Friday, December 23, 2011

CHL Implements Respect in Sport Program

Press Release

 Toronto, ON - The Canadian Hockey League announced today that they have entered into a partnership with Respect Group Inc. to implement the Respect in Sport on-line training program on a national basis.

The Respect in Sport program is the only on-line training program specifically designed to enhance sports leaders’ knowledge of abuse, bullying and harassment awareness and prevention.  All 59 Member clubs of the CHL throughout the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League, and the Western Hockey League, will implement the program beginning in January.

All CHL Member Club hockey personnel will be required to take the 2.5 hour on-line training course which covers a wide spectrum of topics including recognizing the signs and symptoms of bullying, harassment and abuse as well as using positive power to create the desired environment for athletes to excel.

The CHL has been a leader for many years in providing educational and preventative programs in the area of harassment and abuse for players and staff, including offering Canadian Red Cross RespectED seminars and other player assistance services.

“The CHL, our Member Leagues and 59 franchises are committed to continue offering a safe and positive environment for all of our players”, commented CHL President David Branch “We believe having all club hockey personnel enrolled in the Respect in Sport program will only further educate our members to help identify and prevent forms of bullying, abuse or harassment”.

“Proactive education is the only way to get ahead of abuse, bullying and harassment” said Wayne McNeil, Co-Founder of Respect Group Inc. “By empowering all hockey leaders with the tools they need to deal with these volatile issues the CHL has taken a very positive step towards prevention. We applaud CHL’s leadership in this regard and commend them for keeping  the safety of their participants a number one priority!”


(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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