Coaching Sport Safely During Covid-19
%
of Canadians believe organized sports and group physical activity will be important in helping society rebuild and recover from the pandemic
From online coaching to new safety guidelines, there are many new measures coaches must implement to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation. Please refer to the Ontario Government’s COVID-19 resource page, and the provincial Return to Play guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
Return to Coaching Community Grant
The grant application period has NOW CLOSED. To see a full list of the 2021 recipients click HERE.
This grant aims to support Ontario coaches and participants with the tools they need to get back on the playing field, while keeping safety top of mind.
Sport plays a vital role in our communities, and has been sorely missed over the past year. While we are very excited at the prospect of resuming play, we also recognize that there will be new costs (including: PPE, individual equipment, and more) that many coaches will be responsible for in order to keep themselves and their athletes safe.
This fund aims to offset some of these coach expenses with up to $2,000, so that a safe return to sport remains accessible for all Ontarians.
Online Coaching
Many coaches have made the transition to online/video training sessions during the pandemic to help their athletes maintain fitness, set goals and stay in touch with their teammates. The availability and accessibility of video conferencing tools is a fantastic way to keep the lines of communication open and sustain cohesion during this time. However, this format does come with some new safety considerations (such as the Rule of Two for online communication) that all coaches must consider in order to maintain a safe and transparent training environment.
Downloadable Resources:
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Adapting to Sport During COVID-19
From health screening questionnaires and contact tracing to social distancing and participant waivers, coaches will have a number of new processes to put into place as each sport is able to resume. It is important to explain to your athletes why these protocols have been put into place and how following them will help to keep them and their families healthy and safe.
The Ontario government, in partnership with independent leaders in the sport and recreation sector have identified and compiled safety guidelines that will help Ontarians return to play safely.
As the pandemic continues to be fluid, it is recommended that coaches stay-up-to-date on the province’s return to play guidelines, as well as their individual sport’s return to play action plan.
Downloadable Resources:
- Health Questionnaire Template
- Contact Tracing Template
- Sample COVID Declaration/Waiver for Participants
- Coaching Online Checklist
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Returning After a Layoff
As each sport is able to resume, it is important that coaches outline training plans that will allow their athletes to return safely. Too much, too soon after any prolonged absence can result in injury, re-injury and overall loss of enjoyment in your sport. Remember to stay up-to-date on provincial guidelines, followed by your sport’s return to play protocol to determine when it is safe to return to the playing field.
Downloadable Resources:
Advance Your Knowledge – Take the Training:
- NCCP Emergency Action Plan eLearning (FREE)
- NCCP Planning a Practice Workshop
- NCCP Prevention & Recovery of Injury Workshop
- Leading a Return to Sport Participation eLearning (FREE)
Learn More
Looking After the Mental Health of Your Athletes
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stressful experience for everyone to navigate, and it’s important that ever for individuals to safeguard their mental wellness. For athletes at every level, COVID-19 has disrupted their training and routines and undermined a major pillar of their identity. As a coach you help to support them by scheduling regular phone or video check-ins that are focused on emotional health, being open about how you look after your own mental wellness and connecting athletes with professional resources when necessary.