Category: Featured Stories

March 2025 at Kingsway Boxing Club: Updates & Registration

Posted on March 4, 2025March 21, 2025 by KBC Admin

Our exciting Spring Specials & Events are here to help you crush your fitness goals and elevate your training.

Experience our brand-new state-of-the-art facilities, including a revitalizing cold plunge and relaxing sauna, designed to enhance your recovery and keep you motivated.

With our guided contrast therapy (hot/cold) sessions—both group and individual—this is the perfect opportunity to incorporate these services into your wellness journey. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, 2025 is the year to reach new heights.

Check out our newest programs, including Girls’ Youth Strength & Conditioning, March Break & Summer Camps, the return of our popular Women’s and Co-Ed Self-Defence Workshops, and more!

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📅 UPCOMING EVENTS

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SPECIALTY WORKSHOPS

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📰 KBC NEWS & UPDATES!

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Get Started TODAY: Dive into the world of Kingsway Boxing Club with our exclusive starter options:

Team Kingsway Boxing Makes an Impact at the 2025 Brampton Cup Tournament, Bringing Home 5 Medals and Gaining An Invaluable Experience.

Posted on February 5, 2025February 6, 2025 by Jennifer Huggins

The Brampton Cup 2025, held from January 30 to February 2 at the Save Max Sports Centre in Brampton, Ontario, showcased incredible performances from the Kingsway Boxing Club (KBC) athletes.

The Kingsway Boxing Club delivered outstanding performances at the 2025 Brampton Cup, with several boxers achieving podium standing and significant milestones.

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“Brampton Cup was a great experience and opportunity to see the results of the hard work my team and I have been putting in. I am very happy with my performance but I equally enjoyed seeing the individual successes of my training partners! The tournament brought me closer to my coaches and my teammates! This was a perfect introduction to the larger boxing community and offered a glimpse of the culture and what the sport has had to offer.” ~ Andrea Young, Brampton Cup–Gold Medalist

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The tournament provided invaluable experience, showcasing the athletes’ dedication and skill. Notably, Quentin Snowden faced a seasoned opponent from Quebec, gaining valuable experience. Carson Blake demonstrated determination by reaching the finals, securing a silver medal. Alexandra  Pistiolis Marinow made a remarkable debut, securing a gold medal with a second-round stoppage. Kwasi Amoateng improved upon his previous year’s silver by clinching gold after three consecutive victories, showcasing his growth and tenacity. Will Bardsley returned to the ring after a year-long hiatus due to injuries, winning his initial bout decisively and earning a silver medal in the finals. Andrea Young turned heads with her explosive debut, winning both her matches to claim the gold. Overall, the tournament was a testament to the dedication and skill of Kingsway Boxing Club’s athletes.

The dedication and hard work of the KBC athletes were evident throughout the tournament, reflecting the club’s commitment to excellence in boxing.

A special note of appreciation goes to Coaches Geoff Britnell and TJ Mosher for dedicating their weekend to support the team alongside Head Coach Virgil Barrow. We’re also incredibly grateful to the entire KBC family for their support throughout the weekend, and to all KBC coaches who provide year-round guidance and travel with the team whenever their schedules permit. Their expertise and commitment have been invaluable in helping the team achieve success inside the ropes.

Medalists and Their Achievements

Andrea Young Brings Home Gold!

Andrea turned heads during her boxing debut at the Brampton Cup. She faced an opponent with three bouts, securing a stoppage in the third round. In the finals, Andrea adjusted her strategy against a boxer with six bouts, utilizing her explosive speed and quick footwork to outbox her opponent. The experience and confidence gained are priceless at this early stage. Congratulations to Andrea on a stellar weekend and earning the gold medal as a Brampton Cup champion.

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Kwasi “The Prince of Darkness” Amoateng aka Banana Man, Brings Home Gold

Kwasi, who claimed a silver medal last year, returned with determination, securing gold this time. He achieved three victories in three fights, showcasing his developed ability to win consistently. Congratulations to Kwasi on his well-deserved gold medal and Brampton Cup championship.

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Alexandra Pistiolis Marinow Brings home Gold!

Alexandra made an explosive boxing debut, launching into action from the opening bell. Her combination punching led to a second-round stoppage by the referee, earning her a gold medal and the title of Brampton Cup champion.

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Carson “Brass-Knuckles” Blake Brings Home Silver

Carson demonstrated determination by cutting weight, successfully weighing in just 0.1 kg under the limit. He fought his way to the finals, where the effects of the weight cut became evident, slowing him down. Despite being weight-drained, Carson gave his all and secured a silver medal.

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William “The Butcher” Bardsley Brings Home Silver!

Will returned to the ring after nearly a year sidelined due to injuries. In his first fight, he faced a former KBC fighter . In the finals, Will faced the provincial champion, an opponent he had previously defeated. The bout was intense, with his opponent taking the first round, Will claiming the second, and the final round determining the outcome. Ultimately, his opponent landed more shots, evening their rivalry at 1-1. Will earned a silver medal, and a potential rematch is anticipated.

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Quentin “The Beast” Snowden Battles With High-Level Opponent

Quentin entered his second open-class bout with 13 fights under his belt, facing a seasoned opponent from Quebec with 53 fights. He began patiently, analyzing his opponent’s rhythm, and utilized his fast hands and quick counter-punching to deliver his best performance to date. Despite his efforts, the judges unanimously awarded the bout to his opponent. The transition from novice to open class is challenging, and Quentin’s growth and the experience gained are invaluable.

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Coach’s Reflections

“Our goal at the Brampton Cup was to compete at our best, gain valuable experience, and prepare the team for the upcoming Provincial and National Championships, along with international tournaments on the horizon! Every boxer stepped into the ring this past weekend, and we are proud of their efforts. Congratulations to all our fighters! A huge thank you to the parents and support team for their dedication—feeding, driving, and getting everyone to weigh-ins. The coaches are excited to get back to the gym and build on this momentum!” ~ Virgil Barrow | KBC Head Coach

“Another good Brampton cup with lessons learned in both our wins and losses… and also that the KBC support team showed up and the KBC fight team showed out.” ~ TJ Mosher | KBC Senior Coach

“The team put their heart and soul into training leading up to the Brampton Cup. The team fought against stiff competition, each round was a challenge to win but the team showed up and executed, leading to strong results” ~ Geoff Britnell | KBC Senior Coach

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[ANNOUNCEMENT] Take the Plunge and Heat Up with Team Kingsway: Introducing Sauna and Cold Plunge Services at Kingsway Boxing Club!

Posted on December 16, 2024March 6, 2025 by KBC Admin

Kingsway Boxing Club, already recognized for fostering a robust community of fitness enthusiasts, has taken a bold step toward enhancing wellness with the addition of sauna facilities and cold plunge facilities.

These new amenities are not just trendy—they’re backed by science, offering profound benefits for physical recovery and mental resilience.

📆 WEEKLY GROUP SESSIONS & SPECIAL WORKSHOPS

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📆 BOOK INDEPENDENT AND GUIDED SESSIONS TODAY STARTING AT ONLY $20.00

Sauna Therapy: Heat with Healing Power

The sauna, a centuries-old wellness tradition, provides a contrasting benefit by leveraging heat to relax muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and detoxify the body. Heat therapy encourages sweating, which removes toxins and supports skin health.

Scientific studies back these claims. Research from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) highlights how sauna usage improves heart health by reducing blood pressure and increasing circulation. Moreover, the production of heat shock proteins during sauna sessions enhances cellular repair, improving overall resilience​.

​Dr. Jari Laukkanen, a Finnish researcher and sauna advocate, has remarked, “Regular sauna use can be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and an improved quality of life. The benefits are evident in both the body and the mind.”

Alzheimer’s Society: Regular saunas could reduce the risk of dementia

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland followed 2,315 men aged 42-60 years for 20 years as part of the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Study. Men who reported taking a sauna 4-7 times per week were 66% less likely to receive a diagnosis of dementia than those who only sauna once a week. They were also 65% less likely to receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Differences in age, blood pressure, alcohol use, smoking, blood cholesterol and other health conditions between the groups were accounted for in the analysis. Read Full Article

The Science Behind Cold Plunge Therapy

Cold-water immersion (CWI), commonly known as the cold plunge, is rooted in its ability to reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery. When submerged in cold water, the body undergoes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), which helps flush out toxins and reduce swelling. Upon exiting the cold water, vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) occurs, improving oxygen delivery to muscles and tissues.

A 2020 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that athletes who practiced cold-water immersion experienced significantly reduced Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), highlighting its value for post-exercise recovery​.

Additionally, cold exposure triggers the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that helps reduce inflammation and enhances mood. Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a prominent health researcher, has noted that CWI can stimulate brown adipose tissue, which burns calories and improves metabolic health. Regular cold plunging may even boost immunity, as a study published in the Journal of Physiology found an increase in white blood cells in participants undergoing regular cold exposure​.

Who Should NOT Cold Plunge?

It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you try a cold plunge. If you have any of these medical conditions, cold plunges may not be safe for you:

• Known Heart conditions
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Poor blood flow
• Pregnant
• Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition that affects blood flow in your fingers
• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain)
• Venous stasis, which affects blood flow to your legs
• Cold agglutinin disease, which damages red blood cells

The Synergy: Contrast Therapy

Alternating between the cold plunge and sauna—known as contrast therapy—offers a holistic recovery solution. This practice harnesses the benefits of thermal shock to stimulate circulation, promote cellular repair, and reduce stress. A review in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that contrast therapy improves muscle recovery and enhances mental clarity.

Dr. Mikkel Aaland, a wellness author, calls this combination:
“A potent interplay of extremes that pushes the body and mind to reset and rejuvenate.”

Elevating Wellness at Kingsway Boxing Club

By introducing these scientifically-backed therapies, Kingsway Boxing Club enhances its reputation as a leader in fitness and recovery. The club is creating a space where members can train hard, recover smarter, and feel their best. Whether you’re an athlete or someone seeking wellness, the cold plunge and sauna provide a proven path to optimizing performance and health.

Discover the transformative benefits by visiting Kingsway Boxing Club and stepping into this new era of recovery and wellness!

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Huggins
Kingsway Boxing Club
+1 (416) 234-0075
E. jennifer@kingswayboxingclub.com
www.kingswayboxingclub.com

🎥 ASCENSION: The Story Of Kingsway Boxing | Featuring Jennifer Huggins

Posted on December 20, 2022September 2, 2024 by Jennifer Huggins

Ascension is a short film focused on International Boxing Offical, Gym Owner and Fight To End Cancer Founder, Jennifer Huggins. The feature takes a look how her gym and community engagement has had an impact that goes far beyond the sport of boxing.

ACT 1: THE SWEET SCIENCE: A look into boxing for what it truly is. A sport. An art form and the sweet science.

ACT 2: THE STORY OF KINGSWAY BOXING: The formation and rise of Kingsway Boxing and Jennifer Huggins.

ACT 3: THE FIGHT TO END CANCER: The inspiration and creation behind the life-changing “Fight to End Cancer” charity.

ACT 4: THE COMMUNITY: A look into the community that Kingsway and Jen have built and inspired.

ACT 5: THE FUTURE: After accomplishing so much already, what’s next for Jen and Kingsway?

“The eight of us were tasked with doing a final culminating project for school. However, once we began production on this documentary, it became apparent that we wanted to do something more than just a school project. We wanted to make something that would resonate with the audience and tell the amazing story of Kingsway Boxing and Jen Huggins.”

~ Pound 4 Pound Team

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About Pound 4 Pound Production

Over the last three months, the group that makes up Pound For Pound Productions has worked tirelessly on this documentary. There were many long nights and early mornings. However, their hard work was rewarded with a meaningful and passionate final product. The team put their heart and soul into creating this documentary, as this story deserved to be told. Pound 4 Pound Production comprises eight fourth-year RTA Sport Media students who were asked to participate in a university practicum project to demonstrate the skills they have learned in their three years. The crew consisted of David D’Amico, Frankie Iantorno, Cristian Sturino, Andriejus Simkus-Sukauskas, Marc Vicioso, Mitchell Cairns, Ben Botelho and Nicolas Ambrosio. 

The production team decided that a documentary would best fit for presenting the skills they had learned. From there, they decided to use boxing as the highlight of the documentary, as it is a sport that displays the skill, dedication and competitiveness of its fighters. At the same time, it had also become increasingly popular. One of the group members, Mitchell Cairns, who had been part of the Kingsway Boxing Club for four years, spoke about how incredible the gym and community were at KBC. From there, after interviewing Jennifer Huggins, the team decided to centre the documentary around Jennifer and how her boxing gym and community have had an impact on her that goes beyond the sport. However, once they began production on this documentary, it became apparent that they wanted to do something more than just a school project. They wanted to make something that would resonate with the audience and tell the incredible story of Kingsway Boxing and Jennifer Huggins.

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Check out our top 3 options for newcomers, including:

Kingsway Boxing Club’s Commitment To The Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM)

Posted on April 12, 2022October 26, 2024 by Jennifer Huggins

Kingsway Boxing Club has entered the list of Responsible Coaching Movement Champions Recognized By The Coaching Association Of Canada.

At Kingsway Boxing Club, we are committed to maintaining the standards of ethics, safety and respect in the sport of Boxing, for all our athletes and coaches. 💪

By adhering to the Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM), we pledge to work hard everyday to ensure that the Boxing culture at our gym is safe and aligns with the ethics’ model.

To guide sport organizations with resources to embedding safe sport practices, the Coaching Association of Canada has developed a RCM Checklist that includes resources, templates and useful links. 

OUR PLEDGE…

🥊 Kingsway Boxing Club believes in providing everyone with equal opportunity, no matter the fitness level, background, age or size.

🥊 We will work to maintain the high standard of safety and ethics across all of our programs and ensure that the Boxing culture here is as welcoming and safe as possible!

🥊 We will encourage open dialogue between our athletes, coaches and community to ensure we are always improving building stronger and safer interactions.

Kingsway Boxing Club’s Acceptance of the UCCMS

The Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) is a cornerstone in ensuring all stakeholders commit to safety in sport. The universal code of conduct applies to all participants, administrators, athletes, coaches and officials who work within the national sports system in Canada. The universal code of conduct is meant to achieve a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

Failure To Report

You have a duty to report that is mandated by law. (Requirements vary depending on provincial or territorial legislation.) An adult participant who fails to report actual or suspected maltreatment or neglect of any kind involving a minor participant will be subject to disciplinary action under the UCCMS. 

Child Protection Legislation

If there is an instance of child abuse and neglect, who is responsible for reporting this? Much like creating a safe sport environment, we all have a responsibility to report these instances. In fact, everyone has a legal duty to report these types of acts under Canadian child welfare laws. Adults are obliged to report child maltreatment if there is knowledge or suspicion that it is occurring. This is called the duty to report. 

Step 1

If you know of or suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you have a legal obligation to report it. 

Step 2

Write down what you have seen, heard or been told and by whom. Record your observations and any actions you took. 

Step 3

Act quickly. (Do not wait for days or weeks.) You must report this maltreatment to: 

• Local police
• Local child welfare services (e.g., Children’s Aid Society or child and family service agencies) 
  • You can submit an online report of maltreatment to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection as well 
  • However, even if you make a report to it, you must also contact local authorities 
• Provincial or territorial social service ministries or departments 

📞 RESOURCES

Canadian Sport Helpline: 1-888-83SPORT(77678) or abuse-free-sport.ca/

The Canadian Sport Help Line is available to provide you with advice, guidance and resources on how to proceed/intervene appropriately in the circumstances.

Canadian Centre for Child Protection: protectchildren.ca/

If you have concerns about a child, or if you are a victim (survivor) or a family member of a victim, you may contact the Canadian Centre for Child Protection for information or support.

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-688-6868

Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 national service offering professional counselling, information, referrals and volunteer-led text-based support for young people. Kids Help Phone’s free, anonymous services are available in both English and French.

First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness: 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca/

A helpline dedicated to supporting First Nations and Inuit Peoples. Service is available in Cree, Ojibway, Inuktitut, English and French. 

Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366 or translifeline.org/

A helpline dedicated to the well-being of transgender people. The phone line is staffed by transgender people for transgender people. 

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, Use and Addiction: ccsa.ca/addictions-treatment-helplines-canada

The Centre was created by the Canadian government to address and provide leadership on substance use in Canada. 

Victim Services Government of Canada: crcvc.ca/for-victims/services/

The Canadian government provides a number of services to victims of crime, including emotional support, counselling, advocacy and safety planning. 

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP): suicideprevention.ca/

CASP’s goal is to reduce the suicide rate in Canada and to minimize the consequences of suicidal behaviour. 

More Resources Available: http://safesport.coach.ca/Toolbox

📼 COACH RESOURCES

Learn some easy next steps to implement the three pillars here: RCM Champion Now what?

Learn about the best practices on background screening process here: Best practices Background Screening

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Welcome to the Fall Edition of Our RCM Champion Newsletter! Explore two new coaching resources and register for the November webinar
Dear Sport administrators and Coaches,
As the leaves change and we embrace the cooler weather, we’re excited to bring you the latest updates and resources to support your coaching journey. This season, we’re thrilled to introduce two brand-new resources as well as the next RCM Webinar designed to enhance your coaching experience and help you achieve even greater success with your teams.

Introducing the Quality Coaching Toolkit We are excited to unveil the Quality Coaching Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to enhance coaching practices and foster positive sport environments. This toolkit provides evidence-based strategies to promote safe, inclusive, and supportive coaching, ensuring athletes’ holistic development and well-being. Dive into practical tips, reflection activities, and innovative methods to elevate your coaching and create a positive thriving sport experience for all participants. Four interacting attributes of a positive sport environment were discussed by the 24 coaches and athletes who were interviewed in the research study.

The research provides evidence that athletes can succeed in positive sport environments. This is important because it refutes beliefs that coaches need to use abusive tactics like yelling, belittling, and command and control methods. One of the most remarkable findings from this research was that the participants’ definition of success extended beyond medal performance. ACCESS THE QUALITY COACHING TOOLKIT

Webinar Information:  Learn how Abuse-Free Sport is available to you too! November 20th 18:00-19:30 pm EST Click here for more information Abuse-Free Sport is Canada’s independent system for preventing and addressing maltreatment in sport. Our goal is to work with others throughout the Canadian sport system to ensure that every participant – no matter the sport, the level, or the role – has a safe, positive and enriching experience. Changing the culture of sport in Canada is everyone’s responsibility. Abuse-Free Sport provides access to a wide range of resources, all of it available in English and French. This interactive webinar will provide an overview of safe sport and share actions that can be implemented in all sport organizations including community sport. In addition, we will discuss and share strategies and tools for change-makers to champion these within their sport organizations. Presenters:     Liddia Touch Kol, Resource Centre Manager Owen Bravo, Education and Policy Support Coordinator REGISTER HERE

Next Webinars: February 2025: Inclusion in sport March 2025: Background Screening – highlighting new information and resources The True Sport ExperienceThe True Sport Experience is a three-volume resource for educators of children and youth from age 6 to young adolescence that consists of a series of physical activities that facilitate learning the True Sport Principles. Whether you’re a teacher, coach or recreational leader, The True Sport Experience offers a balanced and intentional approach to the development of both ethical and physical literacy.   The True Sport Experience comes in three volumes:Volume 1 aligns with children in the FUNdamentals stage (aged 6-9).Volume 2 aligns with the Learn to Train stage (aged 8 or 9 to the onset of adolescence).Volume 3 aligns with the Train to Train stage (young adolescence).These resources provide:An understanding of the True Sport Principles and how to teach them through quality physical activity experiences,A summary of physical literacy, ethical literacy, and Long-Term Development in Sport and Physical Activity with explicit connections made to each within the activities, andA series of physical activities that facilitate learning the True Sport Principles while supporting children’s physical and ethical literacy development within the FUNdamentals, Learn to Train, and Train to Train stages of long-term development.How to use this resource:Choose one of the three volumes based on the age and stage of those you coach.Read through the opening section of the document to gain an understanding of True Sport and the objectives of the resource.Select an activity from the list of activities (up to five activities per True Sport Principle), read through the ready-to-go lesson plan, and implement it in your next practice!We hope that the Quality Coaching Toolkit, the November RCM Webinar, and The True Sport Experience will be game-changers for our coaching community and provide  a range of insights and support.Thank you for your continued dedication and passion. Together, let’s make this fall season one of growth and achievement. Warm regards, Frances Priest fpriest@coach.ca Manager, Sport Safety Coaching Association of Canada Frances Priest fpriest@coach.ca Manager, Sport Safety Coaching Association of Canada Sarah Bennett sbennett@cces.ca True Sport Coordinator Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport If you have any questions, please contact us at sportsafety@coach.ca. Access Previous Newsletters and Webinar Recordings Discover and access previous newsletters and webinar recordings exclusive to RCM Champions. Click here to access True Sport is an approach to values-based sport that is underpinned by seven principles. When “Go For It, Play Fair, Respect Others, Keep It Fun, Stay Healthy, Include Everyone, and Give Back” are intentionally and consistently activated on and off the field of play, it creates positive sport experiences and leads to a culture of good sport. Foster a values-based approach to sport by activating the True Sport Principles. NEXT ISSUE: January 2024 As a Responsible Coaching Movement Champion we ask that you: Be proud and announce yourself as an RCM Champion to your members. Use the RCM logo(s) and assets. Click here to download RCM logos. Adding the logo to the footer of your site depends on how your site is built.  Learn how here.Use the Hashtags #ResponsibleCoaching #RCM #MER #EntraînementResponsable.Reach out any time with questions to sportsafety@coach.ca.

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Jan 13, 2024

PAUSE and REFLECTION

As we think back to the conversations and events we have participated in this fall, we recognize it is ever important to take time to pause and reflect on a few key issues facing the sport environment. Safe sport continues to be one of the most prevalent issues in Canadian sport. The absence of harm in the sport experience is not good enough. A values-based approach will help foster a sport culture that leaves far less room for harm and provides a greater chance for sport to deliver on its potential.

Take time to read and reflect on the following definitions as you consider the role you can play in changing the culture of sport and bringing values to the forefront.

Safe Sport: A set of policies, procedures, training, and practices that are implemented by the organization to prevent maltreatment and protect its members. Safe Sport involves the reasonable expectation that the sport environment will be free from all forms of maltreatment (i.e., abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment, and discrimination) and that it will be accessible, safe, welcoming, and inclusive.

Sport Safety: The ability to understand the factors that contribute to physical and mental health and well-being as well as physical and psychological safety including, but not limited to, environments that promote safety through education and prevention and are free of abuse, harassment, discrimination, and neglect. Sport Safety incorporates a culture of empathy, inclusion, belonging, and excellence, and one that coaches and officials strive to implement within their training and competition environments. 

Values-Based Sport: Sport that places values at the heart of all policies, practices, and programs to ensure that positive experiences foster a culture of good sport in the long term.

True Sport: An initiative of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport that promotes an approach to values-based sport that is underpinned by seven principles. When “Go For It, Play Fair, Respect Others, Keep It Fun, Stay Healthy, Include Everyone, and Give Back” are intentionally and consistently activated in sport environments, it creates positive sport experiences and leads to a good sport culture.

Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM): A call to action for sport organizations and coaches to maximize the positive benefits of sport through values-based coaching. The RCM is a Canada-wide initiative that is the result of ongoing consultations with the Canadian sport community developed in partnership by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and the Coaching Association of Canada. It includes three distinct pillars and values, each serving to create a sport environment that is Safe, Smart, and Secure.

According to the basic tenets of the socio-ecological model to inform safe sport (figure below), everyone has a role to play in the movement. This model demonstrates the overlapping influence that numerous people and organizations have over safe sport outcomes. For example, Register-Mihalik et. al. argue that this model offers different avenues for understanding the interplay between levels of society and sport, which can be used to provide education aimed at preventing sport-related concussions.  If we use this same model to identify the risk factors in broader safe sport issues, we can target better methods for other community members, such as the sport organizers and government legislators, to impact the implementation of safe sport in the years to come.

CULTURE CHANGE WITHIN THE CANADIAN SPORT SYSTEM: PRACTICAL EXAMPLES FROM SPORT ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE USING A TRUE SPORT APPROACH TO ACHIEVE SAFER SPORT

In Canada, a fundamental change in culture is required across the sport system to minimize the threats to sport and ensure a safe sport experience for all. True Sport is an approach to values-based sport that is underpinned by seven principles: Go For It, Play Fair, Respect Others, Keep It Fun, Stay Healthy, Include Everyone and Give Back. A good sport experience, one that reflects the True Sport approach, can instill character in our children, strengthen the communities where it is played, and increase opportunities for personal and podium excellence. Good sport doesn’t happen by chance, it takes intentionality. Groups such as Sport Nova Scotia, Gymnastics Canada, BC Artistic Swimming and Field Hockey Canada are actioning True Sport as a holistic, preventative, and positive approach in their safe sport strategies. They also understand that the absence of harm isn’t good enough; learn more about their journeys to deliver the kind of sport Canadians want.
 
In addition to providing athletes with sport-specific skills, coaches are also in a unique and privileged position of power. The Responsible Coaching Movement aims to protect athletes and coaches from unethical and illegal behaviour through the implementation of measures such as: the Rule of Two and background screening and ethics training. The RCM recognizes the impact that coaching can have on athletes which is why the RCM seeks to have coaches consider how they coach, not just what they coach. Through this initiative, the difference between a safe sport environment and one that elicits positive growth and personal development can be achieved. Following the introduction of the rule of two, background screening and ethics training, the next phase of the RCM focuses on identifying and addressing negative coaching behaviours, while moving toward positive coaching behaviours that can play sports a more welcoming and inclusive environment.

True Sport is an approach to values-based sport that is underpinned by seven principles. When “Go For It, Play Fair, Respect Others, Keep It Fun, Stay Healthy, Include Everyone, and Give Back” are intentionally and consistently activated on and off the field of play, it creates positive sport experiences and leads to a culture of good sport. 

Foster a values-based approach to sport by activating the True Sport Principles. 

NEXT ISSUE: March 2024

As Responsible Coaching Movement Champion we ask that you:

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March 20, 2023

Hi everyone,

Don’t miss the RCM next webinar March 22, 7-8:30 PM EST REGISTER HERE

Here is what we will cover:

• Defining Rule of Two.
• Example of how clubs implement.
• Discussion, Question and Answer.

Participants will be entered in an attendance Draw for FREE Training access and customized RCM tuque with your club logo.

Responsible Coaching Movement Webinars recording available here:

• January 23, 2023 “RCM Champion: Let’s talk Ethics Training”
• November 23, 2022 “RCM Champion: Now What?”  
• June 22, 2022 “Best Practices on Background Screening”

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December 6, 2022

Hi everyone,   This is a reminder that the CAC will be hosting Sport Safety related webinars designed for Master Coach Developers​. Here are the topics for the webinar series: 1) December 8​ – 6:30pm EST (Use of gender-neutral language and gender pronouns​​) Click here to register. 2) January 12​ – 6:30pm EST (Sport safety is not just a safe sport​) Click here to register. 3) Feb. 2​ – 6:30pm EST (Land Acknowledgements yes/no why/ when and how to make them meaningful​​) Click here to register. 4) Feb. 23​ – 6:30pm EST (Accessibility considerations for event planning (physical, learning, cognitive)​​ Click here to register 5) Mar. 8​ – 6:30pm EST (TBD)  For more information about any of the sessions mentioned above please click here.

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