Keep sport safe, smart and secure
The Safe, Smart and Secure slogan appears in much of the collateral and promotional copy included in this marketing toolkit, alongside other RCM material that can help you to promote the movement on a continuous basis.
The first step for sport organizations is to take the RCM pledge. We are counting on your support to take this pledge if you have yet to do so and help raise awareness with other organizations in your network about this important movement.
Coaches, volunteers, parents and participants can play their part to support this movement by encouraging sport organizations to take the RCM pledge.
RCM Branding
We've updated the RCM wordmark and created icons to represent each of the three pillars for the Responsible Coaching Movement. Please update your own website and collateral with this new logo, when possible using the assets provided on this page or in the toolkit.
For online applications, we suggest using the png format.
RCM Templates
Support your organization by having key policies in place and make sure these are current and enforced. Use any of the provided CAC templates for this.
Travel Policy
These guidelines developed in collaboration with The Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s Commit to Kids Program are intended for use by sport organizations to help establish a common understanding of expectations for increasing the protection of children/youth (athletes, sport participants) taking part in overnight trips.
Code of Conduct and Ethics
The purpose of this Code is to ensure a safe and positive environment within the programs, activities, and Events of the CAC.
Electronic Communications and Social Media Use Guidelines
These Guidelines were developed by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) and the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) to provide recommended practices to protect participants and safeguard coaches.
Screening Policy Template
Background screening ensures that coaches meet the important requirements to coach athletes/participants. This template focuses on the screening process for criminal record checks.
Background Screening Policy and Process Considerations
This document was prepared by the CAC to assist sport organizations in the development of screening policies and processes. Each organization must ultimately develop the policy and process they wish to follow to meet the needs of their community.
RCM Resources
We have a number of resources available to help you at every stage of your RCM journey.
RCM infographic
These steps enable coaches and sports organizations to learn and apply consistent best practices at all times to keep sport safe, smart and secure for everyone.
RCM checklist
Our detailed checklist offers resources, templates and useful links to set you on the right path. The checklist is updated regularly with the most current information and tools.
Rule of Two infographic
Our infographic clearly demonstrates the key points of the Rule of Two. Share it with your stakeholders and post it in visible areas to ensure all participants understand its principles.
Digital badge for websites
Safe Smart Secure Campaign Assets
We have launched a national Responsible Coaching Movement campaign aimed at encouraging sport organizations across the country to take the RCM pledge.
Creating a culture in sport that is truly safe, smart and secure for everyone is a team effort, and that is why we hope you will join us in raising awareness about this impactful campaign.
Social Media Assets
Use these assets to promote the RCM and spread awareness across your digital and social channels. Suggested copy is also provided below.
Suggested copy for social media channels and publications
Please use the copy examples below as a guideline when promoting the RCM
Responsible Coaching Movement
The Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) is a call to action for sport organizations, parents, and coaches to enact responsible coaching across Canada — on and off the field.
What is the RCM?
Established by the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, the RCM invites all coaches and sport organizations to learn and apply consistent coaching principles. It includes three distinct pillars, each serving to create a sport environment that is Safe, Smart and Secure.
Rule of Two
The Rule of Two is a leading practice to ensure a safe sport environment for all. The goal of the Rule of Two is to ensure all interactions and communications are open, observable, and justifiable, and when two responsible adults (a coach, parent, or screened volunteer) are present with a participant. There may be exceptions in emergency situations. Check with your sport organization as to how the Rule of Two is enforced.
Background Screening
A secure sport environment is one where all coaches and sport organization leaders are screened to meet requirements to be involved in sport. Screening includes comprehensive background and reference checks, interviews, plus police information checks, to be done at regular intervals.
Ethics Training
A smart sport environment ensures coaches are trained and have the confidence and skills needed to effectively manage challenging situations. Lifelong learning through numerous training modules helps coaches expand their knowledge and awareness of important topics throughout their career.
Take the RCM Pledge
The RCM encourages sport organizations across Canada to pledge their commitment to implement these fundamental coaching principles at every level of sport.
Get Involved
Many sport organizations have taken the RCM pledge and have committed to implementing its best practices. Find out which organizations have taken the pledge by clicking on the map below.
Responsible Coaching Resources
To help you on your RCM journey, we’ve developed an infographic and detailed RCM checklist that includes resources, templates and useful links. The checklist is updated regularly with new information and tools.
For more information, visit coach.ca/RCM.
Keep Sport Safe, Smart, and Secure
More ways to protect participants and coaches while fostering a positive sport culture:
- Engage in Safe Sport Training.
- Ensure your organization has taken the RCM Pledge.
- Support your organization by having key policies, like a Travel Policy, Code of Conduct, Screening Policy Template, and see that these are current and enforced.
- Ensure that all coaches and volunteers are appropriately screened.
- Encourage coaches and volunteers to take training, such as NCCP Make Ethical Decisions, Commit To Kids, Respect in Sport, Mental Health in Sport, and NCCP Creating a Positive Sport Environment training.
- Commit to the True Sport Principles
- Ensure all staff, parents and volunteers actively apply the Rule of Two in all interactions and communications, for all in-person and in digital/virtual settings.
Have more questions about the RCM?
Please contact the CAC’s Sport Safety Team at sportsafety@coach.ca.
Understanding the Rule of Two eLearning Module
The CAC’s Understanding the Rule of Two eLearning module outlines how you can increase the safety and security of sport participants while protecting all those involved.
We've developed a series of assets that you can use to promote the module: poster, digital graphics, postcard.
