Pink Turf Recreational Soccer Code of Conduct 2025

The Pink Turf Soccer League welcomes members from across the 2SLGBTQ+ spectrum including Indigenous two-spirit people and intersex people. The vision of the league is to foster and maintain a friendly and inclusive environment where folx of all playing abilities can enjoy the sport of soccer. Keeping league play a positive experience for everyone is paramount and will serve to sustain the league for many years to come. Our goal each and every season is to make all players feel welcome while promoting equity, fair play, respect and fun. In joining the league you commit to the following principles:

1. I will remember that PTSL is a recreational league and that the safety of my teammates and opponents is more important than winning.

2. I will remember that not all PTSL players are women.

3. I will remember that not all PTSL players use she/her pronouns.

4. I will conduct myself in a responsible and respectful manner.

5. I agree to respecting the gender identities, gender presentation, pronouns and ethnic and racial identities of the players and referees in the league to the best of your ability

6. I will be a good sport, respect the recreational spirit of the game, and not take things too seriously.

7. I will not engage in any form of abuse or harassment towards players, officials, scorekeepers, or spectators. This includes the use of racist, homophobic, transphobic and/or ableist language on the pitch, sidelines and at Pink Turf social events.

8. I will not demonstrate and/or participate in the use of profanity, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, sexual harassment, defamation, taunting or any other form of unsporting behaviour.

9. I will not consume alcohol on the pitch or on the sidelines of Withrow Field, as per Pink Turf's permit agreement with the City of Toronto.

10. As per PTSL's permit, if I choose to smoke tobacco or cannabis, I will move 20m away from the pitch, sidelines, or City facilities.

11. I will respect the decisions of the referee and will not engage in confrontational criticism with them.

12. I will only provide constructive criticism, when welcome, to my teammates and opponents. I agree that bullying has no place in PTSL.

13. I will wear proper equipment for all games and practices (shin pads, soccer cleats).

14. I will set positive examples for teammates and spectators, through my words and actions.

15. I will encourage equal playing time for all players on my team, regardless of skill level and regardless of the score.

16. I will contact my Team Representative to declare my absences before the start of each game and will strive to arrive promptly to all team games (see PTSL website for details regarding our attendance policy).

17. I will learn and understand the rules of the game.

18. I will play for FUN!

Concussion Code of Conduct

Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety) came into effect on July 1, 2019, making it mandatory for sports organizations to ensure that athletes under the age of 26, as well as coaches, team trainers and officials, are made aware of the dangers of concussion, how it is sustained and how to recognize it.

Pink Turf has established a Concussion Code of Conduct* (mandatory by O.Reg. 161/19: General) that sets out rules of behaviour to support concussion prevention for all of our players. It is essential for everyone to adhere to these rules to establish a safe playing environment for all involved in the league.

Please take a moment to read through and acknowledge the below Code of Conduct, our Removal from Sport and Return to Sport protocols for concussion injuries.  

I will help prevent concussions by:

• Wearing the proper equipment for outdoor soccer and wearing it correctly.

• Developing my skills and strength so that I can participate to the best of my ability.

• Respecting the rules of the league.

• Committing to fair play and respect for all (other athletes, team representatives, and officials).

I will care for my health and safety by taking concussions seriously.  I understand that:

• A concussion is a brain injury that can have both short- and long-term effects.

• A blow to my head, face, neck, or body that causes the brain to move around inside the skull can cause concussion.

• I don’t need to lose consciousness to have a concussion.

• I have a commitment to recognizing and reporting concussions, including self-reporting.

• When I suspect a concussion, either in myself or others, I must report it to my team representative and/or the referee.

• I understand that continuing to participate in practice or a game with a possible concussion increases my risk of more severe, longer-lasting symptoms, and other injuries.

• I will not hide concussion symptoms. I will speak up for myself and others if I experience any symptoms of concussion or someone else tells me about their concussion symptoms.


• I understand that if I have a suspected concussion, I will be removed from the game and that I will not be able to return to training, practice or competition until I undergo a medical assessment by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner and have been medically cleared to return to practice or games.

• If I am diagnosed with a concussion, I understand that letting my Team Rep and the Collective know about my injury will help them support me while I recover.

• If I sustain a concussion, I will take the time I need to recover, because it is important for my health.

• I understand my commitment to supporting and following Pink Turf’s return-to-sport process.

• I understand I will have to be medically cleared by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner before returning to practice or play.

I can help prevent concussions, through my:

• Commitment to zero-tolerance for prohibited play that is considered high-risk for causing concussions.

• Acknowledgement of mandatory expulsion from the game for violating zero-tolerance for prohibited play that is considered high-risk for causing concussions.

• Acknowledgement of the escalating consequences for those who repeatedly violate the Concussion Code of Conduct.