Curling Canada has taken another significant step in its ambition to keep sport healthy and safe for all, it was announced today.

The governing body for curling in Canada has formally signed a pledge to join the Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM).

The RCM is a call to action for organizations to implement realistic change based on their individual state of readiness coordinated by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES). It identifies three key areas to reduce risk in sport:

1. Rule of Two
2. Background screening
3. Respect and ethics training

“This is a key element in our ongoing ambition to make sure athletes and coaches have protection and feel safe and secure, on and off the ice,” said Katherine Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of Curling Canada. “The Coaching Association of Canada has done commendable work on behalf of athletes and coaches in this country, and we’re pleased to be a part of the Responsible Coaching Movement.”

The RCM was established to protect young athletes and coaches, both on and off the field of play. While protecting kids is a primary goal, coaches are also offered support with training and resources to ensure a safe, fun experience for all.

“We commend Curling Canada for declaring its commitment to protect its athletes and coaches,” said Lorraine Lafrenière, CEO of the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). “We look forward to moving forward with them as one of the nearly 400 like-minded organizations that have signed the Responsible Coaching Movement Pledge. That the Movement continues to gather momentum is further evidence of a systemic culture shift happening in the Canadian sport community.”

For more information on the Responsible Coaching Movement, CLICK HERE.