Safe Sport Coaching Policy - THE RULE OF TWO

As part of the Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM), Ringette Ontario and APRA have implemented THE RULE OF TWO policy for ALL BENCH STAFF of U19 and younger teams. 

Definition: 

The Rule of Two states that 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 the 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.

This rule serves to protect minor athletes in potentially vulnerable situations by ensuring that more than one adult is present. Vulnerable situations can include closed doors meetings, travel, and training environments amongst others. Organizations must create and implement, policies and procedures, in a sustainable, phased and measurable process, that limit the instances where these situations are possible.

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Click here for an overview of the RULE OF TWO guidelines introduced by Ringette Ontario, with additional support provided by the Coaching Association of Canada for those interactions taking place in a VIRTUAL SETTING. 

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The Rule of Two is part of a broader strategy called the Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) and is a multi-phase system-wide movement, coordinated by the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. The 3 primary tenants are:

• The Rule of 2
• Background Screening
• Ethics Training 

Ringette Canada and Ringette Ontario has pledged to follow and support the RCM, and Ajax Pickering Ringette aligns with this vision and has adopted the applicable policies. APRA requires all bench staff to undergo a Police Record Check (Vulnerable Sector Screening), abide by RO and APRA Code of Conduct and Ethics and Coaching Code of Conduct policies, and to complete and be certified in Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders and the Make Ethical Decisions training.