Head and assistant instructors play a critical role in shaping the sport experience of sport participants. Inherently, they are in a position of trust and authority, play an important role in the development of sport participants and ultimately shape lives in the process.
Head and assistant instructors have a duty of care for the individuals they coach. The Instructor-Athlete relationship is a privileged one and plays a critical role in the personal, sport and athletic development of the athlete. Instructors must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it, consciously or unconsciously.
As the provincial governing body for Karate in Alberta, Karate Alberta’s (KA) mission, core values and by KA’s Member Conduct, Discipline, Dispute and Appeals Policy and Procedures clearly identify the importance of upholding the highest standards of ethical practices and sportsmanship in all areas of activity, including the activity of head and assistant instructors.
As such, it is critical that KA and its affiliate clubs take steps to ensure that head and assistant instructors receive training and support to be able to uphold these values and model them to new participants, while also having mechanisms to hold those who do not uphold these values accountable.
KA’s vision is for every Karate Alberta Club Member to be certified by 2025. The Club Certification Program provides a framework for the programs and services that will aid in achieving this vision.
More Information to follow.
