Responsible Coaching Movement

The Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) is a movement, coordinated by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport that has the potential to affect all sports organizations and coaches. The RCM is the result of extensive ongoing consultation with the Canadian Sports Community.

Coaches across Canada give athletes the benefit of their knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for the sport. They dedicate their time to helping youth build confidence, and self-esteem, and foster positive body image development through participation. As coaches, they have many responsibilities; one of them is to ensure they provide a safe environment for the athlete and for themselves. When athletes and athletes’ parents entrust a coach as a leader, they assume the coach has taken steps to become responsible, which includes implementing the three steps to responsible coaching.

Participation in sports is a great way for children and youth to learn skills, develop fitness habits, and build a solid understanding of teamwork and sportsmanship. It helps build confidence, self-esteem and can foster positive body image development. Coaches have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for athletes. Parents have the right to speak with the coach or the coach’s employer if they have questions or concerns about interactions with their child. Parents play a vital role in shaping the organizations in which their children are involved. By proactively supporting organizations to implement policies and procedures focused on protecting athletes and coaches from unethical behavior, parents contribute to the ongoing development of our sports system and ensure a positive environment for all.

We are committed to the Responsible Coach Movement. Please visit coach.ca for more information.