SAFE SPORT

PROTECTION THROUGH PREVENTION

RESPONSIBLE COACHING MOVEMENT (RCM)

The Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) is a call to action for sport organizations, parents, and coaches to enact responsible coaching across Canada – on and off the field.  To reduce risk in sport, the Responsible Coaching Movement focuses on three key areas: Rule of Two, Background Screening, and Ethics & Respect Training.

By signing the pledge of the Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM), Canada Artistic Swimming is helping to ensure the protection of both Athletes and Coaches.

RULE OF TWO

Canada Artistic Swimming encourages all participants to adhere to the Rule of Two at all Canada Artistic Swimming events, activities, and meetings.

For interactions where there is a power imbalance between two people (i.e. Coach/Athlete, Board Member/Staff, Trainer/Athlete, etc.), Canada Artistic Swimming strongly recommends open, observable, and justifiable interactions both when meeting in-person or virtually in an effort to foster safety, enhance protection and help reduce vulnerability for all. To learn more about the Rule of Two take the Understanding the Rule of Two eLearning Module from the CAC.

What is an "open" environment?

  • An open environment is an environment that is not closed or concealed from others.
  • Interactions should not take place behind closed doors or in secluded locations.
  • Others should be aware the interaction is taking place.

What is an ‘observable’ environment?

  • An observable environment is a space where others can see or take note of the interaction.
  • It is an environment that is easily interruptible

BACKGROUND SCREENING

Screening is an important part of providing a safe sporting environment and has become a common practice among sport organizations that provide programs and services to the community. CAS and its Members and affiliated clubs are responsible at law to do everything reasonable to provide a safe and secure environment for participants in its programs, activities and events. Requiring that valid police record checks, and other background checks as appropriate, be submitted, as part of the screening process, is part of this duty of care. To learn more access the CAS Screening Policy here.

ETHICS & RESPECT TRAINING

Through the CAS Coach Certification and Registration Policy, several ethics and respect training courses have been mandated. All coaches must take the Make Ethical Decisions module from the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). This module will help coaches be able to identify the legal, ethical, and moral implications of difficult situations that present themselves.

In addition, coaches and other CAS registrants must also take the Activity Leader/Coach Program from Respect in Sport. This online training will educate coaches and staff on the prevention of abuse, bullying and harassment and building a culture of respect as well as becoming better role models.

To access the Respect in Sport Activity Leader Course click here.

Officials are strongly encouraged to take the Respect in Sport – Officials course.

ADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCES

CAC Safe SPORT TRAINING

Creating a culture where everyone can thrive is a shared responsibility. Safe, inclusive sport environments help make sport rewarding and enriching for all. Safe Sport Training gives you the knowledge and skills to create those environments by recognizing, addressing and preventing maltreatment in sport.

Together, we can make sport safe for everyone. To access the Safe Sport Training, click here.

CAC SUPPORT THROUGH SPORT eLearning Module Series

Coaches influence in the lives of youth is well-documented. Coaches are in a unique position to step in and stop parts of sport culture that may contribute to unhealthy relationship behaviour. This project aims to develop, implement and evaluate an educational program, available in English and French, to assist coaches in recognizing, preventing and addressing gender-based violence and teen dating violence, and to promote healthy relationships in and through sport.

To access the 4 courses click here.

COMMIT TO KIDS

Through the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (CCCP), Commit to Kids for Coaches online training empowers coaches with practical information to help them enhance child and youth safety in sport. It highlights the importance of understanding boundaries, sexual misconduct and reporting inappropriate behaviour.

Click here to access Commit to Kids for Coaches online training!