What does the Rule of Two require?
Guideline- Canada
- Coaching Association of Canada
- Responsible Coaching Movement
- Rule of Two
- Safe sport
- 2026-27
- Volunteers
- Coaches
- Parents
The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) says the goal of the Rule of Two is to ensure all interactions and communications are open, observable and justifiable. In practice, two responsible adults (a coach, parent or screened volunteer) are present with a participant.
The CAC's practical guidance covers five areas:
- Work as a team: a coach has another coach or a screened adult (parent or volunteer) present.
- Remain open to the public: keep the training environment open and observable.
- Plan transportation: two adults when travelling with participants.
- Be sensible: consider the gender of the participants when selecting coaches or volunteers.
- Transparent communication: group messages, or include parents or guardians, with no one-to-one messaging.
The CAC calls it a leading practice for a safe sport environment, and says there may be exceptions in emergency situations.
Sources: https://coach.ca/sport-safety/responsible-coaching-movement/rule-two and https://coach.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2024-07/cac-rcm-rule-of-two-infographic-en.pdf
Added 25 Oct 2026