As part of our planned efforts for Return to Play this summer, Ontario Soccer is focused on supporting its member organizations in ensuring that all participants have a safe and positive experience on and off the pitch. 

Respect in Sport Re-Certification Reminder:

The Respect in Sport Activity Leader program has been an integral part of creating a safe and respectful sport environment. Ontario Soccer would like to remind all Districts, Clubs and Academies to educate your stakeholders on these mandatory requirements, as part of an approved March 2016 Ontario Soccer Board of Directors rollout, of the RIS Activity Leader Program. (Ontario Soccer OP’s - Section 11 Coaches- Procedure 3.0 – Coaching certification requirements, 3.4)

These information bulletins (I2016-031 – April 4, 2016, I2016-032 – April, 5, 2016, I2016-055 – Nov. 11, 2016, A2017-008 – March, 23, 2017) were sent to membership alerting the Ontario Soccer community of these requirements.

Certification is valid for five years and the RIS Activity Leader certification program is transferable and recognized across other sports. 

For a summary overview of the five year mandatory program phase based on which Ontario Soccer is now entering its next five-year re-certification cycle, please click here.

For more information on RIS’s Activity Leader certification program, please view here.

Certification and training is conducted through a two-hour online course and the current course fee is $30. Please see below for further details on a new reduced rate.

Click here for course access.

Launch of Respect in Sport RTP Incentive Program

During these challenging times, Ontario Soccer is actively looking for additional ways to provide value to and support our member organizations to Pitch In. Play ON!

Therefore, Ontario Soccer is teaming up with our Partners from Respect in Sport, as Canadian Leaders in online education to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination, to offer a great educational and fundraising opportunity.

Respect Group understands the devastating impact that the Covid-19 Pandemic had on amateur sports organizations across Canada. As a show of its commitment to support you with your Return to Play plans, they are offering extra support for Ontario Soccer member organization in two key ways:

1. Reduced Recertification Fee for the Activity Leader Program:

The RiS Activity Leader Program, as Respect Group’s flagship program, is mandatory for all Activity Leaders within Ontario Soccer based on a 5-year re-certification cycle. The program is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that key knowledge and new trends are shared with Activity Leaders completing this important training to make the sport experience safer and more fulfilling for all participants.

To reduce the financial impact on participants and their organizations, Respect Group has graciously reduced the user fee for re-certifications ONLY from $30/ user originally to now only $15/ user.

1. Special 15% Return to Play Incentive for Parent Program and Keeping Girls in Sport:

Beyond the RiS Activity Leader Program, Respect Group has a number of innovative and highly relevant programs in their suite of educational Safe Sport offerings, which are currently optional for Ontario Soccer Member Organizations.

For any Ontario Soccer Member Clubs/Academies that wish to proactively implement either of these programs as requirements within their own organizations, Respect Group is offering a special 15% Return to Play incentive for both the Respect in Sport Parent Program (providing parents with the tools to ensure a safe and positive sport experience for their child) and/or the Keeping Girls in Sport Program (providing coaches and parents the tools to ensure that young girls stay involved and thrive in their soccer environment).

To obtain the incentive and set-up either or both programs, Ontario Soccer member organizations should contact Stephan Moncayo prior to July 12, 2021.