Home   /   New Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines

New Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines

May 4, 2016 | Uncategorized

The Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines, managed by Ophea, represent the provincial standards for risk management for school boards. They focus the attention of coaches on safe practices, in every sport, in order to minimize the element of risk.

The Safety Guidelines include concussion protocols to help prevent and identify suspected concussions and manage a student’s safe return to learning and physical activity.  The Secondary Interschool Safety Guidelines can be accessed here: http://safety.ophea.net/safety-plan/165

OFSAA has worked in partnership with Coaches Association of Ontario,  Provincial Sport Organizations and Ophea on the development of an information sheet for each higher risk sport on how to help coaches meet the higher risk coaching qualifications.  These are available at the following link: https://www.ofsaa.on.ca/resources/high-risk-sport-guidelines

The following are the new supervision requirements for safety in higher risk activities and require immediate attention:

At least one coach* must possess one of the following coaching qualifications:

  • Past experience within the last 3 years as a coach in the activity/sport, having knowledge of the activity (e.g., appropriate skills and progressions) and current safety practices as outlined in the Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines.
  • A sport specific course(s) as stated on the specific activity page.
  • Completion of (sport specific) NCCP Level 1 and/or Level 2 certification in the past.
  • Attendance at a clinic or workshop within the last three years provided by an instructor who is knowledgeable of the specific activity (e.g., appropriate skills and progressions), and where safety is addressed as outlined in the Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines.
  • Effective September 1, 2016 at least one supervisor must have current first aid (e.g., St. John
    Ambulance Emergency First Aid or equivalent) that includes CPR plus AED, and spinal injury. 
  • Specific to tackle football programs: One member of the coaching staff must be trained or (re) 
    certified in the NCCP Safe Contact module every five (5) years (starting Sept 2016)

    OFSAA playing regulations may go above these minimum standards so teacher-coaches are advised to check BOTH the Safety Guidelines AND OFSAA playing regulations.

    OFSAA supports the training and development of teacher-coaches.  In collaboration with the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) and various Provincial Sport Organizations, OFSAA is working to ensure that NCCP certification requirements are:

    OFSAA encourages you as representatives to consult with senior school board administration on an implementation strategy of training and certification in higher risk activities. 

    For more information feel free to contact the OFSAA office.

    Recent Posts

    “June Madness” Coming The Week Of June 4th

    “June Madness” Coming The Week Of June 4th

    The grandest week on the OFSAA Championships and Festivals Calendar will soon be here! As we move into June, student-athletes and coaches approach the homestretch in preparing for the events occurring in the first full week of June. Each event has their own dedicated...

    Ultimate Festival Photo Gallery

    Ultimate Festival Photo Gallery

    OFSAA would like to extend a special thank you to photographer Malcolm Bernstein. Please view his action photos, and photos of the medal-winning teams, at the link below. Give him a follow and DM him at @mgb4SPORTS. VIEW PHOTO GALLERY HERE

    Registration is LIVE! Embracing Diversity (June 23 to 25)

    Registration is LIVE! Embracing Diversity (June 23 to 25)

    The Diversity in Sports Conference is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in amateur sports. The OUA is excited to offer a variety of resources and strategies to help you create a more inclusive sports environment. Workshops and training...

    Character Athlete Award Recipients (2023)

    Character Athlete Award Recipients (2023)

    OFSAA’s Character Athlete Award celebrates the efforts of the exceptional student-athletes in Ontario who best exemplify the characteristics that OFSAA is founded on. Nominations come to the OFSAA office detailing the exceptional character of student-athletes from...

    Check Out The Winter Happenings In Our New Issue!

    Check Out The Winter Happenings In Our New Issue!

    OFSAA just came through its busiest winter sports season since 2019 with flying colours! We are thrilled to share the excitement of the "championship reboot"  from the past few months in the new Spring Issue of the Bulletin. The accomplishments of student-athletes and...

    OFSAA Bulletin

    Spring Bulletin 2023