements, and encourage participation.
• Always credit original sources for content, images, or videos, and comply with copyright laws.
• Obtain consent from teams before filming or sharing match footage.

DOs

• Use social media to celebrate and promote walking soccer in Canada.
• Maintain professional communications and appropriate privacy settings.
• Report concerns or inappropriate content to TWSC immediately.
• Engage with the media respectfully, both online and offline.

DON’Ts

• Do not post or share disrespectful or derogatory comments about anyone in the walking soccer community.
• Do not communicate privately or inappropriately with players under 18 or vulnerable participants.
• Do not use official club accounts for personal opinions or disputes.
• Do not challenge TWSC rules, governance, or disciplinary matters on social media—these must follow the proper channels.
• Do not retain access to club social media accounts after leaving your role.

Support from TWSC

TWSC will:

• Offer guidance and support to clubs, officials, and members in managing online or media issues.
• Assist with media enquiries where appropriate.
• Take disciplinary action if misuse of social media or media engagement damages TWSC or walking soccer’s reputation.

Toronto Walking Soccer Club expects everyone involved with the organization to act with honesty, integrity, and responsibility at all times, protecting the resources, assets, and reputation entrusted to them. As a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting walking soccer in Canada, TWSC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of financial and organizational integrity.

TWSC will take all reasonable measures to prevent, identify, and address any fraudulent activity.

Any attempt to commit fraud—by members, volunteers, staff, representatives, or anyone acting on behalf of TWSC—will be treated very seriously. All allegations or suspicions of fraud will be investigated by the TWSC Board or an appointed authority.

Where necessary, TWSC may take disciplinary action, enforce sanctions, and/or pursue legal action. The organization will fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities and any relevant regulatory or oversight bodies during investigations of fraudulent conduct.

Toronto Walking Soccer Club (TWSC) is committed, as far as reasonably practicable, to protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of all members, volunteers, staff, officials, participants, spectators, and any other persons who may be affected by our activities.

Scope

This policy applies to all club activities, including training sessions, matches, social events, and any other activities organized by the club.

Our Commitment

The club will, so far as is reasonably practicable:

• Provide a safe playing environment appropriate for older adults
  
• Promote and enforce walking soccer rules to reduce the risk of injury
  
• Encourage participation that supports physical, social, and mental wellbeing
  
• Foster a respectful, friendly, and supportive soccer family built on camaraderie and happy soccer
  
• Take reasonable steps to identify and manage health and safety risks
  

Roles and Responsibilities

• Board / Committee of Directors is responsible for oversight of health and safety matters and ensuring this policy is implemented.
  
• Session Leaders, Coaches, and Referees are responsible for running activities safely, enforcing rules, and responding to safety concerns.
  
• Members and Participants are responsible for playing safely, following club rules, and reporting hazards, injuries, or concerns.
  

Risk Management

• Playing surfaces, goals, and equipment will be checked before each session.
  
• Running, physical contact, and dangerous play are not permitted.
  
• Activities may be modified, paused, or cancelled due to weather, surface conditions, or participant wellbeing.
  
• Participants are encouraged to warm up, cool down, and take breaks as needed.
  

Health and Medical Considerations

• Participants are encouraged to play within their own abilities and limitations.
  
• Members should inform the club of any medical conditions or concerns that may affect safe participation.
  
• Appropriate footwear and suitable clothing must be worn at all times.
  

First Aid and Emergency Procedures

• A basic first aid kit will be available at all club sessions.
  
• All injuries or incidents must be reported to a club official and recorded where appropriate.
  
• In the event of a serious injury or medical emergency, play will stop and emergency services will be contacted immediately.
  

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly by the Board / Committee and updated as required to ensure it remains effective and compliant with applicable legislation and best practices.