Wednesday April 9th 2025
In science, when something is a theory, it means that it hasn’t been proved to be irrefutably true. However, it has enough aspects that have been put into practice thus far that allow it be be used until it’s disproven. A law however is something that’s irrefutable and proven. It has gone under rigorous testing and has been consistent and reliable. Another word for a law is a rule. The subtle difference is that a law is a rule that is enforced by a Court of Law. Therefore, when talking about laws and rules, they are almost somewhat interchangeable. This brings me to the Rule of Two.
One athlete, two coaches are always suggested
For those people who don’t know, the Rule of Two was instituted by the CAC (Coaching Association of Canada) and is taught in the NCCP (National Coaching Certificate Program). It states that when dealing with athletes, especially minors and members of the opposite sex, there should always be another adult present if this is being done in an area that isn’t in public. This is to protect both the athletes and the coaches as some deplorable acts done by some coaches in a variety of sports have led physical, psychological and even sexual abuse.
Likewise, athletes who have had some form of agenda or vendetta have accused coaches of impropriety in an effort to either get their way or to ruin the coach’s life. In short, the Rule of Two was made to eliminate this, and I for one am in agreement with it.
Even without the Rule of Two, two coaches offers a different perspective (Photo property of Walter Howor)
Now, if you’re wondering why this came up, I was made aware that at a Governing Board meeting at my school, the Quebec government wants to institute continuous, in-depth background checks (as opposed to the cursory background checks they perform once in a while) of all individual that are in continuous contact with students. When I heard this, I was actually quite pleased, provided that the fact that this background check is being done could also be shared to our NSOs and PSOs, thereby eliminating the need for me to do it on my own. This would also eliminate the time and cost in which it takes to get done. This however is only in discussion and will not eliminate the need for me to renew my VSC (Vulnerable Sectors Check) as it will expire this summer.
Some coaches may balk at the idea, seeing it as people questioning their integrity. While this sentiment may have been prevalent at the beginning, the mood from coaches has since changed and has been nothing but positive in recent years. However, I’m opposed to the idea that as coaches, we should have to pay for it out of pocket and that it should be a circus to get it organized. After all, if I’m guilty, would I really be in a rush to get it done?
Coaches who know how to lead will always have someone else with them
Another reason for this is the fact that in recent years, there was a push for coaches to not only get certified, but to have all their background checks put into place before they would ever step onto the mat. This was to insure a uniformity across the board and would put everyone at the same starting point. However, in the last few years, this has become somewhat lax as I see many people who I know aren’t certified in the corners at the various tournaments. Even worse, there are some coaches that believe they’re exempt from this as I’m not consciously aware of them looking to either complete or even begin the process of certification. If that’s the case, then the standards have been completely abandoned and that can only be a detriment for the sport.
It’s when you get certified that you learn about the Rule of Two, as well as other things that some of these self-anointed coaches may not be aware of, that it makes it safer for all parties involved. Only through the acquiring of eduction through certification can we insure a safe environment for both our athletes and coaches.