The Ontario Soccer Summit was recently witness to the keynote address by Sheldon Kennedy, the Co-founder of the Respect Group, which provides empowering online abuse, bullying and harassment prevention education to sport organizations, schools and the workplace.

The speech, which was released publicly Monday, has sent ripples through the Ontario community around the need for abuse education and the role and responsibilities of coaches and administrators.

A former National Hockey League player, Kennedy has been instrumental in bringing governments, public and private sector partners together to influence policy change and improve the way child abuse is handled.

A victim of abuse himself during his career, Kennedy has delivered a special message directly to the Ontario Soccer community.

Districts and Clubs are encouraged to share this message from Kennedy and once again asked to educate their members on the educational requirements, as part of an approved March 2016 Ontario Soccer Board of Directors rollout, of the RIS Activity Leader Program.

Three information bulletins (I2016-031 – April 4, 2016, I2016-032 – April, 5, 2016, I2016-055 – Nov. 11, 2016) were sent in 2016 alerting the Ontario Soccer community to these requirements.

The following is the approved five year program phase in process:

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

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

Click here for course access.

If you have any further questions, please contact Matt Kassabian.