In February 2019, after a series of nationwide safe sport consultation summits, federal-provincial-territorial sport ministers signed the Red Deer Declaration, committing to the elimination of abuse, discrimination and harassment in sport. In response, the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) was developed as a foundation for a coordinated implementation strategy to prevent and address maltreatment for all participants (athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, practitioners, etc.).
Volleyball Alberta is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming sport environment and recognizes a systemic culture shift is required to eliminate maltreatment, including sexual, emotional, physical abuse, neglect, harassment, bullying, exploitation and discrimination. Volleyball Alberta believes the welfare and safety of everyone involved in the sport is a primary consideration and the responsibility of each individual, member, club and provider in the volleyball community. Volleyball Alberta has zero tolerance for any type of harassment or abuse. Athletes, officials, coaches, administrators, and parents are encouraged to report any instances of harassment and abuse in a way they feel safe.
Safe Sport Complaint Process Overview
- For more information, download VA’s Safe Sport Complaint Process Overview.
- Volleyball Canada’s Safe Sport Complaint Process Overview.
- If you have a safe sport issue to report, please contact the independent third party (see below).
Volleyball Alberta & Volleyball Canada’s Independent Third Party
Abuse-Free Sport is an independent program that is part of a growing national movement to rid Canadian sport of all forms of harassment, discrimination, and abuse. As a Program Signatory, Volleyball Canada is an active player in this movement.
Unlike the previous approach, where each national sport organization created its own system for dealing with complaints of maltreatment, this is a centralized “one-stop shop.” It is independent and led by experts in their fields, using education and research to prevent maltreatment at all levels of sport.
The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (the Office) serves as the central hub. It operates independently to administer complaints about alleged violations of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS).
Where there are admissible allegations of abuse, harassment or discrimination, the Office conducts independent investigations and recommends sanctions against individuals who violate the UCCMS.
How To Report Abuse
Individuals are required to report abuse or suspected abuse. If you are the victim of abuse, harassment, or discrimination, or you’ve witnessed such an incident within our sport, you are encouraged to contact the Canadian Sport Helpline by phone or text at 1-888-83SPORT (77678), or by email to [email protected], 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When the incidents recounted appear admissible, operators can assist you in filing a report through a confidential online platform, if desired.
More information from Volleyball Alberta
For more information please see www.volleyballalberta.ca/safesport