Ottawa, ON – June 1, 2024 – The Ontario Summer Football League (OSFL), in collaboration with Football Ontario, is implementing a new 2024 Disciplinary Framework, introducing a strict zero-tolerance policy for the remainder of the season. This initiative aims to address and mitigate the ongoing behavioral issues that have been adversely affecting the league since 2022.
Over the past two years, the OSFL has observed a significant increase in inappropriate behavior from coaches, fans, volunteers, and players. This includes the recurrent abuse and harassment of officials, which has made it increasingly challenging to recruit and retain them. Additionally, the time OSFL volunteers dedicate to managing these behavioral issues has become excessive, impacting the overall functioning of the league. Most importantly, these negative behaviors are sending the wrong messages to our young athletes, who deserve proper mentoring and a positive sporting environment.
Effective immediately, a ZERO TOLERANCE policy will be enforced. Any use of profanity, threatening comments, or harassment of volunteers and officials will be deemed unacceptable and will result in strict disciplinary actions.
To facilitate incident reporting, all reports will now be submitted through our new online system, available under the League Operations section and on the home page of our website at osfl.club. This system aims to improve the efficiency and transparency of the reporting process.
To ensure fair and impartial enforcement of this new framework, we have established the Canadian Community Sport Integrity Commission (CCSIC). This commission comprises a standing committee of well-respected community members who are impartial, non-affiliated individuals with diverse skill sets in legal, business, sport, administration, policing, and corrections. These members are united by a common goal: to restore and uphold high standards of sportsmanship and conduct in youth sports across Canada.
For more information about the new disciplinary framework, please visit our website at osfl.club.
Attachment: Discipline Framework Document
Contact: Marny Sharpen, Chair of The Ontario Summer Football League
Email: info@osfl.club
Aaron Geisler, CEO of Football Ontario
Email: ageisler@footballontario.net
