Responsible Coaching Movement

Who does this apply to

The Responsible Coaching Movement applies to all OCA coaches and clubs working with youth and other members considered part of the vulnerable sector (e.g. persons with disabilities). Non-compliance could result in non-affiliation or removal of coaching certification from UCI Licence.

This includes:

  • All OCA and Team Ontario programing
  • Affiliated team and club programing
  • Independent coaches

Adoption Deadlines

Adoption of the Responsible Coaching Movement and OCA related policies [i.e. Screening] are effective immediately. However, coaches and clubs will have until the renewal of the 2019 membership/affiliation to complete and or implement the requirements.

Responsible Coaching Movement Requirements

The pledge requires the implementation of three key items:

1) The Rule of Two

2) Background Screening

3) Ethics Training

Rule of Two

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. This means that any one-on-one interaction between a coach and an athlete must take place within earshot and view of a second coach, with the exception of medical emergencies. One of the coaches must also be of the same gender as the athlete. Should there be a circumstance where a second screened and NCCP trained or certified coach is not available, a screened volunteer, parent, or adult can be recruited.

Background Screening

The background screening process involves using a number of different tools to ensure coaches and volunteers meet the necessary security requirements to coach or work with athletes. These tools may include a screening disclosure form, criminal record checks, vulnerable sector verification, interviews, and reference checks.

The OCA Screening Policy identifies three (3) levels of risk to the association and its participants with the screening requirements varying by level. Below is a summary of the different levels of risk and associated screening requirements. Please review the OCA Screening Policy for full details.

Level 1 – Low Risk – Individuals involved in low risk assignments who are not in a supervisory role, not directing others, not involved with financial/cash management, and/or do not have access to minors or people with a disability.

Examples: Parents, youth, or volunteers who are helping out on a non-regular informal basis

Level 2 – Medium Risk – Individuals involved in medium risk assignments who may be in a supervisory role, may direct others, may be involved with financial/cash management, and/or who may have limited access to minors or people with a disability.

Examples: Assistant coaches or volunteer head coaches of a club, Athlete support personnel, Coaches who are typically under the supervision of another coach.

Level 3 – High Risk – Individuals involved in high risk assignments who occupy positions of trust and/or authority, have a supervisory role, direct others, are involved with financial/cash management, and who have access to minors or people with a disability.

Examples: Full time coaches, Coaches who travel with athletes, Coaches who could be alone with athletes.

Requirements by Risk Level

Risk Level Screening Disclosure & Policy Declaration Criminal Record Check Vulnerable Sector Verification Submit to
1 – Low Risk X Club President or Designate
2 – Medium Risk X X Club President or Designate
3 – High Risk X X X Ontario Cycling Association*

*Submit to: Ontario Cycling Association

Attention: Human Resources – Screening

2- 2015 Pan Am Boulevard

Milton, ON., L9E 0K7

Email Option: Coming Soon

Useful Items

  1. Sterling Backcheck can issue a Police Check in 24 hours [Cannot complete Vulnerable Sector for certain age groups, please see OCA Screening Policy for details]
  2. Screening Disclosure Form and Declaration of Policy Review
  3. Vulnerable Sector Verification – Must be completed at local Police Station

Ethics Training

Increasing coaches’ ethical conduct and ethical behaviour toward athletes requires that coaches be trained to understand what it means to act ethically. This training includes the Make Ethical Decisions (MED) module within the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), as well as training in abuse and harassment prevention, such as Respect in Sport.

Useful Links

NCCP Make Ethical Decision (MED) is available:

  1. In-class option [check CAO calendar for upcoming courses]
  2. Online live delivery [check CAO calendar for upcoming courses]
  3. Online Evaluation without taking training [only 2 attempts to pass or training will be required]

Respect in Sport: Available online at http://respectgroupinc.com/respect-in-sport/