Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy

Last Updated: June 2026

Little Knights | Owned and Operated by Club Ninety Ltd.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
To report child abuse or neglect in Ontario, contact the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) in your area.
Ontario Child Abuse Reporting: 1-800-456-7070
This policy does not replace or delay any obligation to contact emergency services or child protection authorities.

Little Knights is a community sports initiative owned and operated by Club Ninety Ltd., in collaboration with the Knights of Columbus, Council 13461. The safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every child who participates in Little Knights is our highest priority.

This Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy sets out the standards, responsibilities, and procedures that apply to everyone involved in Little Knights, including staff, volunteers, coaches, event organizers, contractors, and approved representatives.

This policy applies to all Little Knights events, programs, activities, practices, gatherings, and communications.

1. Our Commitment to Child Safety

Club Ninety Ltd. and Little Knights are committed to:

• Providing a safe, respectful, and positive environment for every child who participates in our programs

• Ensuring that all adults involved in Little Knights understand their responsibilities toward child safety

• Taking all concerns, disclosures, and reports of abuse or inappropriate conduct seriously

• Acting promptly and appropriately when a concern is raised

• Protecting children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, neglect, and harm

• Treating every child with dignity and respect regardless of age, background, ability, gender, ethnicity, or faith

The welfare of children is paramount. When in doubt, child safety always takes priority over any other consideration.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals who interact with children through Little Knights in any capacity, including:

• Club Ninety Ltd. staff and representatives

• Event organizers and administrators

• Coaches and assistant coaches

• Volunteers

• Referees and officials

• Photographers, videographers, and media representatives

• Contractors and third-party service providers

• Sponsors and donors present at events

• Any adult given a role or responsibility in connection with Little Knights

This policy also provides guidance to parents and guardians on what to expect from Little Knights and how to raise a concern.

3. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy:

Child: any person under the age of 18 years.

Safeguarding: the actions taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Abuse: any action or failure to act that causes harm to a child. Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, or take the form of neglect.

Disclosure: when a child or another person reveals that a child has been or may be at risk of abuse or harm.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): the individual within Little Knights who is responsible for receiving and acting on safeguarding concerns. For Little Knights, the DSL is the designated representative of Club Ninety Ltd. responsible for event operations. Contact information will be made available at each event and through the Little Knights website.

Types of Abuse

The following are recognized forms of child abuse. All individuals involved in Little Knights should be aware of these categories:

Physical Abuse: intentional acts that cause or risk physical harm to a child, including hitting, shaking, burning, or using excessive physical force.

Emotional Abuse: persistent behaviour that causes serious harm to a child’s emotional development, including threats, humiliation, rejection, or constant criticism.

Sexual Abuse: involving a child in sexual activity that they do not understand, cannot consent to, or are not legally able to consent to. This includes non-contact offences such as exposing a child to sexual content or communications.

Neglect: the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical, emotional, or developmental needs, including failure to provide adequate supervision, nutrition, medical care, or a safe environment.

Exploitation: taking advantage of a child for financial, sexual, or personal gain, including using a child’s image or involvement in ways that harm their dignity or wellbeing.

4. Standards of Behaviour for All Adults

All adults involved in Little Knights are expected to uphold the following standards at all times:

4.1 Expected Behaviour

• Treat every child with dignity, respect, and fairness

• Communicate with children in an open, positive, and age-appropriate manner

• Ensure that any physical contact with children is appropriate, necessary, and in a group or visible setting (for example, a high-five, guiding a child during a drill, or assisting with an injury)

• Maintain visible and transparent interactions with children at all times

• Report any concerns about a child’s welfare to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately

• Respect the privacy and dignity of all children and families

• Follow all Little Knights policies, including this policy, the Code of Conduct, and the Photo & Video Consent Policy

• Model respectful, positive behaviour consistent with the values of Little Knights

4.2 Behaviour That Is Not Permitted

The following conduct is strictly prohibited for all adults involved in Little Knights:

• Any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse toward a child

• Using threatening, demeaning, humiliating, or abusive language toward a child

• Being alone with a child in a private, enclosed, or unsupervised space

• Transporting a child in a personal vehicle without written parental consent and another adult present

• Giving a child gifts, money, or personal favours without the knowledge and approval of a parent or guardian

• Initiating or maintaining personal communication with a child through personal social media, messaging apps, or direct channels outside of official Little Knights communications

• Taking personal photos or videos of children outside of authorized Little Knights media activities

• Consuming alcohol or being under the influence of alcohol or substances while responsible for children at a Little Knights event

• Sharing, distributing, or creating any inappropriate content involving children

• Ignoring or failing to report a concern about the safety or welfare of a child

4.3 One-to-One Interactions

Where a one-to-one interaction with a child is necessary (for example, to discuss a concern, provide first aid, or address a behavioural matter), this should take place in a visible, open area where other adults can observe. Closed-door, private, or unsupervised interactions with a child are not permitted.

4.4 Online and Digital Communications

All official communications between Little Knights representatives and families should occur through official Little Knights channels (website, official email, or authorized platforms).

Adults involved in Little Knights should not initiate or maintain private digital communications directly with a child, including through personal social media accounts, messaging platforms, or applications.

Where communication with a child or family is necessary, it should be transparent, appropriate in tone, and include the parent or guardian where possible.

5. Recognizing Signs of Abuse or Concern

All adults involved in Little Knights should be aware of possible signs that a child may be experiencing abuse, harm, or neglect. These signs may include, but are not limited to:

Physical indicators

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or injuries

• Injuries inconsistent with the explanation provided

• Frequent injuries or a pattern of physical marks

• Appearing malnourished, unclean, or inappropriately dressed for conditions

Behavioural indicators

• Sudden changes in behaviour or mood

• Appearing withdrawn, fearful, anxious, or unusually distressed

• Reluctance to go home or be near a particular adult

• Unexplained aggression, anger, or acting out

• Displaying behaviour or knowledge that is not age-appropriate

• Expressing fear of a specific person or situation

This list is not exhaustive. If something about a child’s behaviour, appearance, or statements causes concern, it should be taken seriously and reported.

6. How to Respond to a Disclosure

A disclosure occurs when a child tells an adult that they have been hurt, are being harmed, or are at risk. If a child discloses something to you:

Do:

• Stay calm and listen carefully

• Let the child speak in their own words without interruption

• Reassure the child that they did the right thing by telling you

• Tell the child that you will need to share what they have said with someone who can help

• Report the disclosure to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible

• Write down what was said, as accurately as possible, as soon as the conversation ends — include the child’s words, the time, the date, and the setting

Do not:

• Promise to keep what the child tells you a secret

• Ask leading questions or pressure the child to provide details

• Express shock, disbelief, or judgment

• Investigate the concern yourself

• Confront the alleged person responsible

• Discuss the disclosure with other adults, parents, or participants beyond what is necessary to report it

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 without delay. Do not wait to consult the Designated Safeguarding Lead before contacting emergency services if a child is at risk of imminent harm.

7. Reporting Procedure

Step 1 — Immediate Safety

If a child is in immediate danger or requires emergency medical attention, call 911 first.

Step 2 — Report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

All safeguarding concerns, disclosures, or incidents must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as soon as possible. The DSL is responsible for determining the appropriate next steps.

Step 3 — Contact the Children’s Aid Society if Required

In Ontario, any person who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection has a legal duty to report that suspicion to the Children’s Aid Society (CAS). This duty applies to every individual and cannot be delegated.

Ontario Child Abuse Reporting Line: 1-800-456-7070

You do not need to be certain that abuse has occurred. A reasonable suspicion is sufficient and legally required to be reported.

Step 4 — Documentation

The individual reporting the concern and the DSL should each document the following:

• The nature of the concern or disclosure

• The child’s exact words, where applicable

• The date, time, and location of the incident or disclosure

• Any observable signs or behaviours

• The actions taken and by whom

Documentation should be kept confidential and stored securely by Club Ninety Ltd.

Step 5 — Confidentiality

Information about safeguarding concerns must be handled with strict confidentiality. Details should only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect the child. Information must not be shared with the alleged person responsible or discussed openly among staff, volunteers, or participants.

8. Responsibilities

Club Ninety Ltd.

• Owns and maintains this policy and reviews it at least annually

• Appoints a Designated Safeguarding Lead for Little Knights events and operations

• Ensures that all staff, volunteers, and representatives are made aware of this policy before participating in Little Knights activities

• Takes appropriate action in response to safeguarding concerns, including cooperating with child protection authorities

• Maintains confidential records of safeguarding concerns and actions taken

Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Serves as the primary point of contact for all safeguarding concerns within Little Knights

• Receives and documents reports from staff, volunteers, and community members

• Determines whether a concern must be reported to the Children’s Aid Society or other authorities

• Coordinates the response to safeguarding concerns in consultation with Club Ninety Ltd.

• Maintains confidential records of all reports and actions

All Adults Involved in Little Knights

• Read, understand, and follow this policy

• Uphold the standards of behaviour described in Section 4

• Report any concern about a child’s safety or welfare to the DSL immediately

• Contact emergency services directly if a child is in immediate danger

Parents and Guardians

• Inform Little Knights of any relevant concerns about their child’s wellbeing before or during events

• Report any concerns about the behaviour of adults involved in Little Knights to the DSL or Club Ninety Ltd.

• Support their child in understanding what appropriate and inappropriate behaviour looks like

9. Allegations Against Adults Involved in Little Knights

If an allegation is made against a member of staff, volunteer, coach, contractor, or any adult involved in Little Knights, Club Ninety Ltd. will:

• Take the allegation seriously and act promptly

• Immediately suspend the individual from any role involving contact with children, pending review

• Report the allegation to the appropriate authorities, including the Children’s Aid Society and, where required, police

• Not conduct an internal investigation that could interfere with a statutory investigation

• Maintain confidentiality throughout the process to the extent permitted by law

• Support any child or family affected

An allegation against an adult does not automatically establish that abuse has occurred. However, the safety of children must be prioritized at all times, and precautionary steps will be taken without delay.

10. Volunteer and Staff Screening

Club Ninety Ltd. and Little Knights are committed to taking reasonable steps to ensure that adults working with children through Little Knights are appropriate for that role.

These steps may include:

• Requiring individuals in regular contact with children to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check or equivalent background screening, where applicable and practicable

• Reviewing references for coaches, coordinators, and key volunteers

• Ensuring all adults involved are made aware of and agree to this policy before participating

• Monitoring conduct at events and responding promptly to concerns

Little Knights is a grassroots community initiative. While formal screening processes will be applied where possible, parents and guardians are encouraged to remain present and attentive at events and to report any concerns promptly.

11. Photography and Media Safeguarding

The capture and use of photos and videos involving children is governed by the Little Knights Photo & Video Consent Policy, which should be read together with this policy.

In the context of child safeguarding, the following principles apply:

• Only authorized photographers and media representatives may capture images or footage of children at Little Knights events

• Personal photography of other people’s children by attendees must be handled with discretion and respect

• No images or videos of children may be shared, published, or distributed in a way that could place a child at risk, cause harm to their dignity, or be used for inappropriate purposes

• Any concern about the inappropriate photography or recording of a child must be reported to the DSL or event staff immediately

12. Anti-Bullying and Peer Safety

Little Knights is committed to preventing bullying, harassment, and harmful behaviour among participants.

Bullying may occur between children and can be physical, verbal, relational, or digital in nature.

Adults involved in Little Knights should:

• Be alert to signs of bullying or exclusion among participants

• Intervene promptly and calmly when bullying or harmful behaviour is observed

• Report repeated or serious incidents to the DSL

• Never ignore bullying or dismiss it as part of normal play

Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak to a Little Knights representative if their child reports being bullied or excluded at an event.

13. Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

Little Knights recognizes that children’s emotional and mental wellbeing is as important as their physical safety.

Adults involved in Little Knights should:

• Be attentive to children who appear distressed, withdrawn, or struggling emotionally

• Respond with kindness and without judgment

• Avoid placing unnecessary pressure on children around performance, results, or competition

• Report concerns about a child’s emotional wellbeing to the DSL, who can help connect families with appropriate support

Little Knights is not a clinical or therapeutic service. Where a child’s needs are beyond the scope of our program, families will be encouraged to seek professional support.

14. Relationship to Other Little Knights Policies

This policy should be read together with the following Little Knights documents:

• Terms & Conditions

• Privacy Policy

• Photo & Video Consent Policy

• Code of Conduct

In the event of any conflict between this policy and another document, this Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy takes precedence in matters relating to the safety and welfare of children.

15. Governing Law

This policy is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the applicable laws of Canada, including the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (Ontario), and all applicable child protection legislation.

The duty to report concerns about a child’s safety is a legal obligation in Ontario and cannot be waived by this or any other policy.

16. Policy Review

Club Ninety Ltd. will review this policy at least once per year and update it as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, or the structure of Little Knights programs.

Any significant changes to this policy will be communicated to staff and volunteers before the next event season.

17. Contact

To report a safeguarding concern, raise a question about this policy, or request further information, please contact Little Knights through the website contact form or speak directly to a Little Knights representative at any event.

If a child is in immediate danger, always call 911 first.

All individuals involved in Little Knights in any capacity are expected to have read and understood this Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy. The safety and dignity of every child in our program is a shared responsibility.