November marks Woman Abuse Prevention and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It alsmo marks a partnership between Interval House of Hamilton, Football Ontario, and Ontario’s three CFL teams – the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Ottawa REDBLACKS, and Toronto Argonauts. The partnership helps make the point that ending gender-based violence and building respect requires action in every arena — including sport.

Interval House of Hamilton’s Coaching Boys Into Men (CBIM) and Coaching Leadership and Respect (CLEAR) programs continue to expand their reach, with growing support from both provincial and professional football organizations.

This violence prevention education initiative has grown into a province-wide campaign, enabling new partnerships and training opportunities across sport, schools, and communities.

After learning about the violence prevention education partnership between Ontario’s three CFL teams and Interval House of Hamilton’s provincial program, Football Ontario initiated its first rollout od training for its members, beginning with approximately 35 Team Ontario coaches completing CBIM/CLEAR training. The goal: to ensure every Football Ontario coach is equipped to promote healthy, respectful relationships both on and off the field.

At a Toronto Argonauts home game in September  Football Ontario members first noticed CBIM messaging displayed on the field – The Real Win: RESPECT.

During the early introduction of the program CBIM, one Football Ontario coach reported that Ottawa REDBLACKS player ambassadors had recently visited his team’s locker room.

“Football is built on leadership, teamwork, and respect,” said Adrian Sciarra, President, Ottawa REDBLACKS. “When our players visit schools and locker rooms, they lead conversations about how those values can shape character both on and off the field.”

“Football has always been about more than the game. It’s about teamwork, discipline, and respect,”

Said JT Tsui, Director of Culture & Sport, Football Ontario. “By integrating CBIM/CLEAR training, we’re empowering coaches to model and teach these values in ways that extend far beyond the field. We’re proud to take this step toward building a stronger and more respectful sport culture in Ontario.”

Football Ontario is the provincial sport governing body for Canadian football in Ontario. The organization supports more than 300 coaches and thousands of athletes province-wide, working to grow the sport through integrity, teamwork, and community connection.

Michael Clemons

Professional football leaders have also voiced strong support for the initiative. Michael “Pinball” Clemons, General Manager, Toronto Argonauts, noted: “Football is more than a sport — it’s a bridge that connects communities and builds character. By working with Interval House of Hamilton and Football Ontario, we’re helping coaches and athletes make the connection between respect on the field and respect in life. That’s where real impact happens.”

Matt Afinec, President & COO, Hamilton Sports Group (Hamilton Tiger-Cats), added: “We’re proud to stand with Football Ontario and Interval House of Hamilton in championing education that strengthens our game and our communities. Programs like CBIM and CLEAR help ensure that football continues to be a force for good — on the field, in the locker room, and in everyday life.”

Said Sue Taylor, Executive Director, Interval House of Hamilton “What Football Ontario is doing is leadership in action. This is a call to all sports — at every level — to follow their example. When coaches use their influence to teach respect and empathy, we don’t just change sports culture; we change lives.”