Philosophy of Volunteer and Coach Involvement
Basketball Manitoba values and respects its volunteers and coaches as key components of the sport delivery system. The organization actively seeks their input and involvement in programs, policies, and procedures. It is essential that volunteers and coaches understand their roles, responsibilities, and how they relate to the mission of Basketball Manitoba. Volunteers and coaches enhance programs and services, acting under the direction of staff while ensuring a safe and positive sport environment.
Definition of Volunteers and Coaches
A volunteer is a person who, by choice and without financial compensation, contributes time and service to assist in fulfilling the mission of Basketball Manitoba.
A coach is any person who guides athletes to train and compete in sport. Coaches are in a position of power and trust, regardless of the age of the athlete or coach.
Supervision and Accountability
All volunteers and coaches will be accountable to a staff member or designated supervisor. Basketball Manitoba provides training, support, and resources to ensure effective supervision and engagement. Volunteers and coaches must adhere to Basketball Manitoba policies, risk management standards, and guidelines to maintain a safe and structured environment.
Recruitment and Screening
Basketball Manitoba incorporates internal and external strategies to recruit a diverse and appropriate volunteer and coaching base. All individuals will be screened according to risk assessment criteria and screening standards.
Screening Process for Volunteers and Coaches
Screening is conducted to protect athletes, volunteers, and programs while ensuring the mission of Basketball Manitoba is upheld. Screening measures will be based on risk assessment and applied consistently.
Categories of Risk:
High Risk – Individuals who have direct, unsupervised access to athletes (e.g., coaches, trainers, managers, team volunteers who travel with teams, etc.).
Medium Risk – Individuals under the supervision of other staff or volunteers, with no opportunity to be alone with an athlete.
Low Risk – Individuals with limited involvement with athletes or financial affairs (e.g., one-day volunteers, committee members).
Screening Requirements:
Background Checks:
Criminal Record Check (CRC) or Police Information Check (PIC)
Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC) (recommended for high-risk roles)
Child Abuse Registry Check (CARC) (required for all coaching roles)
Screening Timelines:
Background checks are required every five years.
Screening Disclosure Forms must be completed annually.
Individuals who have obtained a CRC-PIC or E-PIC within the last five years may submit a verification letter from their employer or another sport organization.
Training & Orientation
Volunteers and coaches receive an orientation on Basketball Manitoba's mission, programs, and policies, as well as training relevant to their assigned role. They are advised of any associated risks and mitigation measures.
Respect in Sport Certification:
All coaches must complete the Respect in Sport training every five years.
Confidentiality
Volunteers and coaches are responsible for maintaining confidentiality regarding any sensitive information they encounter while serving. Those with access to sensitive information will be provided with the Basketball Manitoba Privacy Policy.
Insurance Coverage & Expenses
Basketball Manitoba maintains general liability and Directors’ & Officers’ liability insurance to cover volunteers and coaches for third-party injury or property damage during their duties. Volunteers and coaches are entitled to reimbursement for allowable and pre-approved expenses incurred during their roles.
Supervision, Feedback, and Evaluation
A staff member or supervisor will oversee volunteers and coaches. Programs and activities undergo annual reviews, incorporating volunteer and coach feedback through debriefings, surveys, and committee discussions. The board evaluates progress based on strategic priorities and volunteer impact.
Recognition
Basketball Manitoba recognizes volunteers and coaches for their contributions through formal and informal acknowledgment based on service quality and duration.
Resignation and Dismissal
Resignation: Volunteers and coaches may resign at any time, but advance notice is requested.
Dismissal: Those who do not follow policies or fail to perform satisfactorily may be dismissed after a review process. Grounds for immediate dismissal include but are not limited to:
Abuse or mistreatment of participants, staff, or volunteers
Violation of policies and procedures
Theft or misuse of resources
Being intoxicated while volunteering
Rejection and Appeal Process
Basketball Manitoba reserves the right to reject participation based on screening results.
Individuals may appeal rejections to the Appeal Committee, which considers relevance, rehabilitation efforts, and timing of infractions.
If a coach’s CARC reveals an incident, the coach will not be permitted to continue in any role. This is not appealable.
Driver’s License Requirement
Any volunteer or coach entrusted to drive a vehicle on behalf of Basketball Manitoba must possess a valid driver’s license and the appropriate class for the vehicle type.
Policy Review and Approval
This policy will be reviewed regularly by the Executive Committee and revised as necessary to align with evolving standards and best practices.
BASKETBALL MANITOBA SCREENING DISCLOSURE FORM
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Basketball Manitoba Respect in Sport Policy
Purpose of the Policy:
Basketball Manitoba is committed to creating a sport environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Coaches have a responsibility to create a sporting environment that is free of harassment and abuse.
Basketball Manitoba requires that all coaches participating in Basketball have completed the online Respect in Sport as required by Sport Manitoba.
Scope and Application:
The policy applies to all coaches registered with; or named on an official Basketball Manitoba team roster; or under the jurisdiction of Basketball Manitoba.
Any coach or trainer not having completed the program or maintained certified status in the timeframe established by Basketball Manitoba (which is currently every FIVE years) may be removed as a coach until such time that the course is completed.
The Board of Directors for Basketball Manitoba, through the Association’s Staff, is responsible for setting out the communication and timing of course completion and recertification.
Enforcement:
Non-compliance with this policy may result in further discipline as determined by the Board of Directors or in accordance with other applicable Basketball Manitoba policies.
Review and Approval:
This policy was approved by the Board of Directors and will be reviewed by the Executive Committee on an annual basis.
Policy approved by the Basketball Manitoba Board of Directors on September 27, 2021. Amended November 29, 2021, September 23, 2024 and January 27, 2025.