Safe Sport REFERENCE CHECKS

Courtesy of The Canadian Centre for Childhood Protection

Interviews provide a very brief snapshot of a person’s character and work history. Applicants tend to be on their best behaviours and present themselves in a positive light. References who have either worked with or personally known an applicant for some time can provide input and insight into how s/he has behaved (or could potentially behave) in certain situations.

The reference checks should be able to:

• Verify if the information provided by the applicant is accurate
• Identify any weakness in the applicant’s performance history
• Fill in any gaps in the applicant’s employment history
• Highlight the applicant’s previous or current position and identify the applicant’s suitability to be in contact with children or in a position of trust with children
• Capture whether there is any reason why the applicant should not be hired to work with children

REFERENCE QUESTIONS

Examples of reference questions that incorporate Safe Sport elements:

• Describe this candidate’s experience working with children, youth and/or vulnerable individuals?
• Does this candidate have experience working with children aged from ___ to ___ years?
• What is your view of the candidate’s strengths in working with children, youth and/or vulnerable individuals?
• Do you know of any complaints/allegations made by parents, other staff, or children about the candidate?
• Describe the candidate’s approach to relating with children, youth and/or vulnerable individuals.
• Are there any age groups or particular types of individuals with whom the candidate may not be suitable to work?
• Describe your observations, if any, of the candidate correcting or disciplining a child.
• Describe your observations, if any, of the candidate handling a person who was very angry or lashing out physically.
• In your view, does the candidate use appropriate language and tone of voice with children? Why or why not?
• Have you ever had reason to be concerned about the candidate’s behaviour with children?
• Is the candidate aware of the reporting procedures in relation to a child’s welfare?
• Are you aware of whether or not the candidate angers easily?
• Do you have any concerns about the candidate working alone with children, youth and/or vulnerable individuals?
• Do you know of any reason why the candidate should not come into contact with children, youth and/or vulnerable individuals?
• Can you provide an example of where the candidate modified his/her coaching to adapt to swimmers from diverse backgrounds?
• Can you comment on this candidate’s ability to foster an inclusive environment that values diversity? Please provide an example.
• Can you think of an example of when the candidate needed to resolve a conflict between others with different points of view? What was the issue?  What was the candidate’s approach?
• Would you rehire this individual to a position working with children, youth and/or vulnerable individuals?