Responsible Coaching Movement

The Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) is a call to action for sport organizations, parents, and coaches to enact responsible coaching across Canada — on and off the field.

What is the RCM?
Established by the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, the RCM invites all coaches and sport organizations to learn and apply consistent coaching principles. It includes three distinct pillars, each serving to create a sport environment that is Safe, Smart and Secure.

Rule of Two
The Rule of Two is a leading practice to ensure a safe sport environment for all. The goal of the Rule of Two is to ensure all interactions and communications are open, observable, and justifiable, and when two responsible adults (a coach, parent, or screened volunteer) are present with a participant. There may be exceptions in emergency situations. Check with your sport organization as to how the Rule of Two is enforced.

Background Screening
A secure sport environment is one where all coaches and sport organization leaders are screened to meet requirements to be involved in sport. Screening includes comprehensive background and reference checks, interviews, plus police information checks, to be done at regular intervals.

Ethics Training
A smart sport environment ensures coaches are trained and have the confidence and skills needed to effectively manage challenging situations. Lifelong learning through numerous training modules helps coaches expand their knowledge and awareness of important topics throughout their career.

Take the RCM Pledge
The RCM encourages sport organizations across Canada to pledge their commitment to implement these fundamental coaching principles at every level of sport.

Responsible Coaching Resources
To help you on your RCM journey, we’ve developed an infographic and detailed RCM checklist that includes resources, templates and useful links. The checklist is updated regularly with new information and tools.

For more information, visit coach.ca/RCM.

Keep Sport Safe, Smart, and Secure
More ways to protect participants and coaches while fostering a positive sport culture:

• Engage in Safe Sport Training.
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• Ensure your organization has taken the RCM Pledge.
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• Support your organization by having key policies, like a Travel Policy, Code of Conduct, Screening Policy Template, and see that these are current and enforced.
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• Ensure that all coaches and volunteers are appropriately screened.
• Encourage coaches and volunteers to take training, such as NCCP Make Ethical Decisions, Commit To Kids, Respect in Sport, Mental Health in Sport, and NCCP Creating a Positive Sport Environment training.
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• Commit to the True Sport Principles
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• Ensure all staff, parents and volunteers actively apply the Rule of Two in all interactions and communications, for all in-person and in digital/virtual settings.
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Have more questions about the RCM?
Please contact the CAC’s Sport Safety Team at sportsafety@coach.ca.