Responsible Coaching Movement

The Responsible Coaching Movement applies to all OC coaches and clubs working with youth and other members considered part of the vulnerable sector (e.g. persons with disabilities). Non-compliance could result in non-affiliation or removal of coaching certification from UCI Licence.

Adoption Deadline

Adoption of the Responsible Coaching Movement and OC related policies [i.e. Screening] are effective immediately. However, coaches and clubs will have until the renewal of the membership/affiliation to complete and or implement the requirements.

The pledge requires the implementation of three key items:

Rule Of Two

There will always be two screened and NCCP trained or certified coaches with an athlete, especially a minor athlete, when in a potentially vulnerable situation. This means that any one-on-one interaction between a coach and an athlete must take place within earshot and view of a second coach, with the exception of medical emergencies. One of the coaches must also be of the same gender as the athlete. Should there be a circumstance where a second screened and NCCP trained or certified coach is not available, a screened volunteer, parent, or adult can be recruited.

Background Screening

The background screening process involves using a number of different tools to ensure coaches and volunteers meet the necessary security requirements to coach or work with athletes. These tools may include a screening disclosure form, criminal record checks, vulnerable sector verification, interviews, and reference checks.

The OC Screening Policy identifies three (3) levels of risk to the association and its participants with the screening requirements varying by level. Below is a summary of the different levels of risk and associated screening requirements. Please review the OC Screening Policy for full details.

Level 1 – Low Risk – Individuals involved in low risk assignments who are not in a supervisory role, not directing others, not involved with financial/cash management, and/or do not have access to minors or people with a disability.

Examples: Parents, youth, or volunteers who are helping out on a non-regular informal basis

Level 2 – Medium Risk – Individuals involved in medium risk assignments who may be in a supervisory role, may direct others, may be involved with financial/cash management, and/or who may have limited access to minors or people with a disability.

Examples: Assistant coaches or volunteer head coaches of a club, Athlete support personnel, Coaches who are typically under the supervision of another coach.

Level 3 – High Risk – Individuals involved in high risk assignments who occupy positions of trust and/or authority, have a supervisory role, direct others, are involved with financial/cash management, and who have access to minors or people with a disability.

Examples: Full time coaches, Coaches who travel with athletes, Coaches who could be alone with athletes.

Ethics Training

Increasing coaches’ ethical conduct and ethical behaviour toward athletes requires that coaches be trained to understand what it means to act ethically. This training includes the Make Ethical Decisions (MED) module within the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), as well as training in abuse and harassment prevention, such as Respect in Sport.

NCCP Make Ethical Decision (MED) is available:

In-class option [check CAO calendar for upcoming courses]
Online live delivery [check CAO calendar for upcoming courses]
Online Evaluation without taking training [only 2 attempts to pass or training will be required]

Screening Process/Requirements

Low Risk

Complete Screening Disclosure Forum & Acknowledgement of Understanding of OC policies and procedures HERE
Complete an required orientation/training as determined by Ontario Cycling
Additional requirements (i.e. Driver’s Abstract) may be required depending on the position

Medium Risk

Complete a CRC [Criminal Record Check] or E-PIC [Enhanced Police Information Check]

1. If you do not have a current CRC/E-PIC (within past 3 years) you can get an E-PIC completed online at https://www.backcheck.net/oca/ [note: OC will have access to the results of this request]
Complete Screening Disclosure Forum & Acknowledgement of Understanding of OC policies and procedures HERE
Complete an required orientation/training as determined by Ontario Cycling
Additional requirements (i.e. Driver’s Abstract) may be required depending on the position

High Risk

Complete a VSS [Vulnerable Sector Screening] & a CRC [Criminal Record Check] OR an E-PIC [Enhanced Police Information Check]

1. If you do not have a current CRC/VSS or E-PIC (within past 3 years) you can get an E-PIC completed online at https://www.backcheck.net/oca/ [note: OC will have access to the results of this request]

Complete Screening Disclosure Forum & Acknowledgement of Understanding of OC policies and procedures HERE
Complete an required orientation/training as determined by Ontario Cycling
Additional requirements (i.e. Driver’s Abstract) may be required depending on the position