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Skate Canada advances Safe Sport portfolio with Trans Inclusion Policy

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OTTAWA, ON: Skate Canada is proud to announce that it has enhanced its safe sport program with the addition of the Trans Inclusion Policy. Inclusion in sport is a fundamental value for Skate Canada and having more diverse participants will only strengthen the sport. The national policy was approved by the Skate Canada Board of Directors in 2018 and has officially been implemented across the entire membership.

“At Skate Canada we pride ourselves in being able to provide a safe and fun environment for all participants and the development of the Trans Inclusion Policy will ensure that all members in our community have an inclusive space to enjoy skating at every level,” said Leanna Caron, President, Skate Canada. “Skate Canada is committed to bringing our vision of inspiring all Canadians to embrace the joy of skating to life through investing in programs that seek to promote, celebrate, and recognize diversity.”

The Trans Inclusion Policy is to ensure that Skate Canada has a diverse and inclusive, barrier-free environment where every employee, board member, skater, official, coach, volunteer, and affiliate organizations of Skate Canada feels valued, respected and supported. As a result, the organization is fully committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all, regardless of any actual or perceived differences based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, language, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or disability.

“Skate Canada’s trans inclusion policy was developed with input from members of the LGBTQI2S community as well as inclusive sport advocates. Since adoption, specific rules have been addressed to ensure athletes have the right to participate in a sport they love free from discrimination and exclusionary regulations,” said Dr. William Bridel, Assistant Professor, University of Calgary. “I hope that other organizations will use the policy as a template for their own sport as we work toward barrier-free participation in Canadian sport. Thank you Skate Canada, for being a leader in LGBTQI2S inclusive policy and practices.”

In competitions under Skate Canada jurisdiction, athletes can participate in the gender category in which they identify. All identifications of gender identity by athletes are believed to be made in good faith and do not require further disclosure or documentation. The eligibility guidelines of the International Skating Union (ISU), and/or any major national or international Games organization regarding transgender athlete participation will supersede the eligibility guidelines as outlined in Skate Canada’s policy.

This policy is one part of Skate Canada’s LGBTQI2S inclusion strategy and part of the overall safe sport framework. This past year Skate Canada has continued to work to develop and advance safe sport practises across its community. This season several safe sport initiatives have been launched, including the creation of an incident management system, mandatory Respect in Sport training, Code of Ethics training for all coaches, and several education videos and presentations on various safe sport topics.

Skate Canada is dedicated to safe sport and creating an inclusive environment for all our members. This policy is an advancement in Skate Canada’s goal and commitment to be the leading safe sport organization in Canada and the world.

Skate Canada Amplifies Safe Sport Programming with Respect in Sport Training

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OTTAWA, ON: Skate Canada is pleased to announce that it will now be offering the Respect in Sport Activity Leader Program to all coaches, officials and team leaders. The training is part of Skate Canada’s Safe Sport programing and the Responsible Coaching Movement. The launch of the training comes in conjunction with Pink Shirt Day, a national anti-bullying awareness day.

“We are very proud to be offering this training and to be one of the first national sporting organizations to do so in Canada. It confirms our dedication to safe sport and creating an inclusive environment for all of our members,” said Debra Armstrong, CEO, Skate Canada. “The Respect in Sport Activity Leader Program will give our skating community the opportunity to develop their skillsets and further build a culture of respect throughout our clubs and schools.”
Skate Canada has taken a leading role in the Safe Sport Movement. The organization will be one of the first in Canada to offer this training to all coaches, officials and team leaders and has been critical in the development of the Responsible Coaching Movement. Skate Canada will also be providing a 24/7 resource line that will provide advice on responding to inappropriate behavior. This confidential and anonymous call line is intended to assist in determining the most appropriate course of action to take.

“Respect Group is honoured to partner with Skate Canada on the implementation of our Respect in Sport programming. It’s all about prevention and a proactive approach to child protection. It may sound easy but that is not always the case. We applaud Skate Canada for their leadership,” said Sheldon Kennedy, Co-Founder, Respect Group and Lead Director at the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.

Respect Group has created critical abuse prevention education with the Respect in Sport Activity Leader Program. This easy-to-use online training enables sport and community organizations to create a safer, more ethical environment by providing essential information to each organization’s critical stakeholders. The program is for all stages of development, from the grassroots to the elite level.

“Already a Champion of the Responsible Coaching Movement, Skate Canada has demonstrated great leadership within the sport community to ensure athlete safety both on and off the field of play. This agreement with Respect in Sport is another example of what a sport organization can do to assure parents they are enrolling their children in clubs that have the best standards of care for athletes,” Lorraine Lafrenière, CEO, Coaching Association of Canada.

The Respect in Sport Activity Leader Program is now available online for all Skate Canada coaches, officials and team leaders. This initiative is a step forward in Skate Canada’s goal and commitment to be the leading Safe Sport organization in Canada and the world.

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