Something quite predictable happened when a series of stories appeared this week detailing hundreds of coaches charged and convicted of sexual offences against young athletes in dozens of amateur sports across Canada. But it has proven far harder to create — and maintain — a coaching environment that ensures young athletes can safely play and compete in sport. It’s up to staff, other coaches, volunteers, officials and parents to see things clearly and make the right choices to protect current and future athletes. Even at the highest levels of amateur sport in Canada, many teams struggle to send their world-class athletes to international competition. But it will also take an organizational and funding structure for amateur sport that can realistically see it all through.

Source: thestar February 13, 2019 22:18 UTC