The purposes of the Society are:

To promote, foster, enhance, further and develop within the boundaries of the Central Okanagan Youth Soccer Association (COYSA) and in the community of the City of Kelowna, British Columbia, the game of soccer at all levels and to do all things necessary, usual or desirable for such purpose or purposes, and in pursuance of the foregoing purposes, but without restricting the generality thereof, the Society may;

i) Acquire assets, both real and personal, and whether by way of gift or purchase, and may also encumber, mortgage, lease, sell or develop the same;

ii) Purchase, develop or otherwise provide such facilities for the use of the Society and its members and others as the directors may from time to time deem appropriate, either alone or jointly with other organizations;

iii) Employ such persons as may be necessary for the proper organization and administration of the Society, including the provision of instruction and coaching, both for the members of the Society and for others;

iv) Purchase and provide, in furtherance of the purposes of the Society, all kinds of equipment related to the game of soccer;

v) Raise funds by such means as the directors may deem appropriate to carry out the above purposes, by means of solicitation from corporations, individuals and others, the carrying on of business activities, provided always that such businesses are permitted under the Society Act from time to time in force, and provided further that such business activities do not jeopardize the status of the Society as a charitable organization under the Income Tax Act (Canada) from time to time in force, and by the pledging, mortgaging or hypothecation of the assets of the Society, as deemed appropriate by the directors;

vi) To provide leadership, guidance and co-operation with other societies and organizations to promote the development of the game of soccer.

Read 2024 Amalgamated KUFC Bylaws

Read OUFC Player Protection and Child Safety

Read OUFC Coach Ethics Guideline and the Rule of Two

Sport should be available and responsive to the needs of all Canadian residents who want to participate. Sport participation benefits individuals and society overall through improved physical, psychological and social well-being, increased civic pride, engagement and cohesion, and increased economic development and prosperity. However, some women and girls, Indigenous Peoples, persons with a disability, recent immigrants, new Canadians, socio-economically disadvantaged Canadians.

To encourage participation at all levels, there is a need for sport leaders and organizations to support the delivery of fun, socially inclusive sport programs that support a healthy active lifestyle for all Canadian residents.

New to Canada Initiative

Okanagan United FC is a progressive club that recognizes diversity and inclusion. To promote diversity and inclusion Okanagan United FC has regularly reached out to the local school district
and local Immigrant Services Society to offer programming to new Canadians to help them integrate into Canada. As we move forward and get an opportunity to play in leagues, we look forward to offering subsidized programing to remove financial barriers for these players
through our Corporate Sponsorship Program.

Co Creation Programs – Indigenous Community

For members of underrepresented groups to feel comfortable in participating, they need to feel engaged in meaningful activity and have a sense of ownership and emotional investment. Okanagan United FC recognizes that the Indigenous Community is under represented and look forward to co-creation of programs to help build solid relationships of trust and respect. As we have done in the past, we will continue developing camps and training programs specifically set in Indigenous Communities removing the travel and financial hardships many of the kids face.

Conduct & Travel Code

OFF field performance is as important as ON field performance to successful Clubs and Teams. Professional attitude, appearance, and behavior are expected AT ALL TIMES. Players, coaches, managers and staff are representing OUFC, your teams, the BCSPL, and your families when traveling.

OUFC teams are expected to travel to and from away games as a team – this includes players, coaches and managers. Parents are not to travel down on team busses unless part of authorized team management, having completed a clear Criminal Record Check and having been issued a BCSPL approved Club ID Card. Parents are not allowed to stay at team hotels. While on the road, players are the responsibility of team staff, and parent interference can interfere with staff ability to monitor and interact with their players.

ALL Players, Coaches, and Managers are expected to:
• Conduct themselves in a professional manner at ALL times when representing the club at games, functions, meetings, etc.
• Maintain a professional environment surrounding team training sessions and games on the road

• Adhere to ALL team policies under any circumstances
• Defer to the Club Technical Director, General Manager, and Board regarding any and all club business and decisions

DRESS CODE
When travelling to and from games, home or away, ALL Players, Coaches and Managers must wear:
• OUFC Training Shirt (away games), Training Jacket and Pants –no hoodies, jeans, shorts, ball caps, non-OUFC clothing, or fan-based OUFC clothing. Authorized club clothing ONLY to be worn at any official OUFC training, game or event.
• Authorized OUFC clothing is: Travel Polo, OUFC Training Jacket and Pants, OUFC Hoodie (if team has opted to purchase), OUFC training shirts, OUFC shorts
• Proper training shoes – No flip flops, sandals, slippers, board shoes, etc.

OUFC issued attire is to be worn at ALL times while representing the club, including while in hotel hallways. Proper footwear is to be worn at all times. There are no exceptions to this dress code. Anyone not adhering to the dress code may be left behind or suspended and sent home.

TRAVEL CONDUCT
Busses and Hotel rooms:
• remove all garbage upon leaving the bus. No exception.

• put towels in bath tub and tidy beds
It is the responsibility of the coaches, players, and managers that the hotel rooms and busses remain clean at all times.

If the club incurs any cost in cleaning the buses or hotel rooms, those costs will be charged TO ALL THE TEAMS that
were on that particular or room or bus.

Change rooms
• teams are to leave change rooms as clean, or cleaner, than they were when they arrived.
All garbage must be thrown away (sock tape, water bottles, etc.) This applies to training
facilities and fields as well.

NO ONE BUT TEAM MEMBERS AND COACHING STAFF are allowed in team rooms.  Parents are not allowed to book into team hotels, unless there is a medical reason to do so.  Under these circumstances, approval must be obtained from the General Manager.

Hotel Policy
• room assignments are made by coaches and managers based on various factors including chemistry and behavior
• meals and team excursions are planned for the players and teams travel to and from these trips as a group. Teams eat meals together as a team.
• Players leaving the hotel property must be accompanied by an adult or have express permission to leave, with details of where they are going and when they will arrive back
• Player functions outside of the hotel are supervised and attended as a team only.
• Use of hotel pools, hot tubs and fitness rooms are to be cleared by the coach and supervised by an adult
• Cell phones are to be collected by managers/coaches at curfew. There are to be no cell phones in restaurants and change rooms
• No members of the opposite sex allowed in player rooms
• Curfew has been set by the Technical Director as follows: In own room at 9pm Cell phones collected (unless medical reason) Lights out at
9:30pm. Coaches have the discretion to make these times earlier

ABSOLUTELY NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL ARE TO BE CARRIED OR CONSUMED WHILE ON AN OUFC TRIP. Any players who violate these rules will be subject to suspension or dismissal from Okanagan United FC. Players are expressly prohibited from using tobacco products and from vaping while at any and all OUFC programming.

Sportsmanship and Respect for Officials and Opponents
• team reputation, and therefore the reputation of OUFC, is built not only on playing ability, but also on sportsmanship and understanding
• players are representing their team, club, league, Province and family. Conduct on and off field must be exemplary.
• Players are to respect their opponents and the game officials at all times. They are to reserve any comments on the decisions of the referees. Rudeness to and swearing at referees and their assistants will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
• Parents are NOT to provide ANY on field direction and are to refrain from commenting to referees or opponents.

NON COMPLIANCE
• If conduct rules are not followed, suspension, not being allowed to travel, being sent home
or possible removal from the team and club are possible

Acceptance of, and agreement to comply with the terms of this document are indicated
electronically by completion of the Okanagan United FC Player Registration Form.

The purpose of this document is to communicate to all officials a program to be followed by all club members and ensure consistency amongst all teams. Only "club issued and approved" gear may be worn when representing the OUFC. Players, coaches and managers are not permitted to wear any clothing other than that described in the following articles.

The primary colours for OUFC are Burgundy and Grey.

Club gear is only to be board approved chosen brand via board approved supplier.

Club logo is only to be used on board approved chosen brand via board approved supplier.

The club home jersey is Burgundy with Grey Stripes and must be worn whenever there is not a conflict with the opposing team. This is our primary uniform and brand.

Absolutely nothing is to be attached to uniforms and club specific attire unless instructed by the club Executive Director and Board of Directors. Club specific attire is defined as:

• Club uniforms, shorts & socks
• Club training shirts
• Club track suits
• Club back packs

Teams or individuals found not to be adhering to the Uniform policy will be required to correct, dispose and replace the offending gear, at their own expense, immediately upon notification.

All outerwear/ training gear (track suits, tops, pants, jackets, training shirts, shorts & socks) must follow the primary color combination. Each season, the club/ board will determine the styles that will be available.

All new players joining OUFC must purchase chosen OUFC logo’d rain jacket or stadium coat (or both if so desired).

The Club's Equipment Manager assigns uniforms.

Refund Policy

1. All requests must be made via email by the individual who paid the fee(s).
2. An administrative fee of $75.00 will be charged on approved refunds.
3. All refunds and their respective amounts are at the sole discretion of the Club.
4. OUFC commits to program expenditures once team evaluations are complete and registration numbers are determined. These expenses are not recoverable to the Club if/when a member withdraws. Commitment fees are not refundable under any circumstances.
5. OUFC is not responsible for the following and will not entertain refund requests for monies:
a. Paid directly to a team or team official
b. Raised and collected by teams through sponsorship or fundraising
6. Events or circumstances beyond the club’s control (i.e. weather, strikes, health epidemics etc.) will not be considered cause for refund.
7. There will be no refund/transfer for a registration fee if a player OR parent is suspended or expelled from OUFC, BC Soccer, or the BCSPL.
8. Subsequent to accepting a place in the OUFC BCSPL/Select/House program through the evaluation, registration, and payment process, there will be no refund at any point thereafter if a player or parent disagrees with the player's coach, team or club decisions
9. If families have a balance owing to OUFC when a player withdraws, a release letter allowing the player to enroll with another organization will not be issued until those fees are paid and the player’s account is in good standing. This is in keeping with BC Soccer and Canada Soccer rules.

Exceptions
1. FULL refunds will be granted (with no administrative fee) in the event OUFC is unable to field a team or provide a suitable program alternative. Jerseys must be returned to the club before a refund is issued.
2. Consideration will be provided for the following circumstances, at the Club's discretion:

1. a. Medical reasons – Injury/illness requiring long term rehabilitation (rehab carrying on longer than 3
   months) will be considered for refund/stoppage of monthly payments going forward until the player is
   cleared to resume training (doctor's note describing the illness, injury and required recovery period
   must be provided with request). If players continue to travel with their team during injury, costs may be
   deducted from any refund. Commitment Fees are excluded from refunds.
2. b. Move - a player's family moves outside the Thompson Okanagan region (proof of move required).
   Jerseys must be returned to the club before a refund is issued. Commitment Fees are excluded from
   refunds.
3. c. A player attains a position on a higher-level team (full-time Whitecaps Residency, Girls REX Program).
   Jerseys must be returned to the club before a refund is issued. Commitment Fees are excluded from
   refunds.

Development & Select Team Program

1. All requests must be made via email Administration Staff by the individual who paid the fee(s). 

2. An administrative fee of $45.00 will be charged on approved refunds.

3. The final amount of any refund will be at the club's sole discretion.

4. Approved refunds will not be processed until game jerseys are returned.  Refunded amount will be subject to the administrative fee, and less the following unrecoverable costs, where applicable:

a. Uniforms/Equipment costs
b. League/governing body affiliation fees
c. Prorated participation fee (training, tournament registration)
d. Commitment Fee

5. Okanagan United FC is not responsible for the following and will not entertain refund requests for monies:

a. Paid directly to a team or team official
b. Raised and collected by teams through sponsorship or fundraising

6. Events or circumstances beyond the club’s control (i.e. weather, strikes, etc.) will be considered for refund on a case by case occurrence.

7. There will be no refund/transfer for a registration fee if a player is suspended or expelled from the club. 

Program Specific Policies/Deadlines

1. All refund requests for the Interior Season must be submitted prior to April 15th to be considered. 

2. There will be no refunds considered for U10-U18 Select/Development Team player registrations. Players/parents accepting positions, verbally or written, on teams will forfeit all registration fees, in order to respect the need for timely evaluation and team selection, as well as respect for players who may have been excluded as a result of such acceptance.

Exceptions

1. FULL refunds (including Commitment Fee) will be granted (with no administrative fee) in the event the club is unable to field a team or provide a suitable program alternative (less any unrecoverable costs used: ie.training time, apparel).

2. Consideration will be provided for the following circumstances (at the Club's discretion), provided game jerseys are first returned to a teammate/club member. A $45 admin fee will still apply to all approved with refunds provided at a prorated fee based on training time used, apparel costs incurred, and resources used (see point #4 above).

a.  Medical reasons - doctor's note describing the injury and required recovery period must be provided with request.
b. Move - a player's family moves outside the Kelowna District (proof of move required).
c. A player attains a position on a higher-level BC Soccer sanctioned pathway program (documentation required from club/program).

Unpaid Fees & Collection

For players on the payment installment model model, should they fail to complete payments, they will be contacted by a club official on three (3) instances over a 30-day period following the due date of the fees. Failure to communicate with the club official and/or making mutually agreeable alternate arrangements will result in their suspension from all club programs.

Unpaid program fees after the expiry of the 30-day period may also result in the member being removed from the roster and active status within their registered District and BC Soccer.

Camp Refund Policy

This refund policy applies to all OUFC run 4 day camps.

Prior to First Session:

Full refund of fees less a $25 administrative fee will be provided; notification must be received via email (sent to admin@okanaganunited.ca).

After the first session starts:

Notification that your child wishes to withdraw from participation must be made via email (sent to admin@okanaganunited.ca) a prorated fee will be provided, less a $25 administrative fee will be issued.  If there is one session remaining, no refunds will be provided.

Player Development Centre Refund Policy

All refund requests must be submitted in writing.

Requests for refunds will only be considered in the first 6 weeks of the program's start date.  All approved requests within the first 6 weeks will be calculated based on the remaining sessions, minus an administrative fee of $25.

Players who withdraw their participation after 7 weeks are not eligible for a refund, unless due to a verified injury where a medical doctor deems them unable to participate in soccer.

Missed sessions or non-attendance do not qualify for a refund or credit.

Read OUFC BCSPL Game Play Time Policy

OKANAGAN UNITED FC is committed to providing the best soccer experience. This agreement is intended to outline the expectations of a team member with OUFC. This agreement is not a legally binding document, but a guide to help ensure that OUFC players, coaches and volunteers all enjoy a positive soccer experience.

1. Players are expected to be ready to play on-time, attend, participate, be well-nourished and prepared to engage cooperatively in all training sessions, games and competitions with the team that I am selected for (including during injury – to observe/listen but excluding illness) and if I will be absent that the coach/team official must be notified in advance with a reason for the absence.
2. I recognize that all training sessions, practices and games hold equal importance and that my failure to attend or communicate my lack of attendance for these events can affect my game minutes and status with the team.
3. Players will show respect to their peers, coaches & team managers, opponents, game officials. Disciplinary action will be applied to players who fail to display this behaviour while representing the club.
4. Medical injuries and concerns will be reported to the coach and Technical Staff in a timely manner where such issues may limit my ability to travel, train and compete.
5. Coaches will provide players with ongoing performance feedback (verbal and/or written) to enhance individual and team development that align with personal player goals for their soccer development.
6. Games kits are not to be altered and only worn on game days; Training kits are to be worn at practices, not regular clothes, with players wearing the full issued kit each session.  Additional apparel can be purchased through the club administration office. Please email admin@okanaganunited.ca
7. Team success happens on and off the field, while representing OUFC at tournaments, during travel, staying in hotels, players are expected to conduct themselves with professional attitude and appearance. This includes respecting their environments and leaving them in the condition they are found. When players are wearing or carrying OUFC brand gear, they are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and respectfully and be role models within the community. 
8. Players can be removed from the team if they fail to comply with guidelines outlined above; if their conduct and behaviour is negatively impacting team development or the development of an individual player on the team or at the direction of the Technical Director.

OKANAGAN UNITED FC is committed to providing the best soccer experience. This agreement is intended to explain the expectations for parents and spectators of an Okanagan United FC player and team. This agreement is not a legally binding document, but a guide that outlines the expectations for behaviour with respect to players, opponents, officials and parents; as well as adherence to rules and regulations to help ensure that OUFC players, coaches and volunteers all enjoy a positive soccer experience.

We ask that parents and spectators will:

1. Treat all players, parents, opponents and referees with respect and courtesy at all times
2. Remember that we are all here for love and the good of the game and that we participate in the spirit of fair play.
3. Learn and respect the laws of the game and the official’s decision and role in the game
4. Demonstrate sportsmanship and fair play on the sideline
5. Provide an environment for the team that is free of drugs/alcohol and vulgar language and harassment
6. Leave coaching to the coach; do not enter the field of play during practices or games. Ask the coach/staff for advice on how to help develop your child without coaching your child during the game.
7. Remember, winning isn’t everything; children play to have fun, and need to be encouraged in order to gain confidence in themselves, their teammates and coaching staff.
8. Understand that there may be circumstances where playing time is affected by the number of players in a position and/or a player’s desire to play a position. A player’s playing time may be reduced for disciplinary reasons which will reflect the severity of misbehaviour and be consistently applied to all players. Players will be provided the reason(s) for the decisions regarding the discipline which may include:
   1. Missed practices/games without good cause or advanced notice
   2. Lack of effort at practices or games without good cause
   3. Negative attitude on the field/bench
   4. Disrespect of coaches, team-mates, officials and opponents
9. Concerns about a coach or other issue should be brought to the Club’s attention privately, professionally and promptly.
10. Failure to follow the requested code of conduct can result in suspension from the program.
11. Players are expected to be present during the season. We ask you to support your child’s attendance during training and games and assist in facilitating absences and injuries to the team coach or team manager.

Read OUFC Emergency Action Plan

Read OUFC Governance Policies

Read OUFC Criminal Record Check Policy

Read Guidelines for Appropriate/Inappropriate Conduct

Read Child Protection Code of Conduct

Read Duty to Report