What You Can Do: Parents

• Become a True Sport Citizen by adding your name to the growing list of communities, groups and individuals across Canada who believe in the power of good sport by completing the online form at www.truesport.ca/declare.
• Be a role model for your child:
  • Make sport, physical activity and healthy living a normal part of your life. Make time to play as a family.
  • Volunteer within your child’s sport team/club.
  • Show respect for athletes, coaches, officials and other parents/spectators on and off the field, court or ice. Remember that your actions and words influence your children and those around you.
  • Respect others and keep it fun – you will undoubtedly come across challenges and difficult situations, be constructive in how you deal with them.
• Be a True Sport Champion in your community. Share the True Sport Principles with other parents, your child’s team/club and other community groups. Encourage local clubs, teams, leagues, sport organizations and your municipality to join True Sport.
• Stand up for good sport in your community and surround yourself with others who share your expectations for a positive sport environment.
• Familarize yourself with the team, club or municipal codes of conduct to ensure that your behaviour, on and off the field, contributes to a positive sport environment for everyone.
• Introduce your child’s team/coach to the True Sport Agreeement.
• Ask your child why he/she wants/likes to play sport and align your expectations with those of your child.
• Familiarize yourself with Long Term Athlete Development which captures the appropriate ages and stages of physical development.
• Promote a positive body image. Encourage your child to find a sport that is appropriate for their abilities and their natural body type.
• Encourage and support your child in all of their sport activities – whether they are striving for the podium, playing on a local sport team or playing pick-up sports in the park.
• Encourage your child to find a balance by getting involved in non-sport activities and/or by giving back to their community.
• Learn about the importance of playing clean and the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) as well as athlete’s rights and responsibilities.
• The right sport experience will provide you and your child with a positive sport experience – align your expectations and those of your child with what a team or club can offer. Some things to consider:
  • Is the team/club a member of the True Sport Movement? How do they live the True Sport Principles?
  • Does the team/club offer learn-to or free try-it opportunities so that your child can try the sport before making a commitment?
  • Does the team/club provide competitive and non-competitive levels of play?
  • Does the team/club over-emphasize winning at all cost?
  • Do all participants have the same opportunities to play, train and compete?
  • What is your commitment to the team/club (time, financial, fundraising, travel, volunteering)?
  • Are registration assistance, equipment lending/swapping programs available?
  • What type of insurance coverage is available in case of injury?
  • Are coaches and volunteers properly trained and offered opportunities for development?
  • What is the volunteer screening policy?
  • Are training programs appropriate for the ages and stages of physicial development?
  • Is there a transparent coach and team selection process?
  • Are participants encouraged to give back to their community?
  • Does the team/club recognize and celebrate their athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers?
  • What do other members say about their sport experience with this team/club?