Coaches are a central element of the movement towards safer sport. In Part 6, we have two chapters written by experts in the coaching field, one from an academic perspective and the other from an organizational standpoint.

Chapter 15 written by Michael Van Bussel, PhD, and Kirsty Spence, PhD, Professors of Sport Management at Brock University, focuses on sport relationships and the idea of relational risk management. By developing a care-driven model and relational risk management plan, Van Bussel and Spence explain how this can positively impact sport organizations, administrators, coaches, and athletes.

In Chapter 16, Van Bussel and Spence build upon their first-edition discussion of relational risk management planning by exploring its practical applications in sport. They emphasize the importance of an athlete-centred approach, arguing that athletes must have influence over their environment rather than being passive participants. By outlining three key pillars, contextual sensitivity, responsiveness and trust, and consequence of choice, they challenge coaches and sport administrators to actively assess and strengthen their safe sport policies to better support and protect athletes at all levels.

In Chapter 17, the Coaching Association of Canada’s (CAC) Director of Sport Safety, and Director of Education Partnerships, Policy Development and Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) both offer their insight on the role of the coach in achieving safer sport. Isabelle Cayer and Peter Niedre write about the culture shifts that have impacted the safe sport movement, and the ways in which the CAC has taken action to offer and promote training and coach education for individuals and organizations looking to implement change.

Abbreviations and Acronyms