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.

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 Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) and the policies of Speed Skating Canada, the national governing body for speed skating in Canada
Helmet Policy
Speed Skating Alberta Safe Sport Policies
Speed Skating Canada Safe Sport Policies

Speak Up Line

Speed Skating Alberta’s complaint management process is handled exclusively by Independent Third Parties.
Speed Skating Canada Speak Up Line
The Safe Sport Speak Up Line is accessible online and by telephone. Complaints can be raised through the third-party hotline – on a confidential basis, with or without anonymity – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week(including weekends and holidays).

If you wish to file a complaint, it should be submitted through the Safe Sport Speak Up Line or the Office of Sport Integrity Commissioner. If you are unsure if something you have experienced merits a complaints, these resources can also help you understand your options and the process.

The Safe Sport Speak Up Line is a new independent reporting mechanism that supports the intake and management of complaints from all speedskating participants within the Canadian speed skating community.

Website: https://app.integritycounts.ca/org/speedskating
‍Email: speedskating@integritycounts.ca
‍Phone: 1-888-889-1203

The Safe Sport Speak Up Line can be used by all past and present participants of speed skating in Canada, including athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers involved at the national, provincial, territorial and club levels. Items that can be reported include governance disputes, non-compliance with organizational policies, and conduct or behaviour that results or has the potential to result in physical or psychological harm, including but not limited to, maltreatment, abuse of authority, bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner

‍Designated UCCMS participants – including National and NextGen team athletes and training partners; National Program coaches; and Speed Skating Canada Staff and Board members – are subject to the polices and guidelines of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC).

‍Website: abuse-free-sport.ca
‍Report Online: osic-bcis.i-sight.com/portal
‍Email: info@abuse-free-sport.ca
‍Phone: 1-888-837-7678

Reports and/or complaints of alleged violations of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport concerning UCCMS participants shall be submitted through the Abuse-Free Sport reporting platform.

If you wish to speak to someone about your experience and/or regarding resources that may be available to you, you can contact the Abuse-Free Sport Helpline. They are available to hear your concerns, help you understand your options, and connect you with resources based on your needs.

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 – 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