Accountability Agreement: On and Off the Field

All members of the Lavender League community– players and fans– are expected to follow the Accountability Agreement.

Note: All Lavender League policies are subject to change. We’re committed to continuous improvement. Last updated: March 2024.

Safe, Competitive Play 

  • While competitive play is encouraged, we prioritize safety over everything else. Avoid reckless actions or tackles that could potentially cause harm to yourself or others (see game rules for more information about tackle guidelines). Play the ball, not the player.

  • Respect the physical boundaries of fellow players and remember that accidents can happen, so be attentive and cautious during gameplay. 

  • Be aware of your body and how you occupy space. Be mindful of how your style of play, strength, and expertise compare to other players.

Respect Diversity and Inclusivity: 

  • Celebrate the diversity within our league, including varying sexual orientations, gender identities, races, ethnicities, ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

  • Treat all players, officials, and spectators with respect and dignity, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.

  • Refer to people only by the names and pronouns they provide. Limit usage of gendered statements (e.g., “Man on!”). 

Zero Tolerance for Discrimination:

    • Discrimination, including homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, classism, ageism, ableism, or any other form of prejudice, will not be tolerated on or off the field.

    • Abuse, harassment, bullying, and hate speech will not be tolerated on or off the field. 

Constructive Communication:

    • Maintain open and constructive communication with teammates, opponents, and officials.

    • Be mindful of your language and actions, ensuring they promote a supportive and accepting atmosphere for all participants.

    • Address conflicts or disagreements in a respectful manner, without verbal abuse, physical harm or intimidation, insults, or offensive language.

Fair Play and Sportspersonship:

    • Accept the decisions of referees without confrontation and respect their authority on the field (see Game Rules for guidelines for more information about referee authority).

    • Play fair and uphold the principles of good sportspersonship during every match.

Supportive, Positive Community:

    • Each teams’ culture should emphasize teamwork, growth, and skill development in a safe environment.

    • Celebrate successes and offer encouragement during challenging times.

    • Respect personal boundaries and individual preferences.

Alcohol and Substance Use:

    • Due to city park policy and our insurance requirements, alcohol or other illicit substances cannot be consumed at or during games or practices.

    • Our league adheres to a harm reduction philosophy where we aim to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone, regardless of whether or not they use drugs. An individual might be asked to leave only if the individual appears intoxicated and engages in disruptive, unsafe, or dangerous behavior.

Environmental Responsibility:

    • Follow and adhere to city park rules and policy

    • Respect the playing fields and facilities, disposing of trash responsibly.

    • We play at public parks. Be mindful of the fact that we share the space with the public and our neighbors.

Reporting Violations:

  • If you witness any violations of these guidelines or any concerning behavior, report it to league organizers promptly.

  • All reports will be handled confidentially and with sensitivity.

Violations of the Accountability Agreement may result in consequences up to and including expulsion from the league.

By adhering to these community guidelines, we can create a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of our adult queer soccer league. Let's work together to make this a place where everyone can enjoy playing the beautiful game while fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.