USA Triathlon (USAT) has partnered with Respect Group Inc to launch the Respect in Sport Coach and Activity Leader Program, a risk management and abuse prevention program.
It is ‘designed to help the sport of triathlon by creating a culture of respect, while reducing liability in the sensitive area of abuse.’
The Respect in Sport Coach and Activity Leader Program is intended to be a tool to assist coaches in identifying and dealing with abuse, bullying, harassment and neglect in sport and respond to and report negative behaviours, if necessary.
USAT is the first US National Governing Body to implement this program, which has been utilised by organisations such as Hockey Canada and Gymnastics Canada.
Respect in Sport uses innovative, instructional design techniques to provide an Internet-based training experience that is simple, to the point and captivating for the learner. All USA Triathlon certified coaches will receive access information to the program via email on 1 April 2011.
The program will be a recertification requirement for all USA Triathlon certified coaches starting in 2012.
“USA Triathlon is extremely proud to partner with Respect Group Inc to launch this program for our certified coaches,” said USA Triathlon CEO Rob Urbach.
“We aim to create a positive, inclusive atmosphere for all our athletes, and this program will provide our certified coaches with the necessary resources to assure a culture of respect at all levels of the sport.”
Paul Wylie, US Representative of Respect Group added, “Respect Group Inc applauds the leadership of USA Triathlon in making the protection of all participants, especially youth, a top priority.
“Building respectful environments will benefit the lives of young athletes and their communities. Proactive, empowering education for coaches and youth leaders is the key. We are excited to be working with USA Triathlon as the first US National Governing Body to implement Respect in Sport.”
