Prior to signing the pledge, in 2017 the Coaching Association of Canada’s CEO, Lorraine Lafrenière, presented an overview of the Responsible Coaching Movement to the 10 Provincial Unions in attendance. This was an opportunity to share practice from other sports across the country, but most importantly highlighting the importance in making rugby safe for all that engage and participate.

“Taking the pledge for our province aligns with our values and our mission for 2018 #higherstandard.  We strive to create the most attractive sport for young people, because we love this sport, we want to make it a safe option for both players and volunteers.  Players should be safe, that goes without saying, giving volunteers the tools to run safe and successful programs helps us achieve our goals.  We focus on our four pillars, Players, Coaches, Referees and Volunteers, this is a pledge for all of us, this is a minimum standard for all our provincial programs” said Damon Leonard President Saskatchewan Rugby

By signing the Responsible Coaching Movement pledge, Saskatchewan Rugby has committed to conducting an audit of internal practices which will include, but not limited to: Code of Conduct, Coach Agreements, Policies and Procedures.

Phase I of the Responsible Coaching Movement will focus on the ‘Rule of Two’ where all Provincial Team sanctioned training camps and competitions with minor athletes will require two adults in coaching/supervisory roles. One coach/volunteer must reflect the genders of the athletes participating or being an appropriate identity in relation to the athletes. Saskatchewan Rugby will also monitor and review the ‘Background Screening’ for all Provincial Team coaches and ensure all coaching job advertisements require screening as a condition of employment  (contractual, volunteer, or otherwise). All team coaches are required to complete the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) ‘Make Ethical Decisions’ workshop, the Respect Group’s ‘Respect in Sport’ ethics training, or other comparable training.  

‘By signing the Responsible Coaching Movement Pledge it allowed us to look at our strategies that we currently have in place, and ensure that they are current and also where we can enhance what we are currently doing. It has always been a priority for Saskatchewan Rugby to ensure the governance of our sport promotes safe rugby for everyone that is involved’ said Jordan Astrope, Executive Director Saskatchewan Rugby.

Saskatchewan Rugby has joined a group of growing Provincial Sporting Organizations in adhering to the Responsible Coaching Movement. Saskatchewan Rugby is the first Provincial Rugby Union to sign the Responsible Coaching Movement that will assist clubs and community programs in being supported in creating a safe environment for those that participate in our sport. For more information about the Responsible Coaching Movement and all of Rugby Canada’s Player Welfare information please visit playsmart.rugbycanada.ca.

‘It is great to see Saskatchewan Rugby taking the Responsible Coaching Movement pledge said Dustin Hopkins, Rugby Canada Interim General Manager of Rugby Operations and Performance who added we have been working with our Provincial Unions since our AGM in 2017 to ensure that are Provincial Unions and Rugby Canada are aligned with the Responsible Coaching Movement, our intention is that Saskatchewan Rugby  is the first but with more our provincial Unions to follow’