Health and Safety—
FOOTBALL NOVA SCOTIA
SAFE SPORT
Everyone has the right to participate in sport in a safe, supportive environment that benefits the emotional, social, and physical well being of all involved. This is not limited just to the athletes, but includes parents, coaches, officiates, volunteers, and audience members too. We all want to enjoy the sports we love, and that means Safe Sport is a shared responsibility.
Collaboration, inclusion, education, empowerment, and participation are the key components of creating a safe space. For more information about supporting Safe Sport, visit safesportns.ca/safe-sport-means
Football Nova Scotia has a zero tolerance policy on abuse of any kind. If you suspect these Safe Sport rules are being neglected at any point and would like to know your next steps, The Canadian Sport Helpline can provide you with trusted, third-party guidance and advice.
EDUCATION
Football Nova Scotia is requiring that all individuals involved with the sport across the province take the new safe sport training module, available via the Coaching Association of Canada website.
As of January 1, 2021, coaches, officials, and all administrative staff and volunteers must be trained on conduct to prevent and address maltreatment.
The safe sport module is a free, 90-minute eLearning module that gives all participants the tools to recognize, address, and prevent maltreatment in sport. The module aligns with the principles of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport and meets Sport Canada requirements for Safe Sport education.
To take the training, you must create an account in “The Locker”, even if you are not a coach (it’s free!) We suggest saving a screenshot of the final slide when completed for your records.
RULE OF TWO (2)
Football Nova Scotia (FNS) adopts the Rule of Two policy. The goal of the Rule of Two is to ensure all interactions and communications are open, observable, and justifiable. Its purpose is to protect participants (especially minors) and coaches in potentially vulnerable situations by ensuring more than one adult is present. There may be exceptions in emergency situations.
Good practices to implement the Rule of Two
Ensure a coach is never alone and out of sight with a participant without another screened coach or screened adult (parent or volunteer) present.
Allow the training environment to be open to observation.
Ensure a participant rides in a coach's vehicle with another adult present.
Consider the gender of the participant(s) when selecting the screened coaches and volunteers present.
Eliminate one-to-one electronic messaging. Ensure that all communications are sent to the group and/or include parents.
POLICIES
Football Nova Scotia has adopted several policies aimed at addressing the maltreatment of individuals in sport.
COVID-19
Football Nova Scotia requires proof of vaccination for anyone age 12 and older at our practices and events, in accordance with Nova Scotia’s Provincial Health Guidelines. Anyone age 12 or older who is not fully vaccinated will not be able to access discretionary, recreational, or non-essential activities, with minimal exceptions. We encourage everyone to carefully read the proof of full vaccination protocol.
We will strive to provide the most accurate and up to date information possible here on our website, but we strongly advise you to check Nova Scotia’s coronavirus protocols directly whenever possible.
Concussion and injury
“When in doubt - sit them out!”
Some injuries are more outwardly noticeable than others
Sometimes it’s obvious when an athlete is injured during play: other times, they may look and even say that they feel fine when in fact they aren’t. That’s why it’s up to the coach to make the best call for the long-term health of their athletes — decisions that aren’t made lightly. Be assured that even minor concussions and injuries are treated seriously.
As more cutting-edge academic sports studies are released, Football Nova Scotia updates their policies and procedures to reflect the constant advancements. Our most recent policies are linked below. We also have quick pocket references that coaches, parents, and athletes can carry with them to sporting events, just in case! Remember, “when in doubt, sit it out!”