News Release Archive
SPORT/RECREATION--FAIR PLAY POLICY ------------------------------------------------------------ Fair and safe play in Nova Scotia's sport and recreation facilities and organizations will soon have the backing of an official policy adopted by the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission. The policy is the result of the efforts of a Provincial Fair and Safe Play Committee established in the fall of 1994 by the Minister responsible for Sport and Recreation. Sport and Recreation Minister Jay Abbass has received a report from the committee which recommends a comprehensive program to provide public education, training and an official policy to promote fair and safe play in Nova Scotia. "The committee has taken on, and accomplished, more than was expected of them and they are to be commended for their efforts. This is part of a national move to fair and safe play and I am proud to see Nova Scotia taking the lead," Mr. Abbass said. The Provincial Fair and Safe Play Committee was established in the fall of 1994 following a racist incident in a Nova Scotia arena. The committee was comprised of representatives from the Nova Scotia Hockey Association, the Recreation Facility of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission, and sought input from a broad spectrum of individuals and organizations. The report makes specific recommendations for a code of conduct to be adopted by spectators, participants and facilities. The identification of "Fair Play Facilities" and the establishment of "Fair Play Awards" were also recommended as ways of promoting the principles of fair play. The identification of responsibilities for safety, supervision and risk management in sport and recreation facilities were addressed by recommendations for a risk management policy, training program and promotions. "The goal of the fair and safe play policies is to ensure that participants in sport and recreation have positive, life enriching experiences in a safe and accessible environment," said Mr. Abbass. The minister said that interest in promoting fair and safe play in Nova Scotia has not been limited to the efforts of the committee. He said there have been many initiatives developed by local, provincial, and national organizations, many of which have taken significant steps toward developing fair and safe play environments for their activities and facilities. Private corporations and businesses have lent their support by sponsoring organizations involved in fair play initiatives or by independently promoting fair play. Mr Abbass said the Fair and Safe Play Committee did not seek to duplicate these efforts but rather to create an environment where they will flourish and reach all Nova Scotians. -30- Contact: Colin Craig 902-424-7658 trp Dec. 06, 1995