OTTAWA – At its recent Annual Meeting of Members, the provincial and territorial associations and member representative groups unanimously endorsed increased measures and initiatives to support a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

These measures follow more recent safe sport developments including the creation of a dedicated Safe Sport page on WCL’s website, creation of a Safety First National Task Force, as well as an increased partnership with the Respect Group.

WCL’s updated safe sport initiatives include:

• Aligned Safe Sport Framework:
  • WCL and PTSOs all commit to adopting the same framework (3 pillars)
  • WCL and PTSOs all commit to adopting one set of policies
  • PTSO adoption is a requirement for being a Member in good standing with WCL
  • Reciprocity of sanctions & disciplines will exist across all tiers of participation (club, PTSO, NSO)

• Minimum mandatory training (Coaches) effective September 1, 2019, for any WCL sanctioned activity:
  • Responsible Coaching Suite:
    • Screening
    • Make Ethical Decisions (MED)
    • Rule of Two / Open & Observable environment
  • Respect in Sport
  • Making Headway

• Minimum mandatory training (Officials / Medical / Team Leaders / Volunteers), effective September 1, 2019, for any WCL sanctioned activity:
  • Responsible Coaching Suite
  • Respect in Sport
  • Making Headway (for Medical)

• Minimum mandatory training (staff, BOD) effective September 1, 2019, for any WCL sanctioned activity:
  • Responsible Coaching Suite
  • Respect in the Workplace

• Safe Sport Policy Review and Revision:
  • Code of Conduct
  • Discipline & Complaints
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Appeal
  • Reciprocity
  • Screening

“We thank our membership for their engagement and continued commitment to improving our culture and supporting these safe sport initiatives”, said President Don Ryan. “We will continue to strive to make improvements to ensure that our athletes, coaches, officials, staff and volunteers can participate in a safe and welcoming environment”.

In addition, members of the Safety First National Task Force will be convening later this month to finalize a 6-month follow up report on recommendations stemming from the “Report Concerning Independent Review of Coaching Culture for WCL” released December 2018.

Media Contact

Chris Reith, Marketing & Communcations Manager
Wrestling Canada Lutte
[email protected]