Please review the new CMSA program "Respect in Soccer Coach and Activity Leader Program". CMSA has partnered with Respect in Sport and Shane Homes to offer you this program that helps CMSA to ensure that respect is the foundation of everything we do with the children we have in our care.
CMSA is are dedicated to working for their membership organizations not only to develop, organize and promote soccer; but to create opportunities that allow kids who play soccer in CMSA to have fun in a safe environment while reaching their desired level of achievement within the sport.
The Respect in Soccer Program is designed as a tool to create awareness and assist coaches in identifying and dealing with abuse, bullying, harassment and neglect in soccer: and, if necessary, to report negative behaviours. It will ensure a safer more respectful environment for you and your young athletes. As a more knowledgeable coach, it will be easier to mitigate your own personal liability in what can potentially be a very volatile sport.
Respect in Soccer is designed specifically to help YOU, as a coach, in several ways:
- It lays the foundation for all of us to make sure that respect is the underlying theme behind everything we do with each of our athletes in our care.
- It provides you with everyday perspectives on the impact, positive and /or negative that you have on your athletes. Remember, these young people look to you, their coach, as not only an expert in soccer skills but also as a mentor and a role model.
- It educates us on the responsibilities we have to ensure that each of our athletes' walks away every day with a positive self image.
- It teaches you to look for signs of maltreatment that our athletes may be encountering, on or off the field, as well as giving us the necessary tools to deal with these issues.
- It provides insight into your legal responsibilities, as a coach, to report incidents or behaviour that violates the Criminal Code or Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (Formerly Child Welfare Act).
- And finally, it reminds us that coaching is one of life's most satisfying jobs. If you do it right, the rewards from coaching are unlimited. By being a positive and respectful coach, you have the potential to shape the lives of these young people, on and off the field.
As with most training programs, you will get out of this program what you put into it. Given the importance of your role and your obvious desire to work with children in a positive way, we're sure you will give this course your focused attention. If you take it seriously, we are confident that Respect in Soccer will make you an even better coach or activity leader.
Summary
It is CMSA's intent to introduce the Respect in Sport Program gradually over the next few months. Respect in Soccer is an online course that can be done at anytime. CMSA will require at least 1 coach per team to have completed the Respect in Soccer Course by December 1st 2011. It is hoped that all Team Officials will have completed the course by the end of Outdoor 2012. Our Sponsor has agreed to cover the cost for all present and new team officials over a 3 year period starting August 2011. The program Recertification will be every 4 years.
- Shane Homes Sponsorship will cover the cost for all CMSA Team officials to take the course.
- The 2.5 hour online course will be available starting July 21, 2011. You can take the course at your leisure and start and stop at any point. It is encouraged to take the course in 2-5 sessions
- The link for the website will be active on the Calgary Minor Website (www.calgaryminorsoccer.com) July 21, 2011 for coaches to sign up and begin the course.
Please contact Daryl Leinweber, Executive Director, with any questions on the course.
execdirector@calgaryminorsoccer.com
(403)278-8686 ext 1007