The Arlington Soccer Club requires Board members, officers, employees, and volunteers to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As representatives and employees of the Arlington Soccer Club, we are committed to upholding honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
Reporting Responsibility
This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable Board members, officers, employees, volunteers, and others to raise serious concerns internally so that Arlington Soccer Club can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all Board members, officers, employees, and volunteers to report concerns about violations of Arlington Soccer Club’s code of conduct or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern Arlington Soccer Club’s operations.
Relationship to SafeSport Obligations
This Whistleblower Policy is subordinate to all obligations imposed under the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code and applicable SafeSport policies adopted by the Arlington Soccer Club or its governing affiliates. In any circumstance where a conflict exists between the requirements, procedures, or reporting obligations of this policy and those under SafeSport, the SafeSport requirements shall prevail. All Board members, officers, employees, and volunteers are expected to comply fully with their SafeSport reporting obligations, including any mandatory reporting requirements concerning suspected abuse or misconduct involving minors or participants.
No Retaliation
It is contrary to the values of Arlington Soccer Club for anyone to retaliate against any Board member, officer, employee, or volunteer who, in good faith, reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law, such as a complaint of discrimination, suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any regulation governing the operations of Arlington Soccer Club. A Board member, officer, employee, or volunteer who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment and/or removal from their position with the Club.
Reporting Procedure
The Arlington Soccer Club has an open-door policy, encouraging members to share their questions, concerns, suggestions, or complaints with the appropriate director or officer. If a member is not comfortable speaking with a director or they are not satisfied with the director’s response, they are encouraged to speak with the club President. Board members, officers, and employees are required to report complaints or concerns about suspected ethical and legal violations in writing to the Arlington Soccer Club’s President, who has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints.
Compliance Officer
The Arlington Soccer Club’s President is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The President will advise the Board of Directors of all complaints and their resolution and will report at least annually to the Treasurer on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.
Accounting and Auditing Matters
The Arlington Soccer Club’s Treasurer shall immediately notify the Board of Directors of any concerns or complaints regarding club accounting practices, internal controls, or auditing, and will work with the Board until the matter is resolved.
Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a written complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.
Confidentiality
Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
Handling of Reported Violations
The Arlington Soccer Club’s President will notify the person who submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation. All reports will be promptly investigated, and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.