Athletics Canada launches national safe sport program and policies

Athletics Canada launched its National Safe Sport Program and new National Safe Sport Policies on Oct. 14, saying the framework is effective immediately and applies across all levels of the sport. The organization said its board of directors approved the program, which it described as a nationally consistent framework to strengthen prevention, education, accountability and participant wellbeing.¹

The policies align with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport, known as the UCCMS, where applicable, Athletics Canada said. The organization said the program and policies set clear expectations for athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff and all members of the athletics community, from first-time participants to Canada's highest-performing athletes.¹

Safe Sport is fundamental to who we are as an organization and to the future of athletics in Canada.¹Chris Winter, Athletics Canada's Director, Domestic Programs and Safe Sport

Winter said every athlete, coach, official, volunteer and participant deserves an environment where they feel respected, supported and safe, and that the program reflects a commitment to building that culture through governance, education, prevention and accountability.¹

Athletics Canada said it developed the program with its Provincial and Territorial Branches, and that all branches have adopted and aligned with the new policies. The organization said the shared framework strengthens participant protection while recognizing the needs of organizations across the country, and that one national framework will help deliver consistent standards and improve education and awareness.¹

Athletics Canada said safe sport is an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time initiative, requiring regular evaluation, education and collaboration. It said it will keep reviewing its policies, expanding educational resources and strengthening practices as the sport evolves. The program and policies are available on the Athletics Canada website.¹