Sask Sport Inc. Announces the Respect in Sport (RiS) Online program for Coaches

CALGARY, Feb. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Sask Sport Inc., the Saskatchewan Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport and Respect Group Inc. are pleased to announce the implementation of Respect in Sport (RiS) for Coaches, Canada's first online training program for coaches to help create a safer and harassment-free environment for youth and adults participating in sport. RiS is an online tool to assist coaches in identifying and dealing with abuse, neglect, harassment and bullying in sport. It will assist coaches in having a better understanding of the responsibilities, reward and respect that come with being a coach, as well as providing them with more confidence in identifying and dealing with abuse, neglect, bullying and harassment. RiS will help to create a safer and more respectful environment for coaches and the athletes in their care, and mitigate personal liability associated with these issues. All active coaches registered with a Provincial Sport Governing Body (PSGB) will be required to take the RiS online training.

"Our province is growing, which means more people than ever will be playing sports in our province," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. "It's important they have a positive experience. The opportunity to play sports and a program that aims to ensure the experience is a good one helps guarantee an enviable quality of life. I am very pleased to see that Sask Sport and the Government of Saskatchewan are implementing the Respect in Sport program province-wide. It is a testament to proactive leadership and a strong commitment to making child protection a Saskatchewan priority." Sheldon Kennedy, Co-Founder Respect Group Inc.
"We believe in taking a proactive approach to making sport in Saskatchewan as safe as possible and welcoming for all participants. RiS will help to promote these values and provide a better sport environment for all participants," said Nada Gorman, President of Sask Sport Inc.

SOURCE: Respect Group Inc.

For more information on the RiS for Coaches program http://www.sasksport.sk.ca