Loi 45 : Better Protection for Youth in Sports and Recreation

The loi 45 introduces several significant changes to the regulations governing sports and recreation settings in Quebec. It has a clear objective: to better protect individuals, hold organizations accountable, and make sports and recreation environments safer.

This law is not merely a new administrative requirement. It also changes the way organizations must prevent risky situations, manage complaints, document follow-ups, and supervise adults who work with youth.

There is a clear need in the sports and recreation sectors: to provide young people with a safer, more transparent, and better-supervised environment.

Before this reform, many organizations had to handle sensitive situations according to their own internal rules. This could lead to inconsistent practices across different settings, particularly in prevention, complaint handling, and follow-up on problematic behavior.

Figures from a study by the Institut de la statistique du Québec (2024) clearly show why a stricter framework was necessary. According to this study, approximately 40% of young respondents participating in organized sports reported at least one form of abuse by a person in a position of authority within the sport. More specifically, 11% reported physical abuse, 8% reported sexual abuse, and 26% reported psychological abuse or neglect.

To better understand the scope of these issues, it is essential to consider the various factors that contribute to their emergence.

When an inappropriate action, remark, or behavior is downplayed, the risk to the young person increases. If the organization does not take the situation seriously from the outset, the problem is more likely to become entrenched and recur.

When a complaint is poorly documented, poorly analyzed, or not properly followed up on, young people may remain exposed to a problematic environment. The lack of clear follow-up can also create an atmosphere in which inappropriate behavior seems to go unpunished, which may discourage victims or witnesses from speaking up.

Communication via text message, Messenger, Instagram, or other private platforms can make it difficult to monitor interactions. Without clear rules or oversight, these channels can open the door to inappropriate relationships, psychological pressure, or abuse of power.

The reform is based on several key measures.

Organizations must rely on clearer guidelines to prevent and address situations involving abuse, harassment, neglect, or violence.

The law provides for the establishment of the Protecteur de l’intégrité en loisir et en sport. His role is to receive complaints, handle reports, make recommendations, and follow up with the organizations involved.

This external mechanism is designed to make the complaint-handling process more impartial, more credible, and safer for those who report an issue.

Individuals who work with minors or people with disabilities, or who are in regular contact with them, must undergo security screenings, particularly regarding their criminal history.

The loi 45 does not require specific training for all adult supervisors, but it emphasizes the importance of awareness, prevention, and training. The goal is to better equip adults to recognize risky behaviors and respond appropriately.

The loi 45 does not specifically mention communication platforms. However, it emphasizes the importance for organizations to be able to document follow-ups, maintain clear records, and provide the necessary information in the event of a complaint or a situation requiring verification.

In practical terms, the implementation of loi 45 could facilitate a transition toward: 

1. A reduction in sports-related communications via personal channels such as Messenger, text messages, or social media.
2. Greater traceability of exchanges between adult supervisors, parents, and youth.
3. Greater oversight by school administrators, sports directors, and coordinators.
4. Stricter enforcement of internal rules, such as the Rule of Two.
5. Better documentation of team follow-ups in the event of a complaint or incident.
6. A commitment to centralizing the tools used by coaches and sports officials. 

It is precisely in these areas that solutions like MonClubSportif can make a tangible difference. MonClubSportif does not replace policies, training, or complaint procedures, but rather helps schools and sports organizations implement these best practices on a daily basis. By offering features such as centralized team communications, attendance tracking, scheduling, and follow-ups, the platform gives managers a better overview, reduces isolated exchanges on personal channels, and facilitates safer management of sports teams.

The loi 45 aims to better protect young people and build trust in sports and recreational settings. It encourages organizations to implement more rigorous practices, with clear rules, documented follow-ups, and better supervision tools.

While loi 45 encourages organizations to better manage their practices, the question becomes: do you have the right tools to implement it effectively on a daily basis? 

Source:

Institut de la statistique du Québec. (2024, 9 mai). Violence experienced by teenagers in sports in Québec. https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/communique/violence-adolescents-adolescentes-milieux-sportifs-quebec