Athletics Canada has imposed a brief suspension on an Ontario youth observe‑and‑subject coach amid an alleged Protected Sport violation.
In response to a supply, the previous head coach of the Durham Dragons distance working program, Zack Joneswas let go by the membership in early November. After his dismissal, the membership filed a criticism with the Athletics Canada Commissioner’s Workplace, the impartial physique that handles Protected Sport issues. The workplace is at present reviewing the allegations and assessing the proof.
Whereas it’s ongoing, Jones is quickly suspended from all coaching-related actions beneath each Athletics Canada and Athletics Ontario. As a part of the interim measures, he’s prohibited from partaking or speaking with any minor (beneath 18) athlete for any motive, except a mum or dad or guardian is current. The restriction applies to all types of communication, together with in individual, by cellphone, e mail, textual content message and on social media.
If the impartial investigation finds wrongdoing, Jones may face a prolonged ban.
Within the weeks following his removing from the Durham Dragons, Jones began a brand new membership primarily based in close by Oak Ridges, Ont. He had been with the Durham Dragons since 2019 and helped information the membership’s cross-country program to 3 consecutive Athletics Ontario membership championships between 2022 and 2024.
The 31-year-old from Courtice, Ont., was additionally employed as an assistant coach with McMaster College’s cross-country and observe applications in the course of the 2021-22 season. In response to a supply inside the college, Jones was requested to step down from that position following the 2021 U Sports activities cross-country season.
A consultant for Athletics Ontario instructed Canadian Working that the interim suspension is a precautionary measure and doesn’t signify a discovering of misconduct. The group said the suspension displays its dedication to transparency and to sustaining a Protected Sport surroundings for all athletes.
“Everybody concerned in athletics has the best to take part in an surroundings that’s free from maltreatment,” Athletics Ontario mentioned in an announcement. “We encourage athletes, dad and mom and guardians, coaches and membership leaders to have open conversations inside their golf equipment and to familiarize themselves with Protected Sport sources and reporting processes.”
Canadian Working reached out to Jones for remark. He had not responded on the time of publication.
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