NEW – SASK SPORT INC – Safe Sport Policies
Sask Sport membership conditions require that Active and Affiliate Members have Dispute Resolution and Harassment and Abuse policies and procedures. The purpose of this condition is to place members in a position to manage or mitigate discipline concerns, complaints, dispute resolution or appeals using a recognized fair and due process. To support this requirement, Dispute Resolution policy templates and procedures had been developed by Sask Sport to assist members. Adoption and implementation of these policies is required for membership and any updates to the templates, must be approved by Sask Sport, prior to implementation.
The current version of the required policy templates was provided by Sask Sport, for adoption, by the members in 2016. The amateur sport landscape has changed since 2016, with more emphasis on the importance of enhancing participant safety. The core policy requirements have been updated and appear below:
Athlete Protection Policy (including Sport Canada’s Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS)).
The Athlete Protection Policy describes how Persons in Authority shall maintain a safe sport environment for all Athletes.
Code of Conduct and Ethics
The purpose of this Code is to ensure a safe and positive environment within the programs, activities, and events of organizations by making Individuals aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with the applicable organization’s core values and policies. The organization supports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals can safely participate in our sport and are treated with respect and fairness.
Discipline and Complaints Policy (including Investigations Policy, Alternate Dispute Resolution Policy and Appeal Policy).
Individuals and organizations are expected to fulfill certain responsibilities and obligations including, but not limited to, complying with the policies, bylaws, rules and regulations of organizations and those of its members, as applicable and as amended from time to time. Non-compliance may result in the imposition of sanctions pursuant to this Policy.
Social Media Policy
Organizations are aware that Individual interaction and communication occurs frequently on social media. Organizations cautions Individuals that any conduct falling short of the standard of behaviour required by this Policy and the Code of Conduct and Ethics may be subject to the disciplinary sanctions identified within the Discipline and Complaints Policy.
Screening Policy
The organization understands that screening personnel and volunteers is a vital part of providing a safe sporting environment and has become a common practice amongst sport organizations that provide programs and services to the Canadian sport community.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Individuals who act on behalf of an organization have a duty first to that organization and second to any personal stake they have in the operations of the Association. The Association strives to reduce and eliminate nearly all instances of conflict of interest at the Association – by being aware, prudent and forthcoming about the potential conflicts. The Policy describes how individuals will conduct themselves in matters relating to conflict of interest. And will clarify how individuals shall make decisions in situations where conflict of interest may exist.
It is expected the above policies will be approved early in 2024. Once approved the Councils personnel (staff, board, committees, consultants and members) will be required to abide by these policies.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: MARK HENRY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT smcs@sasktel.net or 306-780-9208.