Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011 – More Thames Valley coaches have received certified training to protect student athletes from abuse than any other school board in Canada.
More than 1,000 Thames Valley staff, volunteers and administrators have completed the Respect in Sport (RIS) training program created by former NHL hockey player Sheldon Kennedy – who raised public awareness when he came forward as a victim of abuse at the hands of his coach.
“TVDSB has shown great leadership,” says RIS spokesperson Holly Abraham. “Several school boards are using our programs, but TVDSB was the first in Ontario and the largest school board implementation in the country.”
The training is intended to empower and educate coaches and volunteers on the prevention of abuse, bullying and harassment; build a holistic culture of respect within the TVRA sport community; and provide fundamental training tools enabling all coaches and youth leaders to become even better role models for the young athletes in their care.
“I hope for most people that it’s been a reminder of the role modeling and the ethics that we’re trying to teach,” says Keith Heard, Athletic Coordinator of the Thames Valley Regional Athletic Association, noting that RIS training is now mandatory for all TVDSB coaches and volunteers.
Some TVDSB coaches will also be providing the training to student leaders and coaches as part of their Physical Education curriculum.
“Much of the material reflects common sense,” says Rob Steller, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Clarke Road Secondary School. “Any coaches who hold themselves and their athletes to a high moral and ethical standard will find affirmation in the program.”
Stellar adds that volunteer community coaches, who are not teachers and who are sometimes not as well versed in the standards of conduct and behaviour for leading young people, tell him they find the training invaluable.
Mike Darling, Athletic Director/Head Sr. Football Coach at Oakridge Secondary School says RIS provides a reminder of secondary school athletics are supposed to be all about: “A positive, motivating and progressive experience for all involved – student athletes, coaches, staff, family and friends.'
In a celebration of student athletic excellence, football awards will be presented to outstanding players at a ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. at London Central Secondary School in the cafeteria.
