True Sport

Sport is an integral part of Canadian society that has the potential to deliver a wide range of benefits and positively influence the lives of participants. But it takes a positive experience that is based on shared values to realize sport’s full potential.  

As a network leader in values-based sport, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) promotes True Sport to give people, communities, and organizations the means to leverage the benefits of good sport from a platform of shared values. These shared values should be at the heart of all policies, practices, and programs to ensure positive experiences.

Activating the True Sport Principles – on and off the field of play – will contribute to a positive shift in sport culture that reflects Canadians’ stated desire for sport experiences that are based on the values of fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun. 

True Sport at a Glance

• The True Sport Principles are Go For It, Play Fair, Respect Others, Keep It Fun, Stay Healthy, Include Everyone, and Give Back.
• The True Sport values are fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun.
• True Sport is an approach to values-based sport that creates the right conditions for individuals to experience good sport, to value it, commit to it, nurture it and stay connected to it all their lives.
• True Sport is an integral element of sport safety strategies. When all those involved in sport  prioritize the welfare, safety, and rights of participants, and recognize and report acts of maltreatment, they create, foster, and preserve sport environments that ensure positive, healthy, and fulfilling sport experiences.
• True Sport is an initiative of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES), a network leader in values-based sport. The CCES encourages and supports all those involved in sport  to embrace True Sport as the approach to activate values-based sport.

What is True Sport?

True Sport is an approach to values-based sport that is underpinned by seven principles: Go For It, Play Fair, Respect Others, Keep It Fun, Stay Healthy, Include Everyone, and Give Back. When the True Sport Principles are integral to the sport experience, we instill character in participants, strengthen communities, and increase opportunities for excellence. To put it simply, True Sport is dedicated to the idea that good sport can make a great difference.

Who is involved with True Sport?

Everyone who has joined True Sport and is committed to training, competing, and/or offering sport experiences that are consistent with the True Sport Principles is part of True Sport! There are membership categories for both individuals and groups that include participants in every sport, at all levels, as well as everywhere sport takes place, such as schools, facilities, clubs, and communities. True Sport represents every element of the sport landscape, and everyone is welcome!  

Explore the Member Types webpage.  

Where can I find True Sport?

True Sport is alive across Canada. For example, you’ll find it in communities of every size, in sport organizations at every level, in schools and in all kinds of events. Once you’re aware of True Sport, you’ll notice it everywhere and if you don’t see it, it’s an opportunity for you to share it with others!

Why is True Sport important?

• Canadians have told researchers that after the family, sport is the most powerful influence on young people’s development.
• Being intentional and committed to fostering positive values-based sport experiences leads to culture change in sport and ensures the benefits of good sport are realized, including instilling character, strengthening communities, and increasing opportunities for excellence.
• An intentional and consistent commitment to values-based sport at all levels and across all participants is required to achieve the sport we want. This approach ensures that good sport is not left to chance.
• Public opinion research tells us that sport is either a good experience or a bad experience – never neutral. Sport organizations, schools, teams, clubs, leagues, facilities, and communities that are committed to values-based sport can adopt the True Sport Principles to showcase the type of sport they believe in. Individuals such as coaches, officials, parents/guardians, citizens, and athletes can have a similar impact in their communities.
• When groups such as sport clubs or schools implement True Sport, it can unite and connect everyone around a common belief – that good sport can make a great difference. It also serves as a tool to manage and address the threats to good sport, and can help organizations attract and retain good people, such as board members, volunteers, officials, athletes, and coaches.
• True Sport has a protective effect and is an important part of sport safety strategies. By prioritizing participants’ physical and mental well-being, we normalize sport environments that are values-based and provide positive, healthy, and fulfilling sport experiences. 

How can I get involved with True Sport?

There are many ways to get involved with True Sport as an individual or a group. Read on and decide how you’ll get involved! 

• Declare your commitment to True Sport and join today!
• Subscribe to the monthly newsletter
• Learn about the True Sport Champions program
• Follow on social media
• Explore the list of member types
• Visit the What Can I Do? webpage