Sask Sport Inc.; the Saskatchewan Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport and Respect Group Inc. are pleased to implement the Respect in Sport (RiS) for Coaches, Canada's first on-line training program for coaches to help create a safer and harassment-free environment for youth and adults participating in sport.
RiS is an online tool to assist coaches in identifying and dealing with abuse, neglect, harassment and bullying in sport. It will assist coaches in having a better under-standing of the responsibilities, reward and respect that come with being a coach; as well providing them with more confidence in identifying and dealing with abuse, neglect, bullying and harassment. RiS will help to create a safer and more respectful environment for coaches and the athletes in their care; and mitigate personal liability associated with these issues. All active coaches registered with a Provincial Sport Governing Body (PSGB) will be required to take the RiS on-line training. To complete the RiS training program, a computer and Internet connection are required.
The program takes approximately three hours to complete and is divided into six separate modules. The RiS program does not have to be completed at one sitting.
The program knows where the coach has left off and brings the coach back to that point upon the next sign-in. When the program has been completed a Certificate of Completion can be printed.
Sask Sport Inc. will provide appropriate support tools to help the PSGBs communicate with all of their registered coaches in the province. Each PSGB will appoint an administrator for the RiS Program who will work directly with their registered coaches.
"Our province is growing, which means more people than ever will be playing sports in our province," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. "It's important they have a positive experience. The opportunity to play sports and a program that aims to ensure the experience is a healthy one helps guarantee an enviable quality of life."
"I am very pleased to see that Sask Sport and the Government of Saskatchewan are implementing the Respect in Sport program province-wide. It is a testament to proactive leadership and a strong commitment to making child protection a Saskatchewan priority." Sheldon Kennedy, Co-Founder Respect Group Inc.
"We believe in taking a proactive approach to making sport in Saskatchewan as safe as possible and welcoming for all participants. RiS will help to promote these values and provide a better sport environment for all participants," said Nada Gorman, President of Sask Sport Inc.
For more information on the RiS for Coaches program go to http://www.sasksport.sk.ca/RiS
