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Safe Sport

As the provincial association governing summer swimming, BC Summer Swimming is committed to providing safe, welcoming, and accessible sport environments,
free from all forms of maltreatment. 

Being a coach, whether at the community or elite level takes a commitment of time, energy and emotion.

You are appreciated by those who recognize the importance of your involvement in a person’s life.

A commitment to Safe Sport means that all those involved in your sport will have a positive experience and have a greater chance to achieve their personal best.

Safe Sport requires a combination of:

Awareness

Prevention

Action

Awareness

BCSSA recognizes the importance of educating individuals on the harmful effects associated with such behaviours, and outlining the preventative measures put in place to lower the probability of them occurring. 

Components of awareness that BCSSA is undertaking include the following:

  • Statement of Commitment

    • Sport organizations like BC Summer Swimming Association in British Columbia are committed to creating a sport environment that is accessible, inclusive, respects their participants personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment.

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  • Gender, Diversity, & Equity

    • BCSSA aims to create welcoming environments that reflect the rich diversity of our province, as well as its membership. 

    • Our Harassment Policy states that we are "is committed to providing an environment in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity."

    • Our Board's Inclusion and Diversity committee is building capacity to engage under-represented populations in our membership.

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Prevention

BCSSA makes every effort to ensure that the safety of members remains a top priority by continuing to supoport a variety of programs that are developed both strategically and ethically. 

Components of Prevention that BCSSA is undertaking are as follows:

  • Risk Management

    • ​Assessing the risks associated with each position within your organization and developing an approach that matches the level of risk.

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  • Screening & Criminal Record Check Policy:

    • Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check is simply one step in an effective staff/volunteer screening and risk management protocol.

    • BCSSA requires that clubs must complete the BCSSA Coaches Roster and Code of Ethics Form annually for all coaches.

    • Individuals who coach, volunteer, officiate, deliver instructional programs, accompany teams to competitions, are paid staff, or otherwise engaged with children or vulnerable individuals and fall under BCSSA's authority shall be screened according to BCSSA's policy. BCSSA expects that member clubs will screen such individuals according to their own applicable policies and procedures.

    • A criminal record check must be completed by any new coach age 19+ and every 3 years for returning coaches

    • BCSSA is enrolled in the volunteer criminal records 

    • Individuals who have not adhered to this policy may have their liability insurance waived by the insurer

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Action

BCSSA believes that everyone has the right to enjoy sport, regardless of their level of participation. As such, we encourage all individuals to communicate openly, collaboratively, and use problem solving techniques to resolve differences in opinion. Resolving conflict at an early stage may prevent a situation from escalating and resulting in a formal complaint. 

  • Conflict Resolution:

    • ​The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) Resolving Conflict within a Youth Team

    • Coaching Association of Canada's #CoachToolKit presented by TeamSnap provides practical information to better support your athletes, including resources on conflict resolution.

  • Complaints & Discipline:

    • ​All BCSSA stakeholders are expected to fulfill responsibilities and obligations including, but not limited to, complying with BCSSA policies, bylaws, rules and regulations, code of conducts and ethics. Non-compliance may result in sanctions pursuant to our Harassment and Abuse Policy. 

    • To file a complaint with the BCSSA Board, please use this form.

    • For more information on filing complaints, disputes, and disciplinary actions, please contact the BCSSA Provincial Office Manager.

Other Resources Available

  • Safe Sport Training: Coaches.ca - A BCSSA requirement for all Coaches (paid and volunteer)

  • Child Protection Services of BC: If you think a child or youth (under 19 years of age) is being abused or neglected call 1-800-663-9122 at any time of the day or night.

  • BC Helpline for Children: A confidential toll-free phone line for children and youth wanting to talk to someone. 310-1234 (no area code required)

  • VictimLink BC: is a toll-free, confidential, multi.lingual service available across BC and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or sending an email to VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca. 

  • Resilience BC: Anti-racism network provides information about how to report incidences of racism and hate crimes if you are a victim or witness such incidences. The program connects communities with information, supports, and training they need to respond to, an dprevent future incidents of racism and hate.

  • Canadian Sport Helpline: Anonymous, confidential, independent, bilingual. Available 7 days a week, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (EST) Phone 1-800-83SPORT (1-800-837-7678) or info@abuse-free-sport.ca

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