Guaranteeing your child’s sporting safety with the rule of two

In the world of sport, where passion and dedication shape young athletes, their safety and well-being must remain paramount. As parents, prioritizing the safety and well-being of your child’s sporting activities is essential. The “Rule of Two”, a practice adopted in many sports programs, plays an indispensable role in preserving this safety. This often underestimated but essential rule requires two responsible adults to be present during interactions with athletes, especially when they are minors.

This rule, created by the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, requires the presence of at least two responsible adults during any interaction with athletes, especially minors. Its application is not limited to training sessions or competitions, but extends to all facets of sport, including online communications. This rule considerably reduces the risk of inappropriate or abusive behavior.

The importance of this rule lies in its ability to protect young athletes. It provides a framework in which sporting passion can flourish in a safe and caring environment. Sports associations and schools that adopt it show their commitment to the protection and well-being of athletes. For parents, whose primary concern is their children’s safety, understanding and supporting this rule is fundamental.

With the increasing integration of social networks into sports communication, their management is becoming crucial to the safety of young athletes. Private interactions on these platforms, while convenient, can unfortunately open the door to abuse and violations of privacy. Indeed, according to a study conducted by a professor at California Polytechnic State University, the majority of offenders used their mobile devices to make contact with victims. [1]

To counter these risks, it’s essential to apply the Rule of Two in a digital context. This means ensuring that all communications between coaches and athletes take place seamlessly, with at least one other responsible adult present. Sports teams and schools must put in place strict policies governing the use of social networks, giving priority to secure communication platforms and avoiding one-to-one exchanges. Implementing a team management tool (such as MonClubSportif) allows us to respect the rule of two in a digital context. By adopting these practices, we can guarantee a safe digital environment for our young athletes, while preserving the benefits of modern communication.

As a parent, it’s crucial to ensure that your children’s sports programs follow the Rule of Two. This practice is an essential element in ensuring a safe sporting environment. In the digital age, where the boundaries between private and public life are easily blurred, the importance of monitoring and transparency in communications becomes even more crucial.

Sources and mediagraphy
[1] Molly M. Henschel & Billie-Jo Grant (2018): Exposing School Employee Sexual
Abuse and Misconduct: Shedding Light on a Sensitive Issue, Journal of Child Sexual Abuse.