May 23, 2017
The ON Sport Recognition Policy is an initiative of Game ON – The Ontario Government’s Sport Plan, which articulates the provincial government’s sport priorities, identifies the measures that will be taken to achieve them, and provides clarity about the roles and responsibilities between the provincial government and the sport sector. The sport plan is designed to be athlete-centered and results-oriented and focuses on three priorities for amateur sport: participation; development; and excellence.
Athletics Ontario (AO) plays an important role in the sport system by developing Athletics across Ontario and encouraging participation in recreational and competitive sport programs. AO is responsible for: developing the sport; providing a competitive pathway for athlete development; selecting provincial teams; recruiting and training coaches, officials and volunteers; conducting provincial championships; and ensuring operation within Athletics Canada as a member Branch.
AO successfully met the criteria established by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) and on April 5, 2017, was granted recognition as the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) for Athletics (Track & Field, Race Walking, Cross Country, Road Running and Trail Running) in Ontario.
The ON Sport Recognition Policy outlined mandatory requirements for PSOs in the areas of governance, individual policies, safety and programming in order to be recognized. AO has now implemented a series of new or amended policies (September 2016 to March 2017), in addition to fulfilling its governance requirements. Â All individual AO members and AO member clubs are required to comply with these new or amended policies.
The policies and required governance documents (listed below) can be found on the AO website at: http://athleticsontario.ca/policies/.
- AO’s elected Board of Directors
- By-laws, Operational and Financial Policies
- Minutes of Annual General Meetings
- Policies:
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- Accessibility Policy
- Concussion Management and Return to Play Guidelines
- Discipline Policy
- Dispute Resolution Policy
- Equity and Inclusion Policy
- Harassment Policy
- Member Codes of Conduct (General, Board of Directors, Coaches, Officials and Athletes)
- Membership Policy
- ON Team Selection Policy
- Privacy Policy
AO is grateful to its Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, as well as the MTCS for the roles they played in developing new or amending existing policies.
Please ensure that this information is communicated to all club members including athletes and their parents.
For more information, or any questions pertaining to the new or amended policies, please contact:
Ross Ste-Croix
Executive Director
Athletics Ontario
647.641.8976
ross-stecroix@athleticsontario.ca