SAFE SPORT
We’re committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment — one free of abuse, harassment, neglect or discrimination, both on and off the ice — for athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators at all levels of our sport.
FRAMEWORK
Speed Skating Canada embraces our responsibility to create, foster and maintain a culture within our training and competition environments that ensures positive, healthy and fulfilling experiences for all participants. Creating a safe and inclusive culture is our top priority and is a responsibility we share with all members of the speed skating community, including athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators at all levels of our sport.
Our Safe Sport Framework is based on the combination of three approaches:
- Our values, Code of Conduct and associated policies set the foundation for our commitment to safe sport.
- Through education and prevention initiatives, we strengthen our system’s capacity to deliver programming and services in alignment with these goals.
- Finally, our reporting process is clearly defined to ensure that we respond to and resolve any concerns quickly and appropriately.
Universal Code of Conduct
The Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) provides the foundation for a coordinated strategy to prevent and address maltreatment across all levels of the Canadian sport system, and for all participants (athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, practitioners, etc.). The UCCMS is the result of an extensive consultation process that sought insight and expertise from within the sport system and from external subject matter experts.
Speed Skating Canada has formally adopted the Universal Code as a key tool within our Safe Sport Framework for speed skating in Canada.
Access the Universal Code of Conduct for Sport
Policies
We have also adopted several internal policies that establish expected behaviour, guide decision-making and promote accountability for all individuals associated with speed skating in Canada.
Access Speed Skating Canada’s Policies
Prevention
Several training programs outlined on this page, including the Respect in Sport and Safe Sport e-learning modules, are mandatory for staff, coaches and officials operating at the national level, and are encouraged for all participants at the local and provincial/territorial level. We commit to regularly reviewing these education requirements and to engaging in active discussion about safe sport with our community on an ongoing basis.
By developing an in-depth library of additional resources, we aim to provide our community with education that allows for the informed development of positive environments, the early identification of potential concerns, and the appropriate response to recognized risk.
Access Safe Sport training and resources
Reporting
Our Complaints, Investigations and Discipline Policy clearly defines the process for reporting a national complaint to Speed Skating Canada. It also outlines how we work with our provincial and territorial partners to ensure issues at the local level are addressed effectively.
A third-party Harassment Liaison is appointed as a neutral participant to gather information regarding complaints we receive and correspond with all involved. If an investigation is determined to be appropriate, the complaint is then examined thoroughly by a professional, independent organization.
Once the investigation concludes, a Discipline Panel will use the report to determine any appropriate action(s). We continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for behaviour that goes against our commitment to a safe and positive environment for all participants of our sport.
To report an incident, please contact the Canadian Sport Helpline (1-888-837-7678) or reach out to Speed Skating Canada (safesport@speedskating.ca).
Abuse, Harassment and Anti-Bullying
Speed Skating Canada is committed to providing a safe environment free of abuse, harassment and bullying, both on and off the ice.
Mental and Physical Health
Speed Skating Canada’s goal is to support and enhance the physical, psychological, emotional and social well-being of all individuals in the speed skating community.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Speed Skating Canada is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, where everyone feels welcome and respected.
Anti-Doping and Substance Abuse
Speed Skating Canada adheres to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) run by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES). We respect all rules regarding the use of prohibited substances and methods that serve to protect the integrity of sport and the rights of clean athletes.