SAFE SPORT
What is Safe Sport?
Safe sport is a prevalent ethical issue in Canadian sport. The entire sport ecosystem stands to lose if we do not collectively foster a fundamental culture change that minimizes the threats to sport and ensures safe sport experiences for all participants. Safe sport is everyone's responsibility.
Canadians should have a reasonable expectation that sport lives up to the general principles and commitment of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), resulting in sport that is accessible, inclusive, respects participants’ goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment.
Canada Sport Helpline
This is a bilingual national toll-free confidential helpline for harassment, abuse and discrimination. It provides a safe place for victims and witnesses of incidents of harassment, abuse and discrimination in sport to report their concerns.
The Canadian Sport Helpline will provide callers with advice on the next steps they can take, as well as direct them to the most appropriate national and local services and resources available to them, including the police, child protection services, existing provincial/territorial helplines, or any other relevant services.
It provides professional listening and referral services by phone and text at 1-888-83-SPORT (77678) and by email at info@abuse-free-sport.ca, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, seven days a week.
For more information, visit www.abuse-free-sport.ca.
Safe Sport Resources
Parents & Athletes
Parents have a responsibility to be informed and aware of Safe Sport measures to protect your child’s physical and mental well-being.
Athletes should also be knowledgeable about Safe Sport and how it relates to their safety - on and off the field.
What should you know as a parent with children in a sport organization? What information is important for an athlete? Visit our Safe Sport for Participants section for an FAQ and external resources.
Coaches
The Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM) is a call to action for sport organizations, parents, and coaches to enact responsible coaching across Canada – on and off the field of play.
What should you know as a coach? Check our Safe Sport for Coaches the FAQ and external resources.
SPORT ORGANIZATIONS AND FACILITIES
The health and safety of sports participants and fans should be at the forefront of all considerations made by administrators and sport organizations.
What should you know as an operator or manager of a sport facility? Check our Safe Sport for Sport Organizations FAQ and external resources
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
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The Helpline is a listening and referral service that aims to encourage people to speak openly and to validate their concerns regarding situations they feel are unacceptable. This service is free, anonymous, confidential and independent, offered in both official languages.
Telephone: 1-888-837-7678 / 1-888-83SPORT
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Creating a culture where everyone can thrive is a shared responsibility. The Safe Sport Training module developed by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) will help anyone involved in sport identify and prevent situations of maltreatment.
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The Sport Information Resource Centre, is Canada’s leader and most trusted partner in advancing sport through knowledge and evidence. SIRC is committed to engaging with organizations and individuals involved in the development of sport, recreation and physical education in Canada and around the world, to enhance the capacity of our shared community to foster growth and the pursuit of excellence.
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Information on Alberta-related resources for sports participants. Includes information on concussion and injury prevention, diversity and inclusion, and resources for sport organizations.
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Commit to Kids is program of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. They help child-serving organizations reduce the risk of sexual abuse and create safer environments for children in their care.
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Kids Help Phone’s e-mental health services are available 24/7 across Canada. This means that we’re here for kids, teens and young adults from coast to coast to coast.
Get support right now by texting CONNECT to 686868
Get support in multiple languages over the phone 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868.
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The Alberta One-Line is a province-wide central platform for sexual assault support services. Our private, toll-free talk-text-and chat service that connects individuals who have been impacted by sexual violence to specialized support. Our message is simple: we believe you, it’s not your fault, and when you’re ready, help is only a smartphone away.
Call or text: 1-866-403-8000
Chat: WWW.AASAS.CA
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Provides a 24 hour hotline to report child neglect or abuse. Reporter identity remains confidential. Children's Services responds to all reported cases of suspected child abuse and neglect. Staff and agency partners provide child intervention services to children, youth, and families.
Toll Free: 1-800-387-5437 (24 Hour Child Abuse Hotline)
Toll Free: 1-800-638-0715 (Child Intervention Services)
Telephone: 403-297-2995 (Social Services Emergency)
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1.888.329.4009 or email.
The online Respect in Sport Activity Leaders/Coach Program educates youth leaders, coaches, officials and participants (14-years and up) to recognize, understand and respond to issues of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.
Respect in Sport also provides parents with the tools to do just that. The Respect in Sport Activity Leader/Coach Program educates coaches and activity leaders to recognize, understand and respond to issues of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.
Respect In Sport For Officials -
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection is a national charity dedicated to the personal safety of all children. Our goal is to reduce the sexual abuse and exploitation of children, assist in the location of missing children, and prevent child victimization through a number of programs, services, and resources for Canadian families, educators, child-serving organizations, law enforcement, and other parties.
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Cybertip.ca is dedicated to reducing child victimization through technology, education, public awareness, along with supporting survivors and their families.
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NeedHelpNow.ca helps teens stop the spread of sexual pictures or videos and provides support along the way.