SAFE SPORT

Filing a Complaint

SafeZone Information

Football Ontario is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in our sport. To support this commitment, Football Ontario is pleased to introduce SafeZone, a resource designed to help participants, leadership, and representatives navigate concerns, conflicts, and the complaint process. 

SafeZone provides a confidential, welcoming space where individuals can ask questions, share experiences, and receive guidance on issues such as harassment, bullying, abuse, or other forms of maltreatment. 

Whether you are an athlete, coach, parent, official, or club representative, SafeZone offers personalized support to help you understand your options and take confident steps forward. 

For Participants

SafeZone is here to help you understand your options before deciding to file a complaint. We can assist you in navigating questions such as: 

• What steps can I take to resolve a conflict before filing a formal complaint? 

• What does the complaint process look like within Football Ontario? 

• How do I know whether my issue should be addressed by the club or by Football Ontario 

If you are unsure about what to do next, you can reach out to SafeZone to share your concerns, explore options, and gain clarity without fear of judgment. 

For Club Representatives

Club administrators play a critical role in Football Ontario ’s safe sport system. SafeZone is available to provide support with: 

• Understanding Football Ontario ’s jurisdiction and determining when an issue should be addressed locally versus when it needs to be escalated to Football Ontario . 

• Navigating complex issues within the discipline process, including items to consider before implementing decisions. 

• Interpreting policies and processes to ensure they align with Football Ontario ’s expectations. 

Our goal is to equip you with the confidence to manage situations effectively and escalate appropriately when necessary. 

What SafeZone Offers

• A confidential and non-judgmental space to share concerns and ask questions. 

• Emotional support and an opportunity to talk through challenges you have experienced or witnessed. 

• Guidance on available options and support in understanding possible next steps. 

• Information on Football Ontario ’s complaint processes, jurisdiction, and additional resources. 

Reaching out to SafeZone does not mean you are filing a formal complaint. All conversations remain confidential unless you choose to take further action. 

Contact SafeZone

If you are facing a challenging situation, have questions about the complaint process, or need support in addressing an issue, SafeZone is here to help. To contact SafeZone, please reach out by email at safezone@itpsport.ca. 

Reporting A Safe Sport Complaint

Football Ontario is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants—athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators. Everyone has a right to participate in sport free from maltreatment, harassment, abuse, or discrimination. 

If you witness or experience inappropriate conduct, we encourage you to speak up. Prompt reporting helps ensure concerns are addressed effectively and contributes to a stronger, safer sport environment. 

When to Report

You should report if you: 

• Experience or witness abuse, harassment, bullying, or discrimination 

• Have a concern related to the safety or well-being of a participant 

• Have other Safe Sport or Code of Conduct violation concerns 

Where to Report

Football Ontario has partnered with ITP Sport to manage complaints and concerns related to conduct and safety. With decades of experience and unmatched expertise, ITP Sport is at the forefront of the Safe Sport movement, delivering top-tier complaint management services to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all. This ensures all reports are reviewed by neutral, qualified professionals who are independent from the organization. 

To make a report, contact ITP Sport through the complaints submission link: https://app.integritycounts.ca/org/itpsport 

Reports may also be submitted anonymously, though this can limit the ability to follow up or take action. 

What Happens Next

• Your concern will be reviewed confidentially and fairly 

• You may be contacted for more information or to discuss next steps 
• Appropriate action will be taken based on Football Ontario’s policies and procedures