POLICY SUMMARY – Athlete Protection Policy


Note: This document is not the Athlete Protection Policy. It is a summary of that policy. The definitive authority for matters related to this policy is the policy itself.

  • The Athlete Protection Policy describes how Persons in Authority should maintain a safe sport environment for all Athletes. It has been written to adhere to the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport. It starts by describing the “Rule of Two” which is the approach that an athlete should never be alone, one-on-one, with a person in authority who is not related to them.
  • While it is recognized that this may not always be possible, it describes some minimum behaviours which should always be followed to ensure the safety of athletes and persons in authority alike:
  • The training environment should be as open and as transparent as possible
  • Private or one-on-one situations must be avoided unless they are observable by another adult or athlete
  • Persons in authority should not have athletes in their homes without the permission of that athlete, or in the case of a minor, a parent or guardian
  • Athletes should not be in any one-on-one situations without another screened adult or athlete unless prior written permission is obtained
  • The policy then goes on to INDICATE how the Rule of Two should be observed in specific situations; for example:
    • persons in authority demonstrating skills, giving instructions, or facilitating skills and instruction should always do so in earshot and eyesight of another person in authority
    • Group messages, group emails or team pages should be used as the regular method of communication between Persons in Authority and Athletes
  • All communication between a Person in Authority and Athletes must be between the hours of 6:00am and midnight unless extenuating circumstances justify otherwise
  • When travelling, teams or groups of Athlete shall always have at least two Persons in Authority with them and for mixed gender teams or groups of Athletes, there should be one Person in Authority from each gender identity
  • No Person in Authority may drive a vehicle alone with an Athlete unless the Person in Authority is the Athlete’s parent or guardian
  • Interactions between Persons in Authority and Athletes should not occur in any room where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy such as a locker room, restroom or changing area. A second adult should be present for any necessary interaction between an adult and an Athlete in locations of this kind
  • If Persons in Authority are not present in the locker room or changing area, or if they are not permitted to be present, they should still be available outside and be able to enter the room or area if required for reasons such as team communications and/or emergencies
  • Photographs and video may only be taken in public view, must observe generally accepted standards of decency, and be both appropriate for and in the best interest of the Athlete
  • If any photographs or videos will be used on any form of public media, an Image Consent Form must be completed before any images are taken and used
  • In general, unless it is otherwise impossible because of serious injury or other justifiable circumstance, a Person in Authority must always clarify with an Athlete where and why any physical contact will occur prior to the contact occurring. The Person in Authority must make clear that he or she is requesting to touch the Athlete and not requiring physical contact
  • It is recognized that there may be a certain amount of physical contact inherent in coaching and supporting Athletes who are blind, deafblind, or partially sighted; however, this type of physical contact, when directly related to safety and skill acquisition, is NOT harassment, provided it is explained to the athlete beforehand, and the athlete understands and is comfortable with it. If the athlete indicates that the physical contact is unwelcome, then the physical contact must stop, and an alternate procedure found.