How Plan to Protect® Can Help You Create Safer, Stronger Sport Environments

The sport sector is facing a crisis of trust. In recent years, the headlines have exposed what many survivors have known for decades — abuse, misconduct, and cover-ups have been far too common in sport.

From grassroots clubs to national teams, athletes have reported emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, often at the hands of those in positions of power. The consequences are devastating — to victims, to organizations, and to the public’s trust.

At Plan to Protect®, we believe it’s time to raise the bar on safeguarding in sport. We equip sport organizations with the tools, training, and policies they need to build safer programs, protect participants, and earn the trust of families. Over the last three years, we have had the privilege of working with the sports sector to raise the bar on safeguarding.

What We Offer the Sport Sector

1. Customizable Safeguarding Policies

We help sport organizations develop and implement policies that:

• Align with provincial laws and national standards like the Universal Code of Conduct (UCCMS).
• Address risks to children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
• Cover issues like harassment, grooming, boundary violations, and misconduct — with prevention and response protocols clearly laid out.

2. Sector-Specific Training for Coaches, Volunteers, and Staff

Equip your teams with the confidence and clarity they need:

• Sport-specific scenarios and risks (e.g., one-on-one training, travel, locker rooms).
• Clear boundaries, appropriate conduct, and how to recognize and report red flags.
• Online and in-person options with certification tracking and compliance records.

3. Safe Hiring & Screening Support

We help you build a reliable team from the ground up:

• Criminal record checks and vulnerable sector checks.
• Interview and reference templates designed to screen out high-risk individuals.
• Ongoing performance and suitability monitoring for coaches and volunteers.

4. Incident Response Support

Our consulting team and account managers can help you navigate complex situations with confidence:

• Clear reporting protocols and documentation tools.
• Guidance on working with law enforcement and child protection services.
• Access to crisis consultation and response coaching.

5. Safeguarding Audits, Risk Assessments and Investigations

Our safeguarding audits identify your strengths and risks:

• Review of policies, supervision, facility layout, and program design.
• Tailored recommendations to reduce liability and elevate safety.
• A strong foundation for accountability and continuous improvement.
• If the worst has happened, Plan to Protect® can provide experienced investigators to help you navigate the crisis.

6. Creating a Culture of Protection

Safeguarding is not a checklist — it’s a culture, it becomes part of your DNA

• Regular education for athletes, parents, staff, and leaders.
• Tools for open communication, boundary setting, and conflict resolution.
• A proactive, positive approach to building a safe and respectful environment.

7. Rebuilding Trust with Parents and Families

In light of high-profile abuse cases in sport, parents are more cautious than ever. When your organization adopts the Plan to Protect® standard:

• You give parents peace of mind knowing their children are in safe, well-supervised environments.
• You signal to families that you prioritize protection, accountability, and integrity.
• You build a program families can trust — and proudly recommend.

8. Qualifying for Abuse Coverage

Insurers are tightening requirements around abuse liability coverage. Without clear policies, training, and screening, you may be at risk of:

• Denied or revoked abuse coverage
• Increased premiums
• Financial liability in the event of a claim

Plan to Protect® helps you:

• Meet or exceed insurance requirements.
• Provide documentation that demonstrates your commitment to safeguarding.
• Position your organization as low-risk and high-accountability — and coverage-ready.

The Reality: Abuse in Sport

• Over 50% of athletes report experiencing some form of psychological abuse in sport.
• 1 in 5 report experiencing sexual harassment or sexual abuse.
• Cases continue to emerge across all levels — from local clubs to national governing bodies.

These numbers are not just statistics — they represent real lives. The time to act is now.

Why Partner with Plan to Protect®?

• 30+ years of leadership in abuse prevention and safeguarding.
• Trusted by thousands of organizations in Canada and beyond.
• Experts in policy, training, screening, and crisis response.
• A comprehensive, turnkey solution that helps you raise the standard of protection — and restore public trust.

📞 Let’s Raise the Bar Together

You care deeply about athlete well-being — and so do we. When you partner with Plan to Protect®, you protect your athletes, reassure families, qualify for coverage, and lead with integrity.

Let’s build a culture where every athlete can thrive — safely.

[1]Dr. Gretchen Kerr and Dr. Sandra Kirby:  These Canadian researchers have conducted extensive studies on maltreatment in sport including their peer-reviewed research unveiling these statistics.

Sheldon Kennedy’s Respect Group / Safe Sport Canada Reports. The Canadian Safe Sport Movement and affiliated organizations like Respect Group (co-founded by abuse survivor Sheldon Kennedy) echo similar stats in their training materials and white papers, reinforcing the prevalence of Widespread emotional abuse by coaches and peers and underreporting of sexual misconduct due to fear, stigma, or power imbalances.

International Studies andResearch from countries such as the UK, Australia, and the U.S. (e.g., the Athlete Culture & Climate Study, and Project CARE) also corroborate these findings, especially in elite youth sport.

Dr. Melodie Bissell, is the Sr. Safeguarding Consultant at Plan to Protect®.  She consults with clients striving to achieve a high standard of safeguarding in sports. Contact Melodie at Plan to Protect® to schedule a consultation or request a demo of our training.mbissell@plantoprotect.com 1-877-455-3555 ext. 14