Responsible Coaching Movement
The Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) is a multi-phase system-wide movement, coordinated by the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport that has the potential to affect all sport organizations and coaches. The RCM is a call to action for organizations to implement realistic change based on their individual state of readiness. The RCM is the result of extensive ongoing consultation with the Canadian Sport Community. These consultations will guide the different phases of the RCM that will address the role coaches play with issues relating to the health and safety of athletes, both on and off the field of play.
The first phase of the RCM focuses on three key areas: Background Screening, Ethics and Respect Training, and the Rule of Two.
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. BCB and its Members and affiliated clubs are responsible 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. Learn more about Bowls Canada’s commitment to screening.
Training
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, as of April 1, 2020, bowls coaches 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. It will also build a culture of respect and enable coaches to become better role models.
Rule of Two
“The Rule of Two states that there will always be two screened and NCCP trained or certified coaches with an athlete, especially a minor athlete, when in a potentially vulnerable situation.” – Coaching Association of Canada.
