The use of criminal law to regulate the conduct of sport participants has a long history, within which Canada is noted as being unique in using criminal law as a means of governing player behaviour. Indeed, Canadian case law has provided the basis for judicial reasoning in such cases across a … [Read more...] about When Rough Play Becomes Assault
Violence and Harassment in the Workplace – Compliance
Last month we gave a presentation to the membership of the Sport Alliance of Ontario (SAO) relating to the requirements of the newly legislated provincial Bill 168 – Workplace Violence and Harassment. This topic generated numerous questions and made us realize that many NSOs, PSOs and MSOs may have … [Read more...] about Violence and Harassment in the Workplace – Compliance
Sport Organizations and the New Occupational Health and Safety Act
On June 15th 2010, an amendment to the Occupational Health and Safety Act was signed into Ontario law which focuses on workplace harassment and violence. The new changes are important for all workplaces, including sport organizations. It is also notable that the vast majority of National Sport … [Read more...] about Sport Organizations and the New Occupational Health and Safety Act
Canada Raises Legal Age of Consent
The term “age of consent” is the age at which one is legally allowed to engage in sexual activity. In June 2006, the Harper government introduced Bill C-15, the Tackling Violent Crime Act, to raise the legal age of consent in Canada from 14 to 16. Officially, the purpose of the bill was to address … [Read more...] about Canada Raises Legal Age of Consent
Violence in Sport Part II – Dealing With Violence as a Legal Issue
In the last issue, we discussed the topic of violence in sport from the criminal law perspective, specifically in the context of a charge of assault. An increasing number of violent acts occurring during competitive sport events are being addressed using "tort law." As opposed to our criminal law, … [Read more...] about Violence in Sport Part II – Dealing With Violence as a Legal Issue
Violence in Sport Part I – It’s Your Responsibility Too
This is the first of a two-part column on the legal parameters of violence in sport. Part one focuses on a criminal law perspective. Part two will look at the issue from a civil (or tort) law perspective. Why might this information be useful and important to the coach? In the case of Dunn v. … [Read more...] about Violence in Sport Part I – It’s Your Responsibility Too