What's your safe sport IQ?

False!

You should never be left alone with a minor athlete in any situation without at least two adults present. The Rule of Two states that there needs to be at least two trained and/or screened adults present at all times, in every sport situation, in order to protect minor athletes in potentially vulnerable situations. Whether that is private training, closed door meetings, team travel or online communications, the interactions you have with athletes must always be open and observable with another adult present.

False!

Canada’s leading voice on concussions, Parachute Canada, states baseline testing is not required for post-injury care of youth athletes with suspected or diagnosed concussion. Mandatory pre-season testing is also not recommended. Rather than using resources for baseline testing, you should have processes to recognize and remove anyone with a possible concussion, ensure they get medically assessed and support them to return to school and sport safely.

False!

Private exchanges across social media or instant messaging should never be conducted when communicating with minor athletes, even when there is parental consent. It is always important to remember that the Rule of Two still applies when communicating online. Your communications should always be observable, open and transparent and always included a second adult on the communication.

False!

Research from across Canada has uncovered that peers are present in nearly 80-90% of bullying incidents. Recent studies in Canadian sport also indicate coaches are physically present in nearly 34% of reported instances. Bullying is not an issue that only affects minor athletes, but all age of athletes. Coaches play a key role in not only setting a positive example, but creating a culture free from harm.

False!

While the costs associated with participating in sport are certainly a reason, it in fact is not the main cause of youth dropout. Over 70% of youth quit sport by age 13 because it is no longer fun. Fun does not mean games and goofing off. It includes a multitude of researched factors like playing time, friendships, fair play, and positive support.

False!

A background check should be conducted on a rotating cycle (such as every 1-2 years) while working with the same organization. Background checks are only valid on the day they are issued, since information can change from day to day. That is why it is important for coaches and organizations to re-submit subsequent background checks and clearance on a scheduled rotating basis to ensure continued safety.

False!

It is not necessary to have witnessed or be certain that a child is OR may be in need of protection. The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies states:
“Section 125 of the Ontario Child, Youth and Family Services Act says that every person who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection has the duty to promptly report the suspicion and the information upon which it is based to their local Children’s Aid Society.”

Reasonable grounds refer to the information that an average person, using normal and honest judgment, would need in order to decide to report. Your local Children’s Aid Society has a professional and standardized process to review all cases.

True!

Using the same muscles repeatedly for a long time can lead to serious injury. Research suggests that playing a variety of sports and physical activities in childhood does lead to reduced incidents of injury. Athletes who specialize in one sport at young ages have been seen to have a 70-93% higher likelihood of being of injured than children who played multiple sports.

Not to mention multi sport participation leads to better skill development as athletic movements transfer, and also leads to less burnout and youth dropout.

False!

Mental illnesses can affect almost anyone at any stage of life. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CAMH) it is estimated that nearly 20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder – the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide. Today, approximately 5% of male youth and 12% of female youth, age 12 to 19, have experienced a major depressive episode. Coaches play a key role in creating positive environments where mental health of all athletes is taken into consideration.