Safe Sport

To Report Prohibited Behaviour Call:

     1 - 866 - 971 - CSSP (2777) 

      Or Email:

      safesport@cssp.realresponse.com

The Alberta Whitewater Association's Commitment

The AWA believes that everyone involved in paddlesports has the right to participate on or off the water, to train and to compete in safe, respectful, and supportive environments.

Our commitment to safety is aligned with Canada's sport system, which prioritizes the well-being of ALL participants. As part of this effort, we adhere to the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS). This document sets clear expectations for behaviour, outlining prohibited actions and ensuring that individuals who engage in harmful conduct are held accountable.

Starting April 1, 2025, the responsibility for addressing prohibited behaviours in federally funded sport organizations falls to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) under the Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP). This program offers a structured process for reporting maltreatment and provides support services for individuals involved.

The AWA will also continue to provide an avenue for all reporting via Canoe Kayak Canada's resources and ensure that every complaint is taken seriously and followed up on.                safesport@albertawhitewater.ca

We want to hear from you. We are dedicated to ensuring that our practices evolve to meet the needs of our entire community. If you have an questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

admin@albertawhitewater.ca         

coordinator@albertawhitewater.ca       

safesport@albertawhitewater.ca 

For Reference: 

Canadian Safe Sport Program Rules (CSSPR)

Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS)

Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) FAQ sheet

Canoe Kayak Canada's SAFE SPORT POLICY:

"Canoe Kayak Canada has a fundamental obligation and responsibility to protect the health and well-being of the organization, its members and its participants. CKC takes any situation involving misconduct very seriously. CKC and its Members (defined as Divisions, Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations, Discipline-Specific Provincial/Territorial Organizations, and Clubs) are collectively committed to enacting and enforcing strong, clear, and consistent policies and processes for addressing misconduct.

Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) is proud to inform you that a new Safe Sport Policy Manual has been approved by the CKC Board of Directors. The Safe Sport Policy Manual, including a new Safe Sport Member Declaration, comes into effect at the national level on March 1, 2020, after which members will be asked to formally adopt the policies by June 1, 2020."

 

Complaints

Should any complaint or concern come to the attention of an AWA or Canoe Kayak Canada representative, it will be forwarded to a safe sport officer. CKC has contracted W&W Dispute Resolution Services for this role. They may be reached directly and independently through the email address safesport_wwdrs@primus.ca. This is a confidential email address which will only be accessed by one of the independent Safe Sport Officers.

 

SAFE SPACES for All

By following the following 3 simple steps:  

    #1 Taking the Safe Sport Training

    #2 Police Screening 

    #3 Completing the AWA Self-Disclosure

we can all actively contribute to creating a culture of safety and respect. When everyone is informed and engaged, we eliminate the risk of abuse, maltreatment, harassment, and discrimination, ensuring all paddlesport activities maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all.

3 EASY STEPS

#1   TRAINING - Who should take the online Safe Sport Training?

Everyone.

The FREE online Safe Sport Training (SST) equips coaches, administrators, parents, club volunteers and others to make decisions that promote participants' physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. It empowers organizations to foster a culture that contributes to positive experiences for everyone involved. 

All volunteers, coaches and board members must take one of these training programs

   Safe Sport Training

   or 

   Respect in Sport – Activity Leaders Training Portal

We redo one of these trainings every 3 years as they evolve and improve. It takes between 45 mins and 1.5 hours to do. It can be done in as many sittings as needed (it saves your progress as you go) and can be done on a mobile device.

 

#2   SCREENING - Police Checks (see Screening Matrix)

Police Checks (EPICs) and Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC) are done every 3 years. Please contact AWA if you require assistance or clarity around obtaining one these:   coordinator@albertawhitewater.ca   OR    admin@albertawhitewater.ca

Safe Sport Screening Matrix

   

#3   DISCLOSING - Please Complete the Self Disclosure Form

AWA Disclosure Form 

This is about a 2 minute process. Everyone needs to do the Self Disclosure Form EACH YEAR they volunteer for their club or organization. At the BEGINNING of each year is the preferred time to complete the AWA's Self Disclosure Form.

 

SUMMARY

Everyone is Involved

  • #1 and #3     

    • Volunteers, Instructors, Coaches & Board Members need to do BOTH the Safe Sport Training (SST)  and complete the Self Disclosure Form. Ideally, all paddlers and parents take the quick, free, easy online training as well.  

Occasional Volunteers and Leaders

  • #1,  #2 (EPIC only) and #3

    • Volunteers who are NOT working with vulnerable peoples need to take the Safe Sport Training (SST), complete an EPIC and complete the Self Disclosure Form. 

Instructors, Coaches working Directly with Vulnerable Participants (volunteer or paid) 

  • #1, #2 (VSC - next step up from an EPIC) and #3

EPICs or VSCs can be done at your local RCMP Detachment or through the City Police. In most locations in Alberta it costs $15 if you have a local address to that detachment or station. Many can assist you through email and online payment, some require you to go in person to their office.

One alternative to using your local detachment or police station is the online Sterling Backcheck which gives you next day results for $25. However, the Sterling Backcheck is only does EPICs, not VSCs.  

*NOTE: Police Vulnerable Sector Check - For Senior Instructors & Coaches working directly with Youth, Team Managers or other Volunteers travelling with youth, the AWA has a Vulnerable Sector Number through Volunteer Alberta that will waive fees for Volunteer Coaches & Team Managers. Please contact admin@albertawhitewater.ca to request number.

REPORTING

Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) has appointed independent Safe Sport officers who any person can contact to report or discuss incidents of abuse or harassment of any kind.

CKC has contracted W&W Dispute Resolution Services for this role. They may be reached directly and independently through the email address safesport@canoekayak.ca. This is a confidential email address which will only be accessed by the Independent Safe Sport Officer. 

AWA has a SafeSport Officer designated on the board to contact: safesport@albertawhitewater.ca

REPORTING HOTLINE (new as of April 1, 2025)

    1 - 866 - 971 - CSSP (2777) 

    Or Email:

    safesport@cssp.realresponse.com

From the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport:

"We receive and respond to reports of individuals who may have engaged in prohibited behaviour under the UCCMS. This includes: 

  • psychological maltreatment
  • physical maltreatment
  • neglect
  • sexual maltreatment
  • grooming 
  • boundary transgressions
  • discrimination
  • subjecting a participant to the risk of maltreatment
  • aiding and abetting
  • failing to report possible maltreatment 
  • intentionally reporting a false allegation
  • interference with or manipulation of a process
  • retaliation

For more information about prohibited behaviours click here for glossary descriptions click here for detailed definitions and examples in the UCCMS."

Reporting Process

CCES Safe Sport Program Privacy Policy

 

AWA SafeSport Targets:

Safe Sport Training - https://safesport.coach.ca/

September 31, 2020   All AWA Board Members & Staff - Completed Safe Sport Training

October - December   Develop AWA specific sport Guidelines and milestones with partners and clubs – Action: summary document

January 1st                 Announce Club executives have till May 1st to take Safe Sport training

With CKC                    All new NCCP coaches, instructors and leaders must take Safe Sport  training in order to be certified

AWA AGM                   Safe Sport Presentation

April 1st 2021              All Club executives and club coaches have completed Safe Sport Training

Recommended training for all coaches and volunteers working with vulnerable populations:

  • Government of Alberta
  • Coach Canada
  • La Farge
  • AQ Outdoors Logo
  • Jumpstart Badge Logo
  • DeLauretis Wealth Management
  • InMotion Logo
  • Canoe Kayak Canada