Code of Conduct

All participants are expected to treat others with dignity, kindness, and respect at all times. Good sportsmanship is the foundation of our programs.

• Treat all players, coaches, referees, parents, and spectators with courtesy and respect regardless of background, ability, or outcome of any game.
• Win and lose with grace. Celebrate effort, improvement, and teamwork over winning.
• Use encouraging and positive language. Verbal abuse, taunting, trash-talking, or intimidation is never acceptable.
• Respect the decisions of coaches and referees. Disagreements should be addressed calmly and through proper channels.
• Value and celebrate diversity in race, ethnicity, religion, gender, ability, and background.
• Arrive on time and prepared. Respect others' time and commitment.

The physical and emotional safety of every participant, especially our youth, is our highest priority.

• All coaches must maintain current background checks and relevant certifications.
• Report any injury, illness, or unsafe condition to a coach or staff member immediately.
• Follow all safety guidelines, equipment requirements, and facility rules during sessions.
• Never leave a child unattended at any FolaFutbol event. Parents are responsible for pick-up and drop-off.
• Adults should never be alone with a single child in a private setting. The two-adult rule applies at all times.
• Emergency contacts and medical information must be kept up-to-date in the platform.
• No weapons, alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products are permitted at any FolaFutbol event or facility.

Fair play extends beyond the playing field. We expect integrity in all interactions within the FolaFutbol community.

• Follow the rules of the game and the spirit of fair competition.
• Do not attempt to gain unfair advantages through deception, cheating, or manipulation of rules.
• All participants should have equal opportunities to participate, learn, and grow regardless of skill level.
• Coaches must prioritize player development and well-being over competitive results.
• Academic integrity applies to all STEM program activities. Plagiarism and cheating are not tolerated.
• Respect intellectual property and give proper credit for ideas and work.

FolaFutbol has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying in any form. This includes physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying.

What constitutes bullying:

• Physical bullying: hitting, kicking, pushing, or any unwanted physical contact intended to harm or intimidate.
• Verbal bullying: name-calling, insults, threats, or making offensive comments about someone.
• Social bullying: excluding someone on purpose, spreading rumors, or embarrassing someone publicly.
• Cyberbullying: sending hurtful messages, sharing private information, or harassing others through digital platforms including the FolaFutbol platform.

How we address bullying:

• All reports of bullying are taken seriously and investigated promptly.
• Consequences are age-appropriate and escalate with repeated offenses: warning, parent notification, temporary suspension, and permanent removal.
• Support is provided to both the person affected and the person responsible for the behavior.
• Retaliation against anyone who reports bullying is strictly prohibited.

If you witness or experience any behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, we encourage you to report it. FolaFutbol is committed to addressing concerns promptly and confidentially.

How to report:

• Use the "Report a Concern" feature available in every portal (student, parent, coach, and school dashboards).
• Email us directly at support@folafutbol.com with the subject line "Code of Conduct Report".
• Speak directly to any FolaFutbol staff member or coach.
• Parents can report on behalf of their children at any time.

What happens after a report:

• All reports are reviewed within 24 hours by the FolaFutbol safety team.
• The reporter will be updated on the status of their report.
• Appropriate action will be taken based on the severity and nature of the violation.
• All reports are kept confidential to the extent possible while ensuring safety.
• Mandatory reporting obligations are followed for any suspected child abuse or neglect.

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in the following consequences, depending on severity:

• Verbal or written warning.
• Mandatory meeting with program staff and, if applicable, parents or guardians.
• Temporary suspension from programs or platform access.
• Permanent removal from FolaFutbol programs and platform.
• Referral to appropriate authorities if required by law.

FolaFutbol reserves the right to determine appropriate consequences based on the circumstances of each situation. Our goal is always to educate, support, and maintain a safe environment for all participants.