Report Prohibited Behaviour
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.
The AWA will 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.
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.
coordinator@albertawhitewater.ca
safesport@albertawhitewater.ca
For Reference
Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS)
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."
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 retained Sport Dispute Management PC led by Jahmiah Ferdinand-Hodkin (she/her) to provide the independent third-party services to CKC’s community. They may be reached directly and independently through the email address complaints@sportdispute.com . This is a confidential email address which is managed by CKC's Independent Third Party.
SAFE SPACES for All
Follow these 3 simple steps:
#1 Taking the Safe Sport Training
#2 Police Screening (either an EPIC or a VSC)
#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
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) are done every 3 years. A Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC) is required ONCE; HOWEVER, the Self Disclosure Form (STEP #3) MUST HAPPEN EACH YEAR.
As per page 49, #8 of the CKC Screening Policy (CKC Policy Manual) :
"If an individual subsequently receives a charge, conviction for, or is found guilty of, an offense they will report this circumstance immediately to Canoe Kayak Canada or the Member (the AWA), as applicable. Additionally, the individual will inform the relevant organization of any changes in their circumstance that would alter their original responses in their Screening Disclosure Form."
The process and fees for EPICs and VSCs vary by municipality (police services). We recommend acquiring VSCs since we, as a very inclusive and diverse organization, will see vulnerable populations involved in many of our programs and events.
Please contact AWA if you require assistance or clarity around obtaining one these: coordinator@albertawhitewater.ca OR admin@albertawhitewater.ca
