Coaching Requirements

Attention all coaches & staff

To ensure the VISL provides a safe and respectful environment for our players, staff, and volunteers across the entire league, please note the following criteria below that all coaches are required to complete prior to the season.

ALL DIVISIONS must complete:

Criminal Record Check - CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Respect in Sport - CLICK HERE FOR LINK

For all coaches that have youth players or are permitting: PLEASE READ BELOW

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the mandatory requirements for any VISL coach, assistant coach, or team official who is either:

Coaching youth players, or
Permitting youth players (under 18 years old) to participate in VISL-sanctioned matches, training sessions, or events.

These requirements are established to ensure compliance with BC Soccer and Canada Soccer safety standards, and to protect the welfare of all youth participants.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All VISL-registered coaches coaching youth players in VISL competitions.
All VISL-registered coaches permitting youth players to participate in adult teams, whether temporarily (permits) or permanently (roster additions).
Any team official (assistant coach, manager, trainer) in direct supervision of youth players.

3. Mandatory Requirements

All individuals covered under this policy must complete the following before any interaction with youth players:

A. Criminal Record Check (CRC) with Vulnerable Sector Check

Must be completed through the BC Criminal Records Review Program.
Must be renewed every 3 years.
Proof of completion must be submitted to VISL before engaging with youth players.

B. Respect in Sport – Activity Leader Certification

Online training available through Respect Group Inc.
Must be completed once and renewed every 5 years.
Certificate must be submitted to VISL prior to coaching or permitting youth players.

C. Safe Sport Training

Must complete the Coaching Association of Canada – Safe Sport Training Module.
Covers recognizing and addressing maltreatment, abuse, and unsafe environments.
Must be completed once; VISL may require refreshers as mandated by BC Soccer/Canada Soccer.

D. Rule of Two Compliance

Coaches must adhere to the Rule of Two in all interactions with youth players:
- A minimum of two screened and trained adults must be present with youth participants at all times.
- No one-on-one interactions in any setting, including online communication, without another adult present.
- Applies to practices, games, travel, meetings, and digital communications.

4. Non-Compliance

Any coach, assistant coach, or team official who has not completed these requirements will be:

Prohibited from coaching or permitting youth players until all requirements are met.
Subject to disciplinary action in accordance with VISL, BC Soccer, and Canada Soccer policies.

5. Record Keeping

VISL will maintain a secure database of all completed certifications and CRC results.
It is the responsibility of the coach/team official to ensure renewals are completed before expiry.
Failure to maintain valid certifications will result in immediate suspension from duties involving youth players.

6. References

BC Soccer Policy – Criminal Record Check Requirements
Canada Soccer Guide to Safety
Coaching Association of Canada – Safe Sport Training
Rule of Two – Coaching Association of Canada
Respect in Sport – Activity Leader Program

FOR ALL TEAMS CALLING UP YOUTH ON PERMIT must complete:

Criminal Record Check - CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Respect in Sport - CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Safe Sport - CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Rule of Two - CLICK HERE FOR LINK

VISL appreciates your attention to these details to ensure a safe place for all our players.

Once you have completed the course, please email your confirmations to admin@visl.org and we will update our files.

Note: If you are unsure if your information is up to date as per VISL, please email admin@visl.org and we can look up your information to determine if you are up to date.