Respect Group was co-founded by Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil to pursue their common passion: working to empower people to recognize and prevent abuse, bullying, and harassment and discrimination. Through interactive online certification programs such as Respect in Sport and the Respect in Sport Activity Leader/Coach Program, Kennedy and McNeil are carrying out their vision of inspiring a global culture of respect in sport and recreation.
Respect in Sport is huge; it reflects respect in life and allows people to develop and grow to what their potential would suggest, and it’s not just the game of hockey." – Tom Renney
The Respect in Sport Activity Leader/Coach Program offers an engaging and easy-to-use online training course for sport leaders of all levels. The intent of this training is to:
In Canadian hockey, over 230,200 coaches are certified by Respect Group Inc.
Q: What is Respect in Sport?
A: The Respect in Sport Activity Leader/Coach Program helps hockey coaches and youth leaders recognize, understand and respond to issues of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.
If you still have questions about Respect in Sport, visit:
These pages will provide you with information about Respect in Sport as well as an in-depth Frequently Asked Questions section.
Q: How do I sign up for and take the Respect in Sport online course?
A: You need to sign up through your Hockey Canada Member. Please contact your Member coaching contact for a registration link.
Q: I took Respect in Sport with another sport. Do I have to take it again?
A: No. However, you will have to register your certificate number for the parent or activity leader/coach program.
Q: I have taken the Speak Out course. Do I need to take Respect in Sport?
A: No. Speak Out is grandfathered in as an equivalent for the Respect in Sport Activity Leader/Coach Program. However, completion of the Speak Out program does not cover Respect in Sport for Parents.