Ringette Saskatchewan’s Executive Director, Andrea Kozan took a moment to speak with Sask Sport about the inclusion initiatives they practice to ensure every participant feels welcomed, supported and safe.

As a sport organization, how do you work to create an overall inclusive and welcoming environment for all levels, from coaches to athletes?

At Ringette Saskatchewan, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience sport in a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment. As our sport evolves, so do we; adapting our practices to ensure inclusion across all identities, abilities, and backgrounds. We actively promote values of respect, safety, and belonging in our programming, and we are committed to providing opportunities for everyone.

How do coaches work to ensure that the team atmosphere is safe for all athletes?

Ringette Saskatchewan emphasizes an athlete-centered approach to navigating sport experiences. This approach encourages coaches to create and maintain atmospheres where athletes feel welcomed and accepted.

To maintain coaching certifications, coaches are obligated to engage in further learning through various certifications offered through NCCP training. Some of these workshops focus on Safe Sport and creating inclusive and safe environments for athletes of different backgrounds.

How has gender inclusive language influenced the experience for athletes?

Gender inclusive language can create an environment where athletes feel empowered, respected and represented in their sport community. Adopting inclusive language aligns with Ringette Canada’s Trans-Inclusion guidelines and can foster equitable and safe environments for all athletes.

As a sport organization, how do you continue to look to educate and inform coaches on the constantly developing and growing area that is inclusive language and safe sport?  

Safe sport is a pivotal component of ensuring positive sporting experiences for athletes in Ringette Saskatchewan. Emphasizing this component and other areas that contribute to safe sport like inclusive language will continue to guide Ringette Saskatchewan and its members.

· Ringette is typically seen as a sport for women and girls, how are you working to grow the sport to reach all individuals?

Ringette Saskatchewan is proud to represent a generally underrepresented group of athletes – females. However, we also understand that as the sport grows, our athlete demographic will continue to evolve as well. Guidance from Ringette Canada and seeking support from other provincial organizations will continue to help us navigate our ever evolving and growing athlete population.