WSSA Misconduct Approach
West Sound Soccer Academy was founded to provide a safe, secure training environment where all players and coaches can thrive. We take the safety of players and coaches extremely seriously and have a strong focus on preventing misconduct of any type. We understand that even with these measures in place, there is still opportunity for misconduct to happen.
Misconduct is defined as the behavior that results in harm, the potential for harm, or the imminent threat of harm. Age is irrelevant to misconduct. There are six primary types of misconduct in sports: sexual (including grooming behavior), physical, emotional, bullying, harassment, and hazing.
If you or someone you know witnesses or experiences any misconduct by West Sound Soccer Academy players, coaches, board members, or volunteers, please know there is a process in place for you to report and have your concern addressed immediately.
West Sound Soccer has appointed a Misconduct Officer to review and manage any allegations of misconduct or policy violations. In an effort to increase comfort bringing forward violations and decrease bias when reviewing possible violations, the WSSA Board of Directors chose to appoint someone to the Misconduct Officer role who doesn’t live on Bainbridge Island or have a player involved in WSSA.
Melissa Fell is currently serving as West Sound Soccer Academy’s Misconduct Officer. Melissa has an extensive background working in Human Resources, leading people through difficult situations and conversations. She has been an athlete and competed in various sports, at all levels up through college, and continues to play rec sports.
Process For Reporting Misconduct
Important: If reporting physical or sexual abuse, please contact law enforcement within 24 hours of incident and also report through the options below.
- Report a misconduct concern through the US Center for SafeSport here.
- In addition, please report your concern directly to the West Sound Soccer Misconduct Officer by filling out this form.
What To Expect After Reporting Misconduct
- West Sound Soccer’s Misconduct Officer will directly receive and review all reports of misconduct made through our website.
- An initial review will happen within 48 hours of submission and you will hear back from WSSA at that time.
- The Misconduct Officer will determine if there is a need to investigate further and will escalate the report to the Misconduct Committee, a subset of the WSSA Board of Directors, as appropriate based on the nature of the incident.