A new joint campaign between the Government of Saskatchewan and Sask Sport Inc. is teaching coaches, athletes, and parents about the impacts of abuse, harassment, and discrimination.

SaskSport provides several support tools including a toll free hot line, several dispute resolution services, and policies that coaches must follow in order to maintain a positive environment. In addition, the campaign supports Sask Sport and their members in the promotion of resources to ensure more coaches are trained in current, safe-sport best practices.

This campaign also works with Respect in Sports, an online support program to help coaches and young athletes to recognize, understand and respond to issues of bullying. Expert staff provide information, bilingual support, resources and referrals in sports by phone, text or email.

These services are all confidential, and encourage coaches athletes and parents, to decide for themselves, what the most important factors are for their situation, and determine the best way to deal with them.

“We are so proud of our partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan and Sask Sport,” Respect Group Co-Founder Sheldon Kennedy said. “Training programs are only successful when organizations make them a priority.”

In addition, the campaign supports Sask Sport and their members in the promotion of resources to ensure more coaches are trained in current safe-sport best practices.

Ultimately, this campaign is designed to help ensure a healthy, safe, and respectful environment for young athletes, who very well may be dealing with bullying in another area of their lives.