Mission Statement: Indigenous Football is an organization that looks to lead, promote, and
develop positive football experiences for the Indigenous community. We strive to provide
strategic leadership throughout Indigenous communities in Canada to facilitate, support, and
advocate for enhanced participation and excellence amongst the Indigenous community.

Vision Statement: Indigenous Football aspires to be a key partner and contributor to the
improvement of health and wellbeing for the Indigenous people of Canada through enhancing
and acknowledging the social and economic benefits of football and elite/national team
performance and success.

Values:
•  Responsibility: We never forget our responsibility to care for athletes and improve their
physical and emotional wellbeing
•  Empowerment: We work with athletes and give them the tools and skills necessary to
improve the lives of others
•  Passion: We approach our work with the same passion that athletes have for achieving
their goals and fans have for supporting their team
Learning From Canadian Sport Organizations Respective Governance Policies

Basketball Canada
Basketball Canada has a defined governance structure that is listed on their website; however,
they do not have an outlined policy as to how the specific aspects of the structure functions. The structure itself has a board of directors which is run by the chair and vice-chair, accompanied by
a treasurer. The rest of the members of the board are all directors that work within different
aspects of sport (some examples; General Managers, Professors, and Broadcasters). As for
committees within this governance structure, there is only one that I could find that was defined
within Basketball Canada, that being the CBOC or the Canadian Basketball Officials Committee.
The committee looks over all referees within U Sports, Canada Basketball and the CCAA, and
has four subcommittees including: Development & Education, National Tournament Selection & Evaluation, Rules Education and Exam, CABO Legacy Awards & Recognition.

Football Canada
Football Canada has the most detailed, and extensive governance policy out of the all the other
Canadian sport organizations. Their governance policy is a thirty-page document that is broken
up into multiple sections including governance levels, membership councils, working
committees, sub-committees etc. The board of directors include the president, and nine other
directors. This board of directors watch over all policy decisions, as well as the eight committees within Football Canada. Those committees being, executive, rules, long-term athlete
development, female development, competitions, high performance, and safety. Each director,
including the president can only serve a maximum of two consecutive terms of two years each.

Soccer Canada
Soccer Canada has a clear and defined set of policies outlining their governance structure and
committees and respective roles. Like the other organizations mentioned, Soccer Canada has a
board of directors led by a President and Vice-President, who oversee twelve individuals, each
with their own experience and strengths. The governance policy itself is not as detailed as
Football Canadas, however the nineteen-page outline is extremely detailed including things like
meeting times, codes of conduct, and the expectations and roles of each individual within the
board or an affiliated committee. Within the policy Soccer Canada outlines six committees which
include: Audit & Finance, Governance, Nominations, Risk oversight, Compensation and
Management development, and Emergency committees.

Hockey Canada
Hockey Canada does not have a true governance policy that I could find on their website. They
mostly just have a structure which basically just outlines certain roles within the governance
structure which is not exactly helpful because it doesn’t really go in depth of what each position
is. They do have a call for nomination process which could be an interesting idea to try and get
board members that are capable for Indigenous Football. Hockey Canada does have a
governance review which is 221 pages and looks very detailed.

Purpose
The code of conduct was created by Indigenous Football Canada in order to ensure that all
programs sanctioned by Indigenous Football Canada are conducted in a safe and constructive
manner. As a member of Indigenous Football Canada whether it be a player, coach, official,
volunteer or employee they must be aware of the expectations that inappropriate behavior will
not be tolerated by any means. This code of conduct is not all encompassing, and Indigenous
Football Canada is aware that some incidents may fall outside of the outlined code of conduct,
however that does not mean that these behaviors will be exempt from punishment. These
incidents may still constitute a breach in the code of conduct and will be handled by Indigenous
Football Canada accordingly.

Responsibilities to all Indigenous Football Canada members as per the code of conduct.

1. Remain at your highest standard of behavior while associated with Indigenous Football
Canada. Refrain from any behaviors that could create a poor image for Indigenous
Football Canada.

2. While associated with Indigenous Football Canada it is imperative that the individual
follow all rules, regulations and policies outlined by Indigenous Football Canada.

3. Continuously work by yourself and with others to better your image and to align with
strategic goals of Indigenous Football Canada to help achieve their mission

4. If conflict is to arise in or out of the workplace it is expected that members of Indigenous
Football Canada will be able to resolve this conflict in a safe, respectful and professional
manner.

5. Treat all individuals with the same respect and dignity no matter the circumstances or the
individuals traits or image.

6. Respect the principles of fair play for all.

7. Respect to property (Treat all places as if they were your own)

8. Respect and adhere to all anti-doping regulations (See IFC policy)

9. Promote a safe workplace free of violence and harassment (See IFC policy)

10. Refrain from using power or positions of authority to get others to do things they may be
uncomfortable with

Indigenous Football Canada has no systems in place that automatically collect valuable personal
information when visiting the website or any social media channels and will never take any
information without first asking. Personal information such as your name, address, telephone
number or email address will only be collected by Indigenous Football Canada if its willingly
provided for reasons such as:

•  Receiving the newsletter
•  Purchasing merchandise
•  Requesting information about Indigenous Football Canada
•  Contest or raffle entry
•  Player sign up and payments
•  Participation in online discussion or leaving a review
•  Protection against fraud
•  Product recommendation

Indigenous Football Canada does not require any personal information to be gathered in order to
access the website or any social media channels. If Indigenous Football Canada ever requires
personal information for a reason other than providing services to the public, then consent will be
requested either at the time of collection or prior to the information being collected.

Indigenous Football Canada is committed to protecting your personal information and will never
sell or rent personal information from its clients for any reason. Indigenous Football Canada will
not share your information to any third-party sources without first asking for your consent.

Every player and coach/team official who participates in sporting events sanctioned by
Indigenous Football Canada must be a registered participant of an official team roster who is also
officially registered with Indigenous Football Canada. Teams and players must be fully registered and up to date on any outstanding payments before participating in any affiliated
games.

A player registering with Indigenous Football Canada for the first time must submit proof of age
(Birth Certificate) before they can be permitted to play.

The age groups for Indigenous Football Canada competitions are as follows (Men and Womens
divisions)

– Under 6 (Flag football)
– Under 8 (Flag football)
– Under 10 (Flag football)
– Under 12 (Contact)
– Under 14 (Contact)
– Under 16 (Contact)
– Under 18 (Contact)
– Under 20 (Contact)
– Over 20 (Flag football)

Registration Requirements and Procedures
All players, coaches and those affiliated with teams associated with Indigenous Football Canada
must fill out these forums correctly to be permitted to play, coach or manage.
1. First and last name
2. Date of birth (age of person being registered)
3. Street/Mailing address
4. City/Town
5. Postal code
6. Email address/Phone Number
7. Name of team they are registering with
8. Teams division/Skill division
9. Role on team (player, coach, team manager etc.)
10. Criminal background check (not required for players)
11. Safety certification (not required for players)
12. Previous active season (if applicable)

Failure to adequately complete the registration guidelines will result in a vote of non-compliance
from Indigenous Football Canada and they will not be permitted to play or coach until
registration is properly submitted.

Indigenous Football Canada recognizes the role of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as
the leader of the world anti-doping movement and will respect the global standards and will
implement all portions of the World Anti-Doping Code across the entirety of Indigenous
Football Canada and its subsidiaries

Anti-Doping Education Program
Indigenous Football Canada is committed to keep up to date with the regular updates and news
related to anti-doping both domestically and internationally. Indigenous Football Canada will
arrange for seminars and presentations regarding anti-doping education with support from the
CCES to athletes, coaches and parents at camps, competition and tournaments whenever it is
feasible.

Sanctions to Athletes
•  All Participants and persons sanctioned by virtue of the CADP will be ineligible to
participate in any role and in any competition or activity organized, convened, held or
sanctioned by Indigenous Football Canada or its Member associations as per the penalties
imposed.
•  Indigenous Football Canada may apply further sanctions or penalties in accordance with
Canadian Anti-Doping policies.
•  Indigenous Football Canada has outlined a baseline for punishment for athletes proven to
have defied Indigenous Football Canada’s Anti-Doping Policies
•  First Time offense – 3-month competition ban + Mandatory attendance to anti-
doping education program
•  Second Time offense – 6-month competition ban + $1000 to team responsible
•  Third Time offense – 1 year competition ban + 6 month ban for head coach

Indigenous Football Canada Concussion Procedure
Players thought to have suffered a concussion are immediately pulled from playing to be
evaluated by the on-site medical professional. If it is deemed that the player has suffered a
concussion or any concussion-like symptoms the player is immediately pulled from playing and
is not permitted to return for that game, or any other games being played that day.

•  Always be on the side of caution, if there are any doubts it should be assumed the
concussion occurred
•  Always take the word of the onsite medical professional, if they do not clear the player,
they cannot play – their word is final
•  Player should be referred to a physician as soon as possible for official diagnosis
•  If a player is diagnosed with a concussion or concussion like symptoms, that player will
not be permitted to return to play or practice until they have met all return to play
requirements outlined by Football Canada and Indigenous Football Canada
•  Written clearance from a licensed physician to return to play post-concussion is
mandatory

Monitoring the return to play is essential. Always be on the side of caution.
Return to play procedure for Football Canada and Indigenous Football Canada

Step 1: No activity, only complete rest
– Limit school, work and tasks requiring concentration.
– Refrain from physical activity until the symptoms are gone. Once symptoms are gone, a
physician, preferably one with experience managing concussions, should be consulted
before beginning a stepwise return to play process.

Step 2: Light aerobic exercise
– Activities such as walking or stationary cycling. The player should be supervised by
someone who can help monitor for symptoms and signs. No resistance training or
weightlifting. The duration and intensity of the aerobic exercise can be gradually
increased over time if no symptoms or signs return during the exercise or the next day.
– Symptoms? Return to rest until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a
physician.
– No Symptoms? Proceed to Step 3 the next day.

Step 3: Sport specific activities
– Activities such as running or throwing can begin at Step 3. There should be no body
contact or other jarring motions such as high-speed stops or tackling another player.
– Symptoms? Return to rest until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a
physician.
– No Symptoms? Proceed to Step 4 the next day.

Step 4: Begin drills without body contact.
– The player is allowed to return to practice without participating in any body contact drills
where they are hitting or being hit.
– Symptoms? Return to rest until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a
physician.
– No Symptoms? The time needed to progress from non-contact exercise will vary with the
severity of the concussion and with the player. proceed to Step 5 only after medical
clearance.

Step 5: Begin drills with body contact
– The player returns to practice without any restrictions.
– Symptoms? Return to rest until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a
physician.
– No Symptoms? Proceed to Step 6 the next day.

Step 6: Game play
– The player is allowed to participate in games.

– Symptoms? Leave the game, rest, and return to Step 5 until symptoms have resolved. If
symptoms persist, consult a physician.
– No Symptoms? The player has cleared concussion protocol.

Workplace harassment can be quantified as malicious comments or actions towards co-workers
in a workplace setting that is clearly outlined or should be reasonably assumed by the perpetrator
as being unwelcome. It should be noted that workplace harassment has stark differences in the
management actions that are part of a standard work/training function, including measures to
correct performance deficiencies, such as placing someone on a performance improvement plan,
or imposing discipline for workplace infractions. Any question surrounding proper management
techniques and if managers have overstepped can be answered by Indigenous Football Canada’s
Human Resources team members.

Examples of Workplace Harassment include but are not limited to:
a. Harassment through bullying;
b. Workplace pranks, vandalism, bullying, or hazing incidents;
c. Persistent offensive or intimidating phone calls or emails;
d. Unwanted sexual touching, advances, suggestions, or requests;
e. Sharing or distributing offensive pictures, photographs, or materials in both printed and
electronic formats;
f. Engaging in psychological abuse;
g. Exclusion or persistent ignoring of someone, including deliberate exclusion from work-
related social gatherings;
h. Intentionally withholding information that would enable a person to fulfill their job
responsibilities, perform, or undergo training;
i. Actively sabotaging someone else’s work or performance;
j. Spreading gossip or malicious rumors;
k. Employing intimidating words or conduct, such as offensive jokes or innuendos;
l. Using words or actions that are known, or should reasonably be known, to be offensive,
embarrassing, humiliating, or demeaning.

If an employee, volunteer, coach or athlete is experiencing any of these issues Indigenous
Football Canada urges them to speak with an authority figure or our Indigenous Football Canada
HR team.

Misconduct During Events
Any incident such as violence, threats or disregard for safety procedures that occurs
during the event, whether it be during competition or away from the area for competition
must be reported to the designated authorities. In most cases this will be the head of
officiating or the on-site convenor for the event.

Those who are responsible for the event is instructed to use the following procedure to
address the incidents that occur during Indigenous Football Canada events:

a. Notify all involved parties and inform them that the misconduct that occurred
during the event was in violation of what is acceptable behavior during an event.
And is a direct violation of Indigenous Football Canada's Code of Conduct.
b. Create an impartial jury of 3 members who were at the event (one of whom shall
be designated the Chairperson), who shall not be in a conflict of interest or
involved in the original incident. The jury is used to determine if there had been
any direct violations to health and safety and the Indigenous Football Canada
code of ethics.
c. The jury will interview and secure statements from any witnesses to the alleged
violation
d. If the violation occurred during a competition, interviews will be held with the
officials who officiated or observed the competition

The penalty determined by the jury may include any of the following, singularly or in
combination:
a. Oral or written warning
b. Oral or written reprimand
c. Suspension from future competitions
d. Ejection from the Event
e. Other appropriate penalty as determined by the jury

Definitions – In conjunction with those defined by Basketball Canada
The following terms have these meanings in this document:

a. “Cisgender” – A term to describe a person whose gender identity corresponds with their
birth-assigned sex (e.g. someone whose gender identity is man and was assigned male at
birth).

b. “Gender” – The socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities and attributes that a
society assigns to masculinity or femininity.

c. “Gender Expression” – The way an individual communicates their gender identity to
others. This is done through behavior, body language, voice, emphasis or de-emphasis of
bodily characteristics, choice of clothing, hairstyle, and wearing make-up and/or
accessories. The traits and behaviors associated with masculinity and femininity are
culturally specific and change over time.

d. “Gender Identity” – A person’s innermost sense of their own gender. This can include
man, woman, both neither or something else entirely. Gender also refers to a variety of
social and behavioral characteristics (e.g. appearance, mannerisms). There are lots of
words people may use to talk about their gender identity and expression

e. “Gender reassignment” – medically-supervised program of treatment to transition a
person’s body to align with their gender identity through hormone therapy and/or
surgery.

f. “Intersex” – Refers to a combination of features that distinguish male and female
anatomy.

g. “Sex” – The classification of people as male, female or intersex. Sex is usually assigned
at birth and is based on an assessment of a person’s reproductive system, hormones,
chromosomes and other physical characteristics, most notably by external genitalia

h. “Trans” – An umbrella term that describes people with diverse gender identities and
gender expressions that do not conform to stereotypical ideas about what it means to be a
girl/woman or boy/man in culture and society. It includes but is not limited to people who
identify as transgender, transsexual, cross dressers (adjective) or gender non-conforming
(gender diverse, agender or genderqueer).

i. “Transgender Female” (including trans female or trans feminine) – Someone who was
assigned the male sex at birth, but whose gender identity is female

j. “Transgender Male” (including trans male or trans masculine) – Someone who was
assigned female sex at birth, but whose gender identity is male

k. “Non-binary” – a spectrum of gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or
feminine – identities that are outside the gender binary

Purpose
Indigenous Football Canada considers themselves an ally to the LGBTQ+ movement and
believes that all individuals regardless of their preferred gender identity deserve to be treated
equally in respectful and inclusive environments. Indigenous Football Canada pledges that all
participants have equal access to all facilities and opportunities. The safety of trans athletes is of
the utmost importance to Indigenous Football Canada.

Actions for Inclusion
Indigenous Football Canada is committed to:

1. Providing and upholding this policy to all staff and directors is essential along with
further education on the intricacies of gender identity and trans inclusion in and out of
sports. Staff will be educated on the importance of trans inclusion in sports and the
potential issues that may arise from this. Staff should understand that trans inclusion
entails much more than standard inclusion practices.

2. Provide registration forms that allow the individual to indicate their preferred gender
identity and allows them to include the pronouns or their preferred name in which they
would prefer to be referred to instead of their sex from birth. Should the individual want
to not include their gender identity to Indigenous Football Canada they are permitted to
do so. The only requirement to be disclosed is the individuals age for age group
placement.

3. Work with trans athletes on the implementation, monitoring and/or modification of this
Policy and continue to provide supporting documentation on trans rights within the
Indigenous Football Canada Website.

4. At both recreational and competitive levels, an individual may participate in their
expressed and identified gender category and non-binary athletes can choose which team
they participate in

5. Individuals are not required to disclose their trans identity or history to Indigenous
Football Canada or any of Indigenous Football Canada representatives (e.g., coaches, staff, Directors, officials, etc.) Indigenous Football Canada is committed to protecting the
gender identity of its participants and will not disclose any information relating to an
individuals personal gender identity to any outside sources.

6. It should be noted to trans athletes currently undergoing hormone replacement therapy
that they will still be under the same doping regulations as athletes who do not identify
themselves as trans. Individuals currently undergoing therapy are encouraged to speak
with representatives of Indigenous Football Canada as well as the Canadian Centre for
Ethics in Sport for further clarification on individual cases. In some cases, individuals
may be required to obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption in order to continue playing.

7. Indigenous Football Canada will continue to monitor and update this policy as more
information regarding transgender athletes continues to be researched and collected.

Purpose
Indigenous Football Canada is dedicated to giving all participants—athletes, coaches, officials,
and staff—a secure, and welcoming atmosphere. By preventing and addressing psychological
abuse inside the organization, this policy seeks to protect the mental health of those who
participate in Indigenous football activities. Psychological maltreatment encompasses, but is not
limited to, verbal acts, non-aggressive physical acts, and acts that deny attention or support.
Unjustified personal criticism, intimidation, humiliation, belittling, insulting, and threats directed
at the mental health of the victim are examples of psychological abuse, albeit they are not the
only ones. It also includes offensive statements about someone's ability or handicap, colour,
gender identity or expression, ethnicity, Indigenous status, or other aspects of their identity, as
well as the improper use of private information.

Prohibited Behaviors

a. Personal Criticisms: It is forbidden for participants to make personal remarks that are not
helpful or pertinent to the situation at hand in the framework of the sport. Unnecessary
criticism are not to be tolerated.

b. Discriminatory Remarks: It is expressly forbidden to discriminate on the basis of ability
or disability, race, gender identity, ethnicity, Indigenous status, or any other personal
characteristic.

c. Intimidation and Threats: It is unacceptable to engage in any kind of intimidation, threat-
making, or behavior that is meant to cause anxiety or emotional discomfort.

d. Inappropriate Use of Confidential Information: Participants are prohibited from abusing
confidential information to cause harm or influence others, whether it is in relation to
sports or not.

e. Acts with no physical contact or physically aggressive behaviors include, but are not
limited to, throwing things at or in the presence of others without striking another; hitting,
striking, or punching objects in the presence of others; and punching, striking, or hitting
objects in the presence of others.

Purpose
Indigenous Football Canada is committed to ensuring a secure and courteous atmosphere for all
football participants, including players, officials, coaches, and staff. The purpose of this policy is
to prevent and resolve physical abuse within the organization, with an emphasis on the security
of those who play Indigenous football.
Any physical harm, aggression, or aggressive behaviour that injures or has the potential to injure
another person, as well as any type of distress or harm, is considered physical abuse. This
includes any bodily harm that is done, including shoving, kicking, striking, and other similar
behaviours.

Prohibited Conduct

a. Physical injury: It is forbidden for participants to inflict any kind of bodily injury on
other people.

b. Violence: It is completely prohibited to engage in any violent behaviour, including but
not limited to striking, kicking, or other aggressive behaviour that puts the safety of
others in jeopardy.

c. Careless or Reckless Behaviour: During football activities, participants must refrain from
any careless or reckless behaviour that might endanger themselves or others.

d. Use of Weapons: It is totally forbidden to use or possess a weapon at any Indigenous
Football Canada event.
Selected staff will investigate any reported issues as soon as possible and in-depth.

Repercussions:
If physical or psychological abuse is proven, relevant disciplinary measures, such as education
and counseling or suspension or expulsion from Indigenous Football Canada events, will be
implemented.

Indigenous Football Canada remains steadfast in its dedication to provide a secure and
supportive atmosphere for all those involved in football-related activities. The foundation for
ensuring the welfare of everyone is provided by this policy against neglect. Within the
organization, neglect, which is characterized as the inability to offer appropriate care, attention,
or support, is forbidden. This includes ignoring necessities, seeking medical care, and receiving
mental support. There are procedures in place for reporting occurrences so they may be dealt
with quickly, and reporting parties are protected by alternatives for secrecy. Initiatives for
training and educational meetings will emphasize how crucial it is to address each participants
requirements and foster a respectful, caring, and caring culture within the Indigenous Football
Canada community.

Indigenous Football Canada emphasizes that all participants must be kept secure, and that it is
everyone’s responsibility to report any inappropriate behavior that is seen or suspected as soon as
it is noticed. Athletes, coaches, officials, and staff have a clear duty under this policy to report
any incidents of verbal, physical, or psychological abuse, neglect, discrimination, or any other
policy violation. Confidential reporting is an option for the identities of people who come
forward, but immediate reporting is required. The organizations dedication to promoting a
culture of safety is highlighted by the possibility of disciplinary action in the event that this
reporting requirement is broken. To preserve the ideals of Indigenous Football Canada, training
efforts will emphasize the significance of reporting unethical conduct.