Safety at Eastside FC

Creating a safe environment for every player.

Player safety is part of how Eastside FC operates every day. From coach education and player protection to weather monitoring, emergency preparedness and the safety of our facilities, we take a comprehensive approach to creating an environment where players can train, compete and develop with confidence.

SafeSport & Player Protection

Eastside FC coaches and employees are required to regularly complete SafeSport training and maintain required certifications. SafeSport education helps coaches and staff understand appropriate conduct, recognize potential misconduct and abuse, maintain appropriate boundaries and understand their responsibility to report concerns. We expect every Eastside FC environment to be one in which players are treated with respect and their physical and emotional well-being comes first.

Emergency Preparedness

Eastside FC maintains an automated external defibrillator (AED) at Preston Park for use in a cardiac emergency. Coaches and staff are expected to respond appropriately when injuries or emergencies occur and to involve emergency medical services when necessary. We continually evaluate our emergency procedures and the resources available at our primary training facility.

Weather Monitoring

Weather conditions can change quickly in the Pacific Northwest. Eastside FC regularly monitors weather that may affect training and games, including lightning, extreme heat, poor air quality, snow and other potentially hazardous conditions. Activities may be delayed, modified, relocated or canceled when conditions warrant.

Concussion + Injury Awareness

Player health takes priority over participation. Coaches are expected to recognize potential injuries, including signs of concussion, and remove players from activity when appropriate. Players should not return to participation following a suspected concussion or significant injury until applicable return-to-play requirements have been satisfied.

Families should communicate relevant medical information, injuries and restrictions to their player's coach.

A Safe Training Environment

Safety also means paying attention to the environment in which players train and compete.

Coaches and staff are expected to identify and address potential hazards involving fields, goals, equipment and training areas whenever possible. Players are also taught to train responsibly and communicate when something does not feel right.

Parking Lot and Traffic Safety

With hundreds of players and families moving through Preston Park each week, the parking lot is an important part of our safety responsibility.

We ask drivers to travel slowly, remain alert for players and pedestrians, follow designated traffic and parking patterns and avoid creating unsafe pickup or drop-off situations.

Players—particularly younger players—should use extra care when moving between vehicles and fields. Safety does not stop at the sideline.

Everyone Has a Role

Creating a safe club environment requires coaches, staff, players and families to work together. Players should feel comfortable speaking up when something feels unsafe or inappropriate. Parents should communicate concerns promptly, and coaches and staff are expected to take those concerns seriously.

If you have an immediate concern about player safety, contact the appropriate Eastside FC coach, director or club leadership.

In an emergency, call 911.