The Safeguarding Tennis initiative supports the Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) initiated and coordinated by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). The goal is to create coach led, athlete focused, safe and fun sport environments for both players and coaches that reflect the values of excellence, professionalism, passion, service and integrity.
Safeguarding Tennis
Coaches and Clubs/Organizations – use the link above for exclusive benefits on Background Checks. See Step-by-Step Instructions and FAQs for detailed information.
We all play a part in making sure that our sport provides safe and positive environments for participants to enjoy and prosper in tennis. Safeguarding Tennis helps coaches and organizations lead the way by:
- Recognizing the responsibility we all have in creating safe and respectful sport environments
- Streamlining the process for Background Checks
- Strengthening policies and procedures regarding child safety
- Promoting child safety measures in everyday practice
- Giving coaches and organizations the tools and information to be leaders in fostering safe and enjoyable tennis environments
All tennis coaches and clubs/organizations are strongly encouraged to adopt as many recommendations, as reasonably possible, from the Safeguarding Tennis guidelines outlined below:
Coaches will be required to acknowledge two additional documents when registering or renewing their TPA Certification:
- A new Professional Coaching Code of Conduct will replace the existing Code of Ethics. Coaches will be required to read and acknowledge the code as part of their TPA certification registration and renewal. The new code adds disciplinary measures that coaches may be subject to if they are found in violation of the code.
- Declaration of Good Character must be signed-off at annual TPA renewal
Two screened and certified coaches should always be present with a single athlete or multiple athletes when in an enclosed space
The spirit of this rule is to ensure that both athlete and coach are not put in a vulnerable position. When a second certified coach is unavailable, an adult may fulfill this role.
For further information and guidance on the Rule of Two, please see the Rule of Two Definition, Tips for Coaches to Support the Rule of Two and the Guidelines for Adults interacting with Children in Sport provided by the Coaching Association of Canada.
All organizations and individuals involved in delivering tennis in Canada should conduct regular Background Checks through Sterling Talent Solutions
Step-by-Step Instructions and FAQs
Background Checks are an important screening policy to protect children, earn the trust of parents, manage risk and liability and improve the quality of people involved in tennis. Clubs, organizations and individuals (including coaches, volunteers, administrators, officials, parent chaperones and course facilitators) should have up-to-date Background Checks prior to involvement.
Preferred pricing and benefits available for Coaches and Organizations
The TPA has accessed the relationship between Sterling Talent Solutions (Sterling) and the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) to provide preferred rates on Background Checks (through Sterling’s platform) for everyone involved in tennis in Canada.
The benefits of Sterling’s platform include:
For Individuals (Coaches, Volunteers, Officials, Administrators):
- Preferred rate of $25 applies to the enhanced Background Check called the Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC)
- Receive your Check in one business day
- Electronic access to your completed Background Check through your own online account
- Easily share your Background Check with multiple organizations for FREE
For Organizations:
- Preferred rate of $25 can be offered to your employees, volunteers or contractors
- Efficient system that provides Background Checks within one business day
- Benefit from an on-line, centralized account to keep track of Checks for all employees, contractors and volunteers
- Set up your account to cover the fee for certain groups or set up applicant paid Checks
For more information about Sterling Talent Solutions and general information about Background Checks, please reference FAQs
Use additional ethics resources and on-line modules for continuing professional development
Available Resources:
- Respect in Sport and Respect in the Workplace online modules continue to be part of the professional development options available for maintaining NCCP certification
- Review the TPA Recommendations to Tennis Organizations
- All Coaches will continue to take the Make Ethical Decisions (MED) online evaluation that is associated with NCCP evaluation
- CAC Responsible Coaching Movement
Clubs & Organizations should incorporate Best Practice recommendations in their policies and procedures
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