Safe Sport

Resources

Our Commitment

Speed Skating Alberta (SSA) is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, promoting a positive and respectful culture, and taking all reasonable measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. These actions include taking proactive steps to educate and support the Alberta speed skating community in creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all participants, including how to recognize, prevent, and address mal treatment and abuse in sport.

Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM)

Dear athlete, coach, parent, official and volunteer
You are the heart of sport — its energy, its passion, and its future. As you push boundaries, break records, and inspire communities, remember that true greatness begins with safety, respect, and integrity.
A promise that every participant, regardless of age, background, or level, deserves to train, compete, and thrive in an environment free from abuse, discrimination, and harm. We need your support to promote these important values by showing respect among the sport community and to report situations where the conduct of someone is not respectful of these values
By standing up for safe sport, you’re not only protecting yourself — you’re protecting your teammates, your sport, and the generations to come.
Speak up. Support others. Demand accountability. Together, we can build a culture where safety is the standard, not the exception.

Let’s make sport a place where everyone feels empowered, respected, and safe — always.

Anyone who witnesses or experiences inappropriate behavior in our organization’s environment can report it in complete confidentiality.

Participants, employees, members, community and partners now have access to the Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM) operated by our external partner, ALIAS.

Every report is received and handled by ALIAS, the independent provider. PSOs are engaged only as required by policy (e.g., jurisdiction or implementing an outcome. Our goal is to prevent and address misconduct, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all.

When reporting a complaint, you will be linked immediately to the Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM) powered by ALIAS where you will fill out the online complaint form. The complainant will be contacted within 48 working hours; receivability conclusion target ≈ 10 business days (may flex based on party availability).

Here is the link to file a complaint:

Report a Complaint

Thank you for your commitment to safe sport.

ABSSCM – Reporting and Independent Resolution Policy
ABSSCM – Alberta Universal Code of Conduct

True Sport

As an organization, SSA is committed to living the values of True Sport and promoting the True Sport Principles. All individuals participating in SSA activity are expected to do the same.

TRUE SPORT RESOURCES

True Sport  is dedicated to the notion that good sport can make a great difference. It is a movement which promotes a safe sport environment based on the values of fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun.

We encourage clubs to access the resources and show their commitment by proudly displaying “True Sport Lives Here” on materials and clothing.

True Sport is an approach to values-based sport that is underpinned by seven principles: Go For It, Play Fair, Respect Others, Keep It Fun, Stay Healthy, Include Everyone, and Give Back. When the True Sport Principles are integral to the sport experience, we instill character in participants, strengthen communities, and increase opportunities for excellence. To put it simply, True Sport is dedicated to the idea that good sport can make a great difference.

Everyone who has joined True Sport and is committed to training, competing, and/or offering sport experiences that are consistent with the True Sport Principles is part of True Sport!

There are membership categories for both individuals and groups that include participants in every sport, at all levels, as well as everywhere sport takes place, such as schools, facilities, clubs, and communities. True Sport represents every element of the sport landscape, and everyone is welcome!

The 7 Principles of True Sport are:

  • GO FOR IT – Rise to the challenge – always strive for excellence. Discover how good you can be.
  • ‍PLAY FAIR – Play honestly – obey both the letter and spirit of the rules. Winning is only meaningful when competition is fair.
  • ‍RESPECT OTHERS – Show respect for everyone involved in creating your sporting experience, both on and off the field. Win with dignity and lose with grace.
  • ‍KEEP IT FUN – Find the joy of sport. Keep a positive attitude both on and off the field.
  • ‍STAY HEALTHY – Place physical and mental health above all other considerations – avoid unsafe activities. Respect your body and keep in shape.
  • ‍INCLUDE EVERYONE – Share sport with others. Ensure everyone has a place to play.
  • ‍GIVE BACK – Find ways to show your appreciation forthe community that supports your sport and helps make it possible.

Find a collection of downloadable True Sport logo files in various formats, along with the guidelines for their use here.

If we want sport that is built on fairness, excellence, inclusion and fun we need to be intentional about incorporating the True Sport Principles. 

Find resources and tools that will help you live True Sport with your team here. 

Policies

The Speed Skating Alberta Sport Safety Policy Manual and the policies guide SSA and its members on how to fulfill its commitment to a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment free from maltreatment and abuse.

The policies outlined in this Speed Skating Alberta Sport Safety Policy Manual draw on the best practices of leading regional, provincial, and national sports organizations, the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (ABSSCM) and the policies of Speed Skating Canada, the national governing body for speed skating in Canada.

Helmet Policy
Speed Skating Alberta Safe Sport Policies (Under Review, May 2026)
Speed Skating Canada Safe Sport Policies

Awareness

Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity training is crucial to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, where everyone feels welcome and respected.
The Coaching Association of Canada offers educational programs about Women in Coaching, Indigenous Coaching, LGBTQ+ Athletes and Coaches, Coaching Athletes with Disabilities, Coaching Masters Athletes and Anti-Racism in Coaching.

SIRS – Gender Resources
Gender Equity Lens
Keeping Girls in Sport
Egale: LGBTQI2S Sports Inclusion Toolkit
You Can Play – LGBTQI2S Resources

SIRC – Anti-Racism Resources
Aboriginal Sport Circle
Aboriginal Sport Circle – Aboriginal Coaching Program
We Are Sport – Conversations with BIPOC Leaders in Sport
Team Canada – National Indigenous Peoples Day Resources

Special Olympics Canada – Inclusiion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibillty and Language Guide

 

Education & Prevention

Education and prevention are at the core of SSA’s efforts to promote sport safety. There are numerous programs, movements and initiatives that individuals and clubs may join to communicate their commitment to positive sport experiences and to educate their members

There are many excellent online learning opportunities that you can take to learn about creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants and the role you can play. Listed below are just some of the opportunities available.

SSA has taken the Responsible Coaching Movement pledge committing to implement policies that support consistent use of the ‘Rule of Two,’ Background Screening and Ethics Training.

All Clubs and affiliated organizations are strongly encouraged to complete the pledge. 

Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Resources
Commit to Kids Training

Coaching Association of Canada
eLearning modules  
Mental Health Hub      
Safe Sport Training and Resources

Olympic Athlete 365
SafeguardingAthletes from Harassment and Abuse

‍Respect in Sport Modules through Speed Skating Canada

Code of Conduct

Speed Skating Alberta has created a Code of Conduct as a central part of its commitment to sports safety and creating a fun, safe, welcoming, and inclusive sport environment for all participants regardless of race, gender, cultural heritage, socio-economic status, religion, or indigeneity.

Code of Conduct

SSA supports equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices and all forms of maltreatment. We are committed to providing an environment free from maltreatment, where all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully.

SSA’s Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour that are expected of all participants. The code includes a main section applicable to all participants and a series of subsections that are specific to the involvement of different participants.

Resources

Skaters, coaches and integrated support team members, officials directors, staff and committee members, and parents can access our additional Safe Sport resources below.
Additional Resources
Scroll to Top