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.
Starting April 1, 2025, the responsibility for addressing prohibited behaviours in federally funded sport organizations (Canoe Kayak Canada for example) 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.
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
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
