The definitions have been extracted from the Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education (OPASSE) and are intended to clarify the terms used in the context of this resource.
In-charge Person:
Some activities refer to an “In-Charge” person. While the teacher is in-charge and responsible for the overall safety and well-being of students under their care, sometimes there are other personnel who must be identified as “In-Charge” related to specific situations (for example, a pool lifeguard). In activities where an “In-Charge” person is designated, that person, in consultation with the teacher, must make final decisions regarding safety of the students
Monitor:
An individual who assists the Teacher with a group of students, (for example, Volunteer, Qualified Instructor) and has a responsibility to monitor student behaviors for the duration of the activity.
Outside Activity Provider:
A commercial company, volunteer organization, or individual, not associated with the school board, who possess the required qualifications to provide safety and initial skill instruction, and monitoring for the duration of an activity.
Qualified Instructor:
An individual who provides safety and skill instruction, and monitoring for an activity, and possesses the required qualifications (for example, experience, certifications). This role could be fulfilled by a teacher, volunteer, or an employee of an outside provider. An instructor does not have the authority to supervise.
Teacher:
A person with a current certification from the Ontario College of Teachers and under contract by the school/school board (that is, teacher, vice-principal, principal). This person is legally responsible for the students and has the authority and responsibility to supervise.
Trip Guide:
An individual who has the required certifications and/or knowledge/skills of the route and activity. This role could be fulfilled by a Teacher, a Volunteer, or an employee of an Outside Activity Provider and must be approved by the school/school board. Trip Guides have been instructed on their monitoring responsibilities.
Volunteer:
A responsible adult (for example, Educational Assistants, Retired Teachers, Co-op Students, Parents/Guardians, Teacher Candidates) approved by the Principal/Designate who is under the direction of a Teacher and has been instructed on their monitoring responsibilities. Refer to your school board’s policy on volunteers assisting with student’s physical activities.