What is Respect in Sport?
RiS is a grassroots on-line training course for coaches and sport leaders. It is designed as a tool to assist coaches in identifying and dealing with abuse, neglect, harassment, and bullying in sport.
Why is this being implemented?
GCG believes that the gymnastics community should be proactive in making gymnastics safe and welcoming for all participants. Respect in Sport helps us promote these values through this simple and convenient on-line tool. Respect in Sport is being implemented to provide an enhanced sport environment for our children and youth.
As a coach, why am I being asked to do another course?
This really is one of the most important courses you will take as an individual who is responsible for children and youth. With this training you will become more confident in dealing with issues relating to abuse, neglect, bullying and harassment and hopefully, grow to be much more secure in this often overlooked area in sport. As a coach, this course will better protect you and the young people in your care. As an organization, it is incumbent on GCG to ensure we take every step to ensure we protect our athletes, coaches and the organization itself. Respect in Sport helps Gymnastics Canada mitigate our liability and demonstrates our commitment to being an ethical organization.
Why is it mandatory?
It is a strong word but this is an important issue and we believe ALL coaches and sport leaders must understand the fundamentals. In knowing that all of our coaches have had this essential training we will also better mitigate liability, both personal and organizational.
How is Respect in Sport implemented?
Respect in Sport is presented as an online curriculum and includes audio/visual presentations, quizzes and printable handouts.
What equipment is required to Use Respect in Sport?
All that is required to complete the Respect in Sport curriculum is a computer, an Internet connection, and speakers or a headset. Optional equipment includes a printer to print out the handouts and/or your certificate of completion.
What if I don’t have a high-speed connection?
The course is designed to be accessible from any PC using dial-up or high-speed internet. Once modules are downloaded, the user experience is the same at any speed. The speed of download is completely dependant on the connection speed.
What if I don’t know anything about computers?
Through extensive research and development, the program was designed, first and foremost, to be user friendly. It is extremely simple to use and has been implemented and tested by many sport organizations including Alberta Gymnastics with little or no reported difficulties. There is also an on-line “Help” feature and a 1-800 support line available.
Is there a paper version of the program?
No, by design. As an association GCG is forever looking for tools, which will help us create a stronger organization at minimal cost. Respect in Sport’s online courseware eliminates the need for our organization to absorb printing, mailing and administration costs. Respect in Sport also gives you ongoing access to the course once you’ve completed it, as an online resource. There are some documents you can print if you want them but that is your choice.
How long is the course?
It’s a total of three hours but it is split in 6, simple, 30-minute modules.
Do I have to do it all at once?
That is the beauty of this program. You can do it at your leisure, come and go as you please. The program remembers where you left off and brings you back to that point when you next sign-in. You can even do it from different computers if you wish!
What is the deadline?
This will be up to each Provincial organization, please consult your own for specifics.
Do I have to take the course every year?
No. Access is provided to each coach on a four-year cycle. You take the 3-hour course in year one when you’ll get certified. Once you have completed the certification, you’ll be able to access the program as an on-line resource. In year three, you’ll be requested to recertify with a summary version, approximately 45 minutes. Year four, it’s an on-line resource. You’ll take the full course (which will have been updated by then) again in year five and be recertified.
How does this relate to NCCP training?
Respect in Sport was designed to compliment existing NCCP programs.
How does this affect my certification requirements?
It will not affect your NCCP certification. You will be certified in Respect in Sport separately which will be tracked by your Provincial organization.
What are the benefits for a coach?
- It will make you more confident in identifying and dealing with abuse, neglect, bullying and harassment.
- It will ensure a safer and more respectful environment for you, other coaches and the children in your care.
- As a more knowledgeable coach, it will also better mitigate your own personal liability associated with this very volatile area within sport.
What are the benefits for Provincial organizations?
By implementing the program each Province is making a commitment to the safety of their athletes. It provides coaches with the tools to deal with legal and moral responsibilities making them less vulnerable and more confident in dealing with sensitive issues. It helps your organization in liability reduction as a risk management tool.
How will Provinces know which coaches have completed the course? Who will track it?
The database will track all registrants on a per Province basis. Each Province will have access to their own database and be able to track the progress of their users.
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