Update Regarding Safe Sport Criteria

Update Regarding Safe Sport Criteria

Safe Sport Screening Requirements

The PGA of Canada is committed to providing a safe sport environment to our members, staff, and those we provide our services. One that is free of all forms of maltreatment. Through our Safe Sport Policy, we foster respect, fairness, inclusivity, and transparency.

At the February Board of Directors meeting, the Board passed a Safe Sport Screening Policy that will apply to all members, National staff, and the National Board.  

The PGA of Canada understands that screening personnel and members is a vital part of providing a safe sporting environment and aligns with requirements among sport organizations that provide programs and services to the community. As part of our Safe Sport Commitment, the PGA of Canada is responsible, through our duty of care, to do everything reasonable to provide a safe and secure environment for our members and those we serve through our programs, services, and events. This policy is critical to our association in order to minimize our risk and protect our almost 4,000 members. 

New Safe Sport Screening Requirements

All members will be required to complete the following safe sport screening requirements.

  • Every three (3) years, a police record check with ISB Global Services
  • Safe Sport Training through the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC)
  • Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders through the Respect Group
These requirements must be met by December 31, 2024, to ensure your membership remains in good standing with the PGA of Canada. Failure to do so will result in suspension of your PGA of Canada membership.

In 2024, all members will be required to log on to their account with ISB to review and track the completion of the safe sport screening requirements. The system will be connected directly to the Respect Group and will be updated within a business day of completion of the training. The CAC Safe Sport Training Certificate can be uploaded into the ISB Global Services system and will be verified within 2-3 business days.
The PGA of Canada Privacy Officer will have access to track the completion of the required training as well as the status of your police record check.

Police Checks
The police check process with ISB Global Services can be completed online in less than 5 minutes and the cost is $25 plus tax. An email will be sent from ISB to members with step-by-step instructions next week. 

Already completed a police record check in the past 3 years (2022, 2023, or 2024)?
If so, you will not be required to complete another one until your current one expires after three (3) years. Please review the questions below to ensure it is updated on your PGA of Canada account with ISB Global.

Completed your police record check through Sterling Backcheck for the PGA of Canada in the past three years (2022, 2023, or 2024)?  
If so, you do not need to complete a new police record check. The police check requirement will be checked off with our new system via ISB Global Services.

Completed your police record check through another provider in the past three years (2022, 2023, or 2024)?

If so, upload a photo of your completed police check on the ISB one-Badge platform to ensure it is a valid.

Coaching Association of Canada Safe Sport Training
  • Please visit: https://thelocker.coach.ca/account/login?ReturnUrl=%2f
  • Once logged in, please select eLearning and select multi-sport on the right-hand column. The Safe Sport module will be an option from the list of courses available.
  • This eLearning module will take approximately 1–1.5 hours to complete and there is NO cost. For more information about the course and to access the module please visit https://coach.ca/sport-safety/safe-sport-training
  • Access to The Locker (https://thelocker.coach.ca) is required for the completion of this e-learning module. PGA of Canada Professionals can find their NCCP numbers at the bottom of the PGA Credit Tracker (https://www.pgaofcanada.com/members/check-your-credits). If you don’t have an account, you will be required to register for one. For troubleshooting, including access to your account please email coach@coach.ca
  • Note: If you have already completed this training, you will not be required to retake it. For Apprentice Professionals, proof of completion can be provided through the Assignment Tool in the Training Academy or by emailing it to education@pgaofcanada.com.
Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders
  • Please visit: https://pgacanada.respectgroupinc.com
  • If you have an existing Activity Leader Program certificate, select "Already Certified?" and follow the prompts.
  • If you have an existing profile in any other Respect Group program, select "New to this Program?" then "Look-Up".
  • If this is your first time registering for a Respect Group Program, select "New to this Program?" followed by "Register".
  • Complete registration.
  • Select "Submit" at the bottom of the page. You will be requested to review and accept the Privacy policy.
  • On the payment page, click "Pay Now". The cost of the learning is $30.00 plus tax which is paid directly to the Respect Group.
  • Once successfully logged in, you will default to the Home page. Select "Program Access" to view the modules. This eLearning module will take approximately 1–1.5 hours to complete.
  • You will be asked if you would like to connect this module to your account with The Locker (https://thelocker.coach.ca) through the Coaching Association of Canada. Please select 'yes' to ensure all coaching/teaching credentials are up to date on your Locker account. PGA of Canada Professionals with an existing account can find their NCCP numbers at the bottom of the PGA Credit Tracker.
  • Note: If you have already completed this training, you will not be required to retake it unless you would like a refresher. For Apprentice Professionals, proof of completion can be provided through the Assignment Tool in the Training Academy (where you’ll receive 0.5 credits) or by emailing it to education@pgaofcanada.com.

Exceptions

The ONLY exception that will be granted is to Class “A” Life Professionals who fill out a self-declaration form to indicate they no longer teach golf lessons or work any hours in the golf industry. Breach of this policy by exempt individuals will result in suspension.

The PGA of Canada may require members to complete a refresher of CAC Safe Sport Training and/or Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders if the content has significant updates. If this is the case, a communication will be sent, and all members will be given six (6) months to complete the training. The steps and costs would be the same as outlined above.

For more information on the PGA Code of Professional Conduct and Safe Sport Policy, our commitment, discipline process, and how to contact our Independent Third Party please visit our website.