Dare to Care in Sports

DARE TO CARE IN SPORT (DTCS) 

The Canadian Human Rights Act gives each person an equal opportunity to live without being hindered or harmed by discriminatory practices. All provinces and territories have legislation that makes it clear that organizations are required to deal with harassment.

We have a duty to provide a safe environment for training and competition for all members of the UCSC organization. The UCSC is very proud to be the first sports organization in Canada to make it mandatory for all athletes, staff, coaches and parents (members), and officials to receive sport specific bullying prevention education. This was established in the spring of 2017 through a partnership formed between the founder of the school-based DARE TO CARE program and the UCSC board of directors. Through this partnership, DARE TO CARE IN SPORT was created, pilot tested during the 2017/18 swim season and resulted in 98% of our membership attending. The training components included the following areas;

ï     a definition of bullying, which then allows concrete identification of bullying behaviors specific tools and strategies to assist swimmers, staff, coaches and members to prevent and stop bullying

ï     a shared vocabulary and understanding of bullying to assist in communication and process issues if conflict arises or a complaint is made

ï     an introduction and explanation of the Club’s new policy on Harassment and Bullying

In the present swim season 2023/24, and going forward, we will continue to make it mandatory for all new members joining UCSC to receive the DARE TO CARE IN SPORT (DTCS). For all returning members; including swimmers, parents, staff, coaches, and officials who have completed the DARE TO CARE IN SPORT in the past, a presentation in person will also be required. To provide clarification, both parents of a swimmer/s as well as  step-parents and guardians are required to complete the DTC seminar.

As part of my registration, I agree to the following:

-       I understand that it is mandatory for my membership in UCSC, that as a new parents/guardians and all of my swimmers are required to attend the Dare to Care in Sport workshop on Bullying/Bullying Prevention.

-       I understand as a returning member to UCSC that I may be required to complete a workshop/review course, which I understand must be completed by February  28, 2024.

 -       I understand that I have the option to complete online surveys before and after the workshop. I understand the survey completion is completely anonymous and VOLUNTARY. The results of the survey will be used for program evaluation and improvement.

-       I understand that if new parents and swimmers do not attend one of the sessions offered by UCSC by February 28, 2024, I agree to a penalty fee of $200 to be paid to the UCSC to prepare a make-up session of the Dare to Care in Sport. I understand I will be suspended from volunteering on deck and earning points, as well as denied bingo shift assignment, chaperoning, and any job or role that receives points or bingo credits. Point obligations will continue to accrue during the suspension period. The $200 is to cover the cost and administration of scheduling a Dare to Care session.

-       I understand that if a refresher course is offered and mandatory, following the cutoff date given to the membership, any returning members (parents and swimmers) that have not completed the DTCS online video and quiz will be charged a $50.00 per person fee and will be suspended from volunteering on deck and earning points, as well as denied bingo shift assignment, chaperoning, and any job or role that receives points or bingo credits. Point obligations will continue to accrue during the suspension period.

**The cut off date may change to due to availability of the seminars. Info will be sent out about this as we know more.