In preparation for what promises to be a tremendous Outdoor Season 2022, as a result of the significantly reduced government restrictions, 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

Since 2016, the Respect in Sport (RiS) Activity Leader Program has been an integral part of creating a safe and respectful sport environment for soccer in Ontario. This continues to be a pivotal focus for Ontario Soccer in direct alignment with our “Everyone is Welcome” campaign. 

The RiS Activity Leader Program, as Respect Group’s flagship program, is mandatory for technical leaders (Coach and Match Officials) and is valid for a period of five (5) years. RiS Activity Leader certification is also valid and transferable across all sports. The program is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that key knowledge and new trends are shared to make the sport experience safer and more fulfilling for all participants.

We encourage all Member Districts and Clubs to educate your membership of this mandatory requirement as approved by the Board of Directors in 2016.

The following information bulletins (I2016-031 – April 4, 2016, I2016-032 – April, 5, 2016, I2016-055 – Nov. 11, 2016, A2017-008 – March, 23, 2017, A2021-009 - May 10, 2021) were sent to membership alerting the soccer community of this requirement.

For a summary overview of the originally approved five-year mandatory program implementation by phase, based on which we are now entering the next five-year re-certification cycle, please click here.

For more information on RIS’s Activity Leader Certification Program, please click here.

Certification and training is conducted through a two-hour online course and the course fee is $30.

Reduced Recertification Fee for the Activity Leader Program:

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

Click here for course access.

To obtain further information on the Respect Group Suite of education programs, Clubs should contact Stephan Moncayo.

How do I stay connected to Ontario Soccer?

For further information please refer to the latest bulletins on the COVID-19 Updates page, which has all the latest information from Ontario Soccer, as well as resources for your members. Please consider placing a dedicated link to the COVID-19 Updates on the homepage on your website.

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If you have any further questions, please contact Bjorn Osieck, Director Business Operations.