ALPINE CANADA ALPIN – COMMITMENT TO ABUSE-FREE SPORT SAFEGUARDING
Alpine Canada is committed to being a national and international leader in advancing inclusive, healthy, rights-based, safe sport for all individuals. Specifically, we strive to be an equitable and inclusive community, rich with diversity, protecting the human rights of all persons and based upon understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of every person. It is the very foundation for a positive culture of excellence where our athletes, teams, coaches, staff, and volunteers can be at their very best.
Alpine Canada is committed to, and strongly supports, the need for independent safe sport entities both through the SDRCC, with the establishment of Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC)/Abuse-Free-Sport for reporting and addressing all violations of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), as well as our partnership with ClearView Connects, for confidential reporting of Code of Conduct or other policy violations.
ALPINE CANADA ALPIN AND ABUSE-FREE SPORT
Alpine Canada Alpin is pleased to announce that we have signed on to OSIC/Abuse-Free Sport, an independent third-party safe sport mechanism that is part of a growing national movement to rid Canadian sport of all forms of harassment, discrimination, and abuse. As an OSIC program signatory, Alpine Canada Alpin is an active player in this movement.
Unlike the previous approach, where each national sport organization established its own independent safe sport mechanism for dealing with UCCMS complaints of maltreatment, this is a nationally centralized “one-stop-shop.” It is independent and led by experts in their fields, using education and research to prevent and address maltreatment at all levels of sport.
The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (the Office) serves as the central hub. It operates independently to administer complaints about alleged violations of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) involving individual UCCMS participants of organizations that have signed onto OSIC.
Where there are admissible allegations of abuse, harassment or discrimination, the Office conducts independent investigations and recommends sanctions against individuals who violate the UCCMS.
The Office will also maintain a national sanctions registry, which prevents individuals from evading sanctions by moving to different sports or to different jurisdictions.
UCCMS participants under OSIC, there is access to a wide range of resources, including victim services and referrals to specialized mental health professionals and experienced lawyers – all of it available in English and French. You can access the website by clicking on the Abuse-Free Sport logo or by visiting https://abuse-free-sport.ca/.
SAFE SPORT REPORTING
It is important to note that the OSIC reporting mechanism only applies in situations where the Respondent to a complaint has been designated as a UCCMS Participant. If the Respondent is an individual who has not been identified as a UCCMS Participant, they are outside the jurisdiction of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) process. In these situations, any complaint against a Respondent that is not a UCCMS participant, the reporting would be re-directed to ACA’s independent intake through ClearView Connects to Alpine Canada Alpin’s independent report assessment/case management for third-party investigation that would adhere to Alpine Canada Alpin’s safe sport policies.
At Alpine Canada Alpin, a safe sport environment is one in which all sport Participants recognize, and report acts of maltreatment and prioritize the welfare, safety, and rights of every person at all times. Below is the Alpine Canada Alpin Safe Sport Triage process for the reporting of UCCMS violations to OSIC or for the reporting of ACA Code of Conduct or other policy violations through our independent reporting intake, ClearView Connects.
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OUR COMMITMENT
We will cultivate, uphold, live, and measure these Safe Sport principles through:
- Establishment, oversight, and continuous updating of policies, procedures, and best practice guidelines that are robust, clear, and accessible.
- Consistent enforcement of the ensuing policies, procedures, and best practice guidelines through all levels of the ACA community in Canada.
- Implementation of best practice safeguards, support for prompt identification and reporting of misconduct, as well as confidential, procedurally fair, and timely processes for investigating and resolving allegations of misconduct.
- Provision of educational resources, tools, and initiatives that serve to develop, support, and enhance the knowledge and positive practices of all members of the ACA community.
- Active promotion of our Safe Sport commitment throughout all ACA programs, interactions, activities, and events.
- Consistent engagement and open communication in both official languages with all members of the ACA community.
- Collaboration with international federations, national sport and multi-sport organizations, as well as public partners to support and advance Safe Sport programs.
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of ACA’s Safe Sport Framework and corresponding policies, education, and advocacy initiatives periodically.
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REPORTING MALTREATMENT
If a minor is in immediate danger or risk call 911 or the Canadian Centre for Child Protection at 1-800-532-9135.
Known or suspected maltreatment of a minor must also be reported through ACA’s Independent reporting intake at ClearView Connects. This provides ACA an opportunity to remove the alleged perpetrator from the organization if necessary.
In relation to adults, a crime or suspected crime should be reported directly to the police and the corresponding sport organization’s Independent Third-Party.
If you report a valid suspicion and it turns out to be unfounded, there are no penalties for you. Provincial and territorial child protection legislation ensures individuals who report suspicions of maltreatment in compliance with the duty to report provision will not be penalized if the report is later deemed unsubstantial. For more information, please review:
Jurisdictional Legislation on Child Protection:
Provincial and Territorial Child Protection Legislation and Policy (2018)
REPORTING CONTACT INFORMATION:
UCCMS Violations:
Canadian Sport Helpline Tel: 1-888-837-7678
Email: info@abuse-free-sport.ca /
OSIC Web at: https://sportintegritycommissioner.ca/report
ACA Code of Conduct or other Policy Violations
ClearView Connects @
Tel: 1-888-882-8713 (CAN / US)
Web: www.clearviewconnects.com (Type in 'Alpine Canada Alpin' for organization)
Other ACA Reporting: Whistleblower
Alpine Canada Alpin Whistleblower Form (PDF) or
ClearView Connects @
Tel: 1-888-882-8713 (CAN / US)
Web: www.clearviewconnects.com (Type in 'Alpine Canada Alpin' for organization)
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SAFEGUARDING POLICIES
Affiliation with ACA brings many privileges and benefits. As such, ACA Participants are expected to conduct themselves in all matters involving or impacting the ACA, and where they may be seen to be representing the ACA, in a manner that is fully consistent with the highest standards of behaviour upon which the ACA’s reputation rests. At all times, ACA Participants’ behaviour must reflect and not compromise the trust of the ACA’s stakeholders and Canadians.
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APPEALS
UCCMS Participants:
Your complaint is under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) and is subject to all of the processes and procedures of OSIC, including decisions, sanctioning and appeals. All decisions can be appealed through the OSIC Safeguarding Tribunal.
ACA Code of Conduct or other policy violations:
Participants disciplined for Major or Minor Infractions are permitted to submit an Appeal to the SDRCC.
For more information, please access ACA’s Appeal Policy,
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SAFEGUARDING SUPPORT SERVICES
Alpine Canada is committed to ensuring that all Participants can enjoy the sport in a safe and inclusive environment that is free of maltreatment. Our goal is to support and enhance the physical, psychological, emotional, and social well-being of all individuals in the skiing community. If you require any assistance or support, please refer to the following safeguarding support resources for more information.
Alpine Canada Alpin
Manager of Culture, Safety & Risk – safesport@alpinecanada.org
Sport Canada
Canadian Sport Helpline: 1-888-83SPORT (1-888-837-7678) or Abuse Free Sport.
Crisis Services Canada
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 pm to 12 am ET)
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868 for Participants up to age 20 years
Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect online at Hope for Wellness Chat
Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366 (all ages)
Provincial & Territorial Crisis Lines
Alberta Crisis Line: 403-266-4357 (all ages)
British Columbia Crisis Line: 1-800-SUICIDE (all ages)
Manitoba Crisis Line: 1-877-435-7170 (all ages)
New Brunswick Crisis Line: 1-800-667-5005 (all ages)
Newfoundland and Labrador Crisis Line: 1-888-737-4668 (all ages)
Nova Scotia Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167 (all ages)
Ontario Crisis Line: 1-866-531-2600 (all ages)
Prince Edward Island Crisis Line: 1-800-218-2885 (all ages)
Quebec National Crisis Line: 1-866-277-3553 (all ages)
Saskatchewan Crisis Line: 1-306-525-5333 (all ages)
Yukon Crisis Line: 1-844-533-3030 (all ages), 7 pm-12 am (PST)
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CANADIAN SAFEGUARDING RESOURCES
Canadian Sport promises to contribute to the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health of individuals of varying abilities, backgrounds, and interests and contributes to societal engagement and pride. Only when sport environments are safe and inclusive can these values be realized. Individuals should have the reasonable expectation when they participate in sport in Canada that it will be in an environment that is accessible, inclusive, respects their personal goals, and is free from all forms of Maltreatment.
Please refer to the resources below to learn more about Canada’s efforts towards advancing safe sport.
Concussion Management and Prevention
Despite recent increased attention focusing on concussions, there is a continued need to improve concussion education and awareness. Optimizing the prevention and management of concussion depends highly on annual education of all sport stakeholders (athletes, parents, coaches, officials, teachers, trainers, and licensed healthcare professionals) on evidence-informed approaches that can prevent concussion and more serious forms of head injury and help identify and manage an athlete with a suspected concussion
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SAFEGUARDING EDUCATION
Education is an essential component to shift the culture of sport towards one that is safe, accessible, inclusive, and free from maltreatment. Several sport and health organizations across Canada have prepared courses to enhance our knowledge of how to safeguard everyone in sport.
Maltreatment Awareness and Prevention
Concussion Awareness and Prevention
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
For Parents
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HUMAN RIGHTS IN SPORT
Sport is one of the best ambassadors to promote human rights and the inclusion of all. Through sport, people learn values that cross-gender, physical ability, creed, sexuality, nationality, age, and economic status. Every individual has the right to participate in accessible, inclusive, and safe sport. It is, therefore, the collective responsibility of every individual affiliated with ACA to ensure these rights are upheld and respected at all times. The governance and delivery of safe sport should at all times be based on national and international human rights instruments, principles, and standards. As such, the ACA acknowledges and respects the following for each Participant affiliated with the organization:
- Everyone has the right to feel safe and participate in an accessible and inclusive sport or work environment without being subject to maltreatment on the basis of age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, language, creed, religion, athletic potential, ability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, sex, and sexual orientation.
- Everyone has the right to fair and equal gender representation.
- Everyone has the right to the protection of mental and physical health, including a safe competition, work, and training environments, and protection from maltreatment.
- Everyone has the right to be part of a transparent, fair, and clean sporting environment, particularly one that fights against doping and competition manipulation, and provides for transparent judging/refereeing, selection and qualification processes, and appropriate competition schedules, including training schedules at such competitions.
- Everyone has the right to access general information that will enhance one’s ability to make informed decisions in a timely and clear manner.
- Everyone has the right to access education on sports-related matters.
- Everyone has the right to report unethical behaviour without fear of retaliation.
- Everyone has the right to privacy, including the protection of personal information.
- Everyone has the right to freedom of expression.
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SUSPENSION LIST
Membership with Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA), and its Provincial and Territorial Sport Organisations (PTSOs), is a privilege and requires all member to create, maintain, and foster a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all Participants. Privilege of membership may be suspended or permanently withdrawn if a Participant is found to have breached any of ACA’s Safe Sport policies.
Membership may also be provisionally suspended or restricted if credible allegations of a sufficiently serious nature are reported. In these circumstances, provisional suspensions are not a finding of misconduct and should not be interpreted as such. Upon completion of the investigation and adjudicative process, if any, the status of the Participant will be updated to reflect the outcome of the proceedings.
A Participant’s conviction for certain Criminal Code offenses involving harmful conduct shall carry a presumptive sanction of permanent ineligibility from participating with ACA in any manner or function.
The following is a list of the individuals who have been suspended by ACA and its PTSOs. The list is not intended to be a complete historical record of Participants who have been suspended. Instead, it serves as a list of current or and past Participants who are suspended at the present time. As per our Publication Guidelines, two years after a suspension has been served and any additional probationary or educational measures have been fulfilled, the Participant will be removed from the list.
The list does not include the names of minor Participants serving suspension and the list may not be exhaustive.
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Name
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Province
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Period
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Jurisdiction
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Bertrand Charest
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QC
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Permanent Ineligibility
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Criminal Code
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Thijs Vogelzang
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AB
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Provisional Suspension
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Criminal Code
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