In order to create an environment that leaves less room for harm and ensures a positive, safe, and fulfilling sport experience, the Ontario Fencing Association ensures that:
- Policies and Procedures are in place
- Coaches retained for OFA clinics and activities are Trained or Certified
- Volunteers are safe sport screened
- Education and Training is available
- Environments are open and observable
The Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) is a call to action for sport organizations, parents/guardians, and coaches to enact responsible coaching across Canada – on and off the field. To reduce risk in sport, the Responsible Coaching Movement focuses on three key areas: Rule of Two, Background Screening, and Ethics Training.
By signing the pledge of the Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM), the Ontario Fencing Association is helping to ensure the protection of both Athletes and Coaches/Volunteers/Administrators.
Rule of Two (Open and Observable Environments)
The Ontario Fencing Association requires all staff, coaches, athletes, and officials, to adhere to the ‘Rule of Two’ to the maximum extent possible during all Ontario Fencing Association programming, competitions, and meetings. The Rule of Two means that two responsible adults
are present during interactions and communications with an athlete. This includes in person, transportation, and online.
* Keep in mind there may be exceptions in some instances. i.e. emergency situations.
In effort to foster safety, enhance protection, and help reduce vulnerability for both coaches/activity leaders and their athletes, all interactions should be open, observable, and justifiable, especially where there is a power imbalance or the involvement of minors.
Open means:
- that the environment is not closed or concealed from others;
- that the interaction is not taking place behind closed doors or in secluded locations;
- and that others are aware that the interaction is taking place.
Observable means:
- that the interaction is in a space where others can see, hear, or take note of it.
Justifiable means:
- that the interaction is for good reason, and in relation to the program/sport and roles of those involved.
Background Screening
The Ontario Fencing Association understands that screening coaches, staff, volunteers, and activity leaders is a vital part of providing a safe sporting environment and has become a common practice in sport. Screening can include comprehensive background or police information checks (done at regular intervals depending on the role through MyBackCheck.com) as well as reference letters/checks, interviews, and submission of application and disclosure forms.
To access Ontario Fencing Association’s Screening Policy, please click here.
Ethics Training
Creating a culture where everyone can thrive is a shared responsibility. Safe and inclusive environments help make sport rewarding and enriching for all.
CAC’s Safe Sport Training provides the knowledge and skills to create those environments by recognizing, addressing, and preventing maltreatment in sport. Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders educates youth leaders, coaches, officials and participants (14-years and up) to recognize, understand and respond to issues of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD).
In addition to these trainings, there are many online training opportunities available that coaches, administrators, and volunteers can take to further their knowledge in preventing maltreatment, while creating positive and safe sporting experiences for everyone involved.
- Creating a Positive Sport Environment ($15/5 PD)
- Mental Health in Sport (Free/1 PD)
- Emergency Action Plan (Free/1 PD)
- Coaching Athletes with a Disability ($15/5 PD)
- CCES Values-Based Coaching: A True Sport Approach ($15/2 PD)
- Diversity and Inclusion in Action (Free/1 PD)
