The Safeguarding Tennis initiative supports the Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) initiated and coordinated by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). The goal is to create a coach-led, athlete-focused, safe and fun sport environment for both players and coaches that reflect the values of community, teamwork, integrity, sportsmanship and excellence.
Complete background check
Coaches and Clubs/Organizations – use the link above for exclusive benefits on Background Checks. See Step-by-Step Instructions and FAQs for detailed information.
We all play a part in making sure that our sport provides safe and positive environments for participants to enjoy and prosper in tennis. Safeguarding Tennis helps coaches and organizations lead the way by:.
- Recognizing the responsibility we all have in creating safe and respectful sport environments
- Streamlining the process for Background Checks
- Strengthening policies and procedures regarding child safety
- Promoting child safety measures in everyday practice
- Giving coaches and organizations the tools and information to be leaders in fostering safe and enjoyable tennis environments.
All tennis coaches and clubs/organizations are strongly encouraged to adopt as many recommendations, as reasonably possible, from the Safeguarding Tennis guidelines outlined below:
New Code of Conduct and Declaration of Good Character
Coaches will be required to acknowledge two additional documents when registering or renewing their TPA Certification:
- A new Professional Coaching Code of Conduct will replace the existing Code of Ethics. Coaches will be required to read and acknowledge the code as part of their TPA certification registration and renewal. The new code adds disciplinary measures that coaches may be subject to if they are found in violation of the code.
- Declaration of Good Character must be signed-off at annual TPA renewal
Rule of Two
Two screened and certified coaches should always be present with a single athlete or multiple athletes when in an enclosed space
The spirit of this rule is to ensure that both athlete and coach are not put in a vulnerable position. When a second certified coach is unavailable, an adult may fulfill this role.
For further information and guidance on the Rule of Two, please see the Rule of Two Definition, Tips for Coaches to Support the Rule of Two and the Guidelines for Adults interacting with Children in Sport provided by the Coaching Association of Canada.
Background Checks
All organizations and individuals involved in delivering tennis in Canada should conduct regular Background Checks through Sterling Talent Solutions
Complete background check
Step-by-Step Instructions and FAQs
Background Checks are an important screening policy to protect children, earn the trust of parents, manage risk and liability and improve the quality of people involved in tennis. Clubs, organizations and individuals (including coaches, volunteers, administrators, officials, parent chaperones and course facilitators) should have up-to-date Background Checks prior to involvement.
Preferred pricing and benefits available for Coaches and Organizations
The TPA has accessed the relationship between Sterling Talent Solutions (Sterling) and the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) to provide preferred rates on Background Checks (through Sterling’s platform) for everyone involved in tennis in Canada.
The benefits of Sterling’s platform include:
For Individuals (Coaches, Volunteers, Officials, Administrators):
- Preferred rate of $25 applies to the enhanced Background Check called the Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC)
- Receive your Check in one business day
- Electronic access to your completed Background Check through your own online account
- Easily share your Background Check with multiple organizations for FREE
For Organizations:
- Preferred rate of $25 can be offered to your employees, volunteers or contractors
- Efficient system that provides Background Checks within one business day
- Benefit from an on-line, centralized account to keep track of Checks for all employees, contractors and volunteers
- Set up your account to cover the fee for certain groups or set up applicant paid Checks
For more information about Sterling Talent Solutions and general information about Background Checks, please reference FAQs
Additional Resources and Learning
Use additional ethics resources and on-line modules for continuing professional development
Available Resources:
Best Practices for Clubs and Organizations
Clubs & Organizations should incorporate Best Practice recommendations in their policies and procedures
- Hire TPA active Certified Coaches
- Have a clear policy regarding Background Check requirements
- Ensure up-to-date Background Checks for all staff, volunteers and contract employees
- Open account with Sterling Talent Solutions to centralize and easily track background checks for people in your organization
- Conduct Background Checks for Individuals ahead of employment or involvement with your organization
- Require updated Background Checks every 1-3 years
- Encourage those working with children’s activities and programs to utilize the Rule of Two
- Review TPA Recommendations for Organizations
- Incorporate principles from Quality Standards for Kids Tennis Programs
