In an ongoing effort to keep soccer fun and safe for kids and all of the adults who help to make our game a reality, the Alabama Soccer Association (ASA) is pleased to announce the introduction of “Respect in Sport”.
Respect in Sport is an on-line training program aimed at coaches and youth activity leaders, which 
informs individuals on issues related to bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination. Designed to both protect children, and provide coaches with information and tools to help recognize and address issues of maltreatment, Respect in Sport is designed to help raise awareness and improve the culture of youth sport.
“By educating our coaches on these critical issues, and providing a platform for open discussion, we believe Respect in Sport will help to enhance the culture of our game, keep it safe for our kids, and enjoyable for all who participate in and support soccer in Alabama,” says ASA Executive Director Tom Condone.
In addition to addressing issues of maltreatment, Respect in Sport also focuses on the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of young people of different age groups and backgrounds and how to be an inclusive leader:
Respect in Sport is an on-line certified training program, which takes approximately 2 ½ hours to complete. As a web-based program, coaches can complete the program anywhere they have internet access. ASA will be providing details to Club Leaders in February.
“The Respect in Sport – Activity Leader program provides on-line education to adults who lead kids in sport and other youth activities. The aim of the program is to keep kids safe, and to help ensure the culture of youth sport remains positive and respectful for everyone involved. Ensuring the safety of kids by educating the adults on issues of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination not only helps to keep kids safe, but keeps kids engaged in sport. Creating a respectful culture, also helps retain coaches, officials, and all of the volunteers who are necessary to support youth sport,” says Respect in Sport Ontario Director, Mark Allen. "As a Canadian organization, we are very pleased to be partnering with Alabama Soccer and commend them on the leadership role they are demonstrating," says Allen.
For more on the Respect in Sport program, click here.