Abuse-Free Sport Helpline
The Abuse-Free Sport Helpline is here to provide you with advice, guidance and resources on how to proceed / intervene appropriately in the circumstances. The Abuse-Free Sport Helpline is a free, anonymous, confidential and independent service in both official languages that can be reached by phone, text or email.
Are you in crisis?
- Police: 9-1-1
- Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (In Quebec: 1-866-277-3553)
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- Looking for a crisis resource near you? Local Resources & Support
Policies & Procedures
The Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) is the core document that sets harmonized rules that have been adopted by Canadian National Sport Organizations and Multi-Sport Service Organizations. The goal of the UCCMS is to advance a respectful sport culture that delivers quality, inclusive, accessible, welcoming and safe sport experiences.
The UCCMS addresses:
- common principles and a commitment to advance a respectful sport culture;
- standard definitions of various forms of maltreatment, including grooming, neglect, and physical, sexual, and psychological maltreatment;
- a list of other prohibited behaviour such as retaliation, failure to report maltreatment, intentionally filing false allegations, misuse of power, etc.; and
- a framework for determining appropriate sanctions against such prohibited behaviour.
The UCCMS is administered at the National Level by Abuse-Free Sport, a program created by the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) according to the mandate it received from the Government of Canada, for preventing and addressing maltreatment in sport. SDRCC is a non-for-profit organization created under the Physical Activity and Sport Act (S.C. 2003, c.2).
An interactive resource introduces core concepts of the UCCMS is available here: INTRODUCTION TO THE UCCMS.
The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) is a functionally independent division of the SDRCC and is responsible to administer the UCCMS and relevant aspects of Abuse-Free Sport.
Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS)
WCL Safe Sport Policy Manual (including WCL Code of Conduct & Ethics)
WCL UCCMS Participants
WCL Complaint Procedure
WCL Appeal Procedure
Rule of Two Guidelines
WCL Concussion Protocol
Canadian Anti-Doping Program
Reporting Mechanisms (How To)
Independent Third Party
As part of our commitment to Safe Sport, WCL has enlisted the professional services of ITP Sport as our independent third party service provider. ITP Sport has partnered with Whistleblower Security Inc. to provide clients with a secure and independent reporting intake and case management system.
To file a complaint (allegations involving a breach of the UCCMS by Registered Participants and allegations involving a breach of the Code of Conduct) and to file an appeal: https://app.integritycounts.ca/org/itpsport.
Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC)
To report an incident (allegations involving a breach of the UCCMS by UCCMS Participants): https://osic-bcis.i-sight.com/portal.
Infographics
Training & Screening Requirements
Safe Sport Training & Screening Requirements
Enhanced Police Information Checks (E-PICs)
Safe Sport – Application Form
Safe Sport – Screening Disclosure Form
Safe Sport – Screening Renewal Form
External eLearning Resources (Coaching Association of Canada):
Safe Sport Training
Make Ethical Decisions
Making Head Way Concussion eLearning
External Resources (Respect Programs):
WCL first partnered with Respect Group in 2017 as part of its broader commitment to Safe Sport and adopted mandated “Respect” training for staff and members of the Board of Directors. Respect Group was co-founded by former NHLer Sheldon Kennedy in 2004, and partnered with the Canadian Red Cross to create a best-in-class e-learning curriculum with the aim of preventing bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD).
WCL is now providing access to training and education (on a user-pay basis) for staff, coaches, medical personnel and the BOD through “Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders” and for parents through “Respect in Sport for Parents” modules.
PROGRAM SUMMARY:
Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders
For: Staff, Coaches, Medical Personnel, Team Leaders & BOD
Cost: $30 per person
Duration: 2.5 hours online, does not have to be completed in one sitting
Individuals with a NCCP number will receive 3 PD points upon completion
Respect in Sport for Parents
For: Parents and Family of Athletes
Cost: $12 per household
Duration: 1 hour online, does not have to be completed in one sitting
Concussion Safety
Policy:
Concussion Protocol
Training:
NCCP Making Head Way Concussion eLearning – Designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills required to ensure the safety of your athletes, this NCCP Professional Development module will make you concussion smart! Choose the Sport (Generic) module. You should expect to spend 60-90 minutes completing the module.
Additional Resources:
2016 Berlin Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport – This consensus document reflects the current state of knowledge on Concussion in Sport and is updated every 4 years by experts in the field.
Parachute: Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport – Parachute Canada’s national guideline that covers pre-season education and the recognition, medical diagnosis, and management of athletes who sustain a suspected concussion during a sport activity.
Parachute: Statement on Concussion Baseline Testing in Canada – Parachute Canada’s clarification of the role of concussion baseline testing for Canadian youth and adult athletes.
Concussion in Sport Resources – Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC)
Concussion Awareness – Coaching Association of Canada (CAC)
Mental Health
External Resources
News
Jan 13, 2023 – Safe Sport Policy Manual Amendment on Independent Third Parties
Dec 29, 2022 – WCL Joins Abuse-Free Sport
July 8, 2021 – WCL Announces AGM Updates
June 18, 2021 – Safe Sport Information Session
Dec 07, 2020 – WCL Conducts Safe Sport Town Halls
Oct 22, 2020 – Safety First National Task Force completes Final Report
Sep 13, 2019 – Update on Report Concerning Independent Review of Coaching Culture for WCL
July 24, 2019 – Lessons From The Mat – A Commitment by Wrestling Canada to Shape a World-Leading Culture
July 11, 2019 – WCL Members Endorse Increased Safe Sport Initiatives
Dec 17, 2018 – Canadian wrestlers pen open letter to Sport Minister
Dec 03, 2018 – Report Concerning Independent Review of Coaching Culture for WCL
Dec 03, 2018 – Open Letter to Members
July 27, 2018 – WCL to Engage in Safe Sport Initiatives