Overview and History
The Alberta Sailing Association is committed to Safe Sport and supports national efforts to prevent and address harassment, abuse, and discrimination in sport. In partnership with Sail Canada and other Provincial Sailing Associations, we’ve adopted a harmonized Safe Sport Policy Package that reflects both national expectations and best practices in sport. This includes the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), mandatory training for key stakeholders, and clear procedures for reporting and responding to concerns. Together, we are working to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all sailors in Alberta and across Canada.
The Policy Package
The Safe Sport Policy Package comprises several distinct yet interrelated sections, each of which plays an essential role in the integrity and effectiveness of the overall package. The full value of the Safe Sport Policy Package is realized when these components are considered collectively. The Safe Sport Policy Package is currently under review.
This policy describes how Individuals shall maintain a safe sport environment in all interactions,
mostly addressing situations where a Power Imbalance may occur. Persons in Authority and
Athletes must understand the expectations in different situations that must be adhered to for
everyone’s protection.
Screening is not limited to simply criminal record checks; they are simply one tool in the screening
process. This policy lays out a comprehensive screening package that must be followed for the
ongoing screening of all Persons in Authority (including Board, volunteers etc.). In this policy
screening is an ongoing, broad process.
This policy lays out more specific details of expectations of all Individuals while engaging in any
Social Media platform in any role.
This policy makes it clear to all parties that reporting concerns is encouraged and in no way will any individual suffer consequences of any kind for bringing forward a legitimate concern.
This is a detailed policy that lays out the processes that will be followed in cases of an alleged
breach of any of the three different categories of types of complaints:
Process 1 – a minor misconduct type of breach will be handled by an Internal Discipline Chair
Process 2 – a more serious breach to be handled by an External Discipline Panel Alternatively, if the person is a UCCMS Participant and the alleged breach is related to UCCMS as
determined by OSIC, the process will be managed by OSIC.
Who is a UCCMS Participant?
Individuals who have been identified by Sail Canada and have signed a UCCMS Consent Form. This includes all registered coaches and officials in addition to Sail Canada’s staff, Board,
volunteers, and athletes directly working with Sail Canada. (Athletes invited to Sail Canada time specific training events will be asked to sign for that specific time period).
This is a detailed process for appealing certain decisions, note what is included and what the
grounds for appeal are within the policy.
In support of alternate resolution methods, this policy provides guidance to resolving disputes
through negotiation, facilitation, and mediation.
Code of Conduct
The Sailing Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for respectful behaviour across all roles in the sport. Individuals are encouraged to review and sign it annually. The Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) is included as part of this Code and applies to designated participants.