The following memo is to inform you of important messages regarding the 2009-2010 SpeakOut! Program.
Respect in Sport (RIS) is an on-line training course for coaches and sport leaders. It is designed as a tool to assist leaders in identifying and dealing with abuse, neglect, harassment, and bullying in sport. Based on the results of the Hockey Manitoba pilot, Hockey Canada has recognized Respect in Sport as an option to obtain SpeakOut! accreditation. Beginning in 2009-10 BC Hockey will fully integrate the RIS platform as the mechanism for SpeakOut! accreditation. Previous SpeakOut! accreditations will remain valid.
BC Hockey is currently working with Hockey Canada on the administrative process for sign up and payment. Announcements regarding the opening of the program and access information will be distributed to our members in a few weeks’ time. The cost of the clinic will remain the same as last season’s SpeakOut! course.
The benefits of the new system include;
1. Time Commitment – The course will take and estimated 2.5 hours with the delegate’s HCR SpeakOut! accreditation updated immediately upon completion.
2. Availability / Access – The course is accessible over the internet therefore the delegates dictate when and where they take the course. They can also complete the course at their own speed.
3. Flexibility – Delegates can access the Respect in Sport on-line course at any time (by way of user name and password) therefore are able to complete one module at a time.
4. E-Learning Platform – This is an introduction to the capabilities of training delegates with online tools and resources. The course contains many handouts which remain accessible after the course is complete. If a paper copy of any of the documents or the accreditation certificate is required it can be printed from the site.
5. Not Sport Specific – Respect in Sport is not specific to any sport. However the learning principals within are common to anyone acting as a sport leader. The consensus is that many of our volunteers coach/assist in other sports. The need to educate our sport leaders is of significant importance, however this allows for some reduction in the duplication of information.
BC Hockey presented the membership with an opportunity to change the current SpeakOut! program concept at the 2009 BC Hockey Annual General Meeting (AGM). After successful implementation by Sport Manitoba/Hockey Manitoba, it was decided that BC Hockey will join a National initiative to implement the Respect in Sport educational tool.