Respect in Sport – Parent Program

risport-parent-logo-smallThe Ontario Hockey Federation, in conjunction with Alliance Hockey, GTHL, NOHA and OMHA, is proud to announce the Respect in Sport Parent Program will be used by all Minor Member Partners, effective for the 2016-2017 season. This unified roll out is a testament to the dedication the OHF and its Minor Member Partners have in making this great game of hockey, fun and enjoyable for all.OHF

Respect in Sport is an accessible, online resource in the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination (BAHD). The program’s mission is to empower participants to recognize signs of BAHD and eliminate it from the game, through a global culture of respect.

“Education is one of the fundamental components of the OHF and its Minor Member Partners. Players and coaches have received a wealth of information about the game, but the Respect in Sport Parent program will expand those horizons,” said Tony Foresi, OHF President. “We are also encouraged by the mandatory participation for all parents. Throughout their hockey travels, be it around Ontario or further afield, parents and families are the greatest ambassadors of the OHF and we want to give them the tools to work through any situation they encounter.”

“Respect Group is pleased to partner with the OHF, who are joining the majority of Hockey Canada Branches who have made the Respect in Sport Parent Program, a requirement” says Mark Allen, Respect Group’s Ontario Director.

Respect Group was co-founded by former NHLer Sheldon Kennedy in 2004. It partnered with the Canadian Red Cross to create a best-in-class e-learning curriculum for mass consumption. Participants are certified through a 60-minute on-line program, they can do from anywhere with internet access. Cost is $12.00.

Interesting Facts:

  •  70% of kids quit sports by the age of 13 because they stop having fun
  • the most common reason:  Parental behaviour
  • for every adolescent boy who leaves sport, 6 girls leave
  • how parents interact and behave with the kids has a major impact on whether kids remain in sports

To view a short video recently launched by the OMHA, click here.

The Respect in Sport Program for Parents is a unique, online program geared to providing the parent with information on how to evaluate and understand:Yelling parent

  • Parental influence over a child
  • Coach and leader roles in sport
  • Role of he parent and coach in ensuring a child’s enjoyment of a sport
  • Protecting your child when outside of your immediate control
  • Concussion awareness and Return to Play guidelines
  • Long-Term Player Development model

At least one parent or guardian of each player registered in minor hockey will need to complete the online RIS Parent Program as a condition of participation.  The program is a proactive, educational program that empowers parents with the tools to ensure the game is enjoyable and respectful for themselves, their children, and all other stakeholders in the game.

Respect in Sport – Parent FAQ’s:

1 – What is the cost and how long does the Program take?

The cost is $12.00 and the Program takes about and hour and a half to complete.

2 – Where does the $12 go?

$1 goes to Pay Pal for fee processing, $1 goes to the Canadian Red Cross (Cirriculum Partner of Respect Group), $1 goes to the GTHL Legacy Fund for administration/promotion, and $9 goes to Respect Group for hosting, 24/7 bilingual help-desk support, program updates, and on-going support to MHL and Area Associations.

3 – Does a parent/guardian from each family at all levels and ages have to take the program in 2016-2017?

Yes, the program is designed for players ad families at every level of participation in minor hockey.  Players aged 18 and up are NOT included in the RIS – Parent Program.

4 – Will the parent/guardian have to recertify every year?

There is no expectation for annual recertification.  However, if there is an issue, a parent/guardian could be asked to re-take the program.  Further, the program is portable across all minor sports in Ontario.

5 – What are the sanctions if a parent/guardian from each family does not complete the program?

The player(s) will not be permitted to participate in minor hockey programming until such time as a parent/guardian completes the required program.

6 – Coaches are already required to take the Activity Leader RIS program.  If they are also a parent, will they need to take the RIS – Parent program?

The Activity Leader and Parent Respect in Sport programs are very different, so parents who coach will be expected to complete both.

7 – What if a parent does not have a credit card to pay on-line when they register?

Prepaid, one-time use credit cards can be purchased at numerous retail locations and used to pay.

8 – What if the household has no access to internet?

Most public libraries have public internet access, or you could try a relative or a neighbour.

9 – What if the parent/guardian does not have strong computer literacy skills?

The program is very user friendly, but on-line help is available as well.

10 – Why is the program being mandated across the OHF?

It provides tools to deal with various situations which could arise in the course of participation in sport, both as a parent, and in any leadership role you may have.  This is a positive program to make good parents better, and will empower all of the good parents in the organization.

11 – How do I register?

To register, visit:  https://gthlparent.respectgroupinc.com/

 

 

 

 

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