What is Safe Sport?
Safe Sport encompasses both physical and emotional safety, encompassing measures for concussion and injury prevention, as well as the creation of environments free from bullying, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and any other forms of maltreatment.
In today’s context, Safe Sport represents a shift towards a new standard, where practices once tolerated are now rightly deemed unacceptable. It is incumbent upon everyone to be aware of these changes and to align their personal conduct accordingly. Without embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) as fundamental principles, Safe Sport cannot be fully realized. By collectively fostering safe, inclusive, and inviting lawn bowling environments, we cultivate spaces where individuals feel valued and connected, fostering a sense of belonging.
“Creating bowls communities that are accessible for all and where everyone feels welcomed and finds a safe place to be themselves and to belong!” – David Wilson, Provincal Safe Sport Officer (SSO)
Our Value
Integrity
Conduct that is honest, respectful, and transparent
Inclusion
Foster a fun, safe and welcoming environment
Collaboration
Engage with our stakeholders by soliciting input and feedback
Stewardship
Honour the trust of our members by being financially
responsible
Safe Sport Complaint Submission Information & Forms
**Please read carefully before submitting your report.**
For more information, please review the Bowls Alberta’s Complaint and Discipline Policy. If you have any questions or concerns prior to submission, please contact Bowls Alberta’s Safe Sport Officer, at sso@bowlsalberta.com or your club’s Safe Sport Officer
Safe Sport Strategy
The Safe Sport Strategy implemented by Bowls Alberta is dedicated to cultivating an environment where safety is paramount. Our policies and programs are meticulously crafted to establish a framework for swift, equitable, and judicious responses to any concerns that may arise. Moreover, we prioritize proactive measures aimed at preventing issues by effectively communicating the expected standards of behavior to all stakeholders.
Consistent Policies
The Safe Sport Policy Suite is a full package of policies that set rules, procedures, and standards of behavior to help Bowls Alberta and its member clubs maintain a safe sport environment.
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Defines Safe Sport and outlines the organizations’ dedication to fostering secure sporting environments devoid of any maltreatment, accompanied by a comprehensive overview of the complete Safe Sport Suite. |
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Clarifies fundamental terms and behaviors to guarantee a shared understanding of maltreatment, encompassing terms such as ‘maltreatment,’ ‘harassment,’ and power imbalances. Establishes clear expectations regarding the conduct that sports participants are required to follow. |
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Establishes a systematic procedure for addressing and resolving complaints, taking into account the severity and nature of the complaint, as well as the involved parties. In certain cases, expensive third-party investigations may be necessary. |
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Offers an alternative, less formal approach to address complaints, granting the involved parties some control over the resolution process. This method is the preferred way of resolving conflicts. |
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Details the procedure for disputing the resolution of a complaint and/or specific decisions made by the organization. |
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Establishes the agreement and outlines the steps for sharing disciplinary decisions among Bowls Alberta, Member Clubs, and other stakeholders in both our own sport and other sports. |
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Screening Requirements Matrix -Appendix-A Application and Screening Disclosure Form – Appendix-B |
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The screening of volunteers is a crucial measure in ensuring secure sporting environments. This policy delineates the risk levels associated with volunteers in different positions and outlines the requirements and procedures for screening each volunteer. The Appendices encompass a Screening and Training matrix, along with screening forms. |
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Sets expectations of behaviour for Persons in Authority; discusses how we will protect our athletes, especially when it comes to practices/training, travelling, communicating, and any physical contact. |
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Bowls Alberta has taken the Responsible Coaching Pledge and encourages all its member clubs to do the same. Ensuring we protect our underaged and vulnerable participants is a priority. |
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All sport associations are required to have a Concussion Policy in place. The Protocols will help any coach and/or an |
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Emergency Action Plan – TBA Weather Protocols / Air Quality Protocols -TBA |
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Environment Canada gives direction for minimizing risks during lightning storms, hot, humid weather, and for poor air |
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Universal Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Maltreatment (UCCMS Version 6.0) |
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Screening Requirment
Level 1 – Volunteers
- Screening Application Form
Participate in training, orientation, and monitoring as determined by the organization.
Level 2- Coach, Board of Directors, Employees, and Officials
- Screening Application Form
- Certified Police Clearance
- Driver’s Abstract (If Requested)
Participate in training, orientation, and monitoring as determined by the organization.
Level 3- Coaches who travel with Athletes or Coaches/athlete support personnel who could be alone with Athletes.
- Screening Application Form
- Certified Police Clearance
- Vulnerable Sector Checks
- Driver’s Abstract (If Requested)
Participate in training, orientation, and monitoring as determined by the organization.
Minimum Training Requirments
Recommended – All Athletes
Required – Board of Directors, Coaches, Employees & Officials
The Respect in Sport Activity Leader / Coach Program educates leaders, coaches, officials and participants (14 years and up) to recognize, understand and respond to issues of bullying, abuse , harassment and discrimination.
The Coaching Association of Canada’s (CAC) Safe Sport Training was developed to help anyone involved in sport — whether you have direct contact with athletes or work in the background — to promote physical, psychological, and social health, in line with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport. Click Here
Other Training
At Bowls Alberta, we prioritize Safe Sport Engagement by nurturing an active conversation between our club and participants.
Our dedication lies in maintaining regular communication with everyone involved, from coaches and athletes to parents/guardians of minor athletes, officials, volunteers, and other stakeholders. This continuous interaction serves to collect valuable insights, allowing us to integrate your firsthand experiences into the enhancement of our policies, training programs, and various initiatives.
Abuse-Free Sport
NCCP Training
Active Engagement
At Bowls Alberta, fostering intentional engagement is paramount. We strive for a dynamic dialogue between our organization and all members, fostering an environment where feedback flows freely.
Our commitment is to actively engage with participants, coaches, athletes, parents or guardians of minor athletes, officials, volunteers, and stakeholders alike. Through consistent interaction, we aim to gather valuable insights that inform our policies, training programs, and initiatives.
Your firsthand experiences provide invaluable perspectives, helping us gauge the effectiveness of our efforts on the ground.
Should you have any feedback, comments, or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to the Provincial Safe Sport Officer at sso@bowlsalberta.com.
Accessible Resources
Empowering our community with knowledge and awareness is a top priority. Bowls Alberta offers a wealth of accessible resources aimed at promoting safe sport practices, good governance, and fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
These resources are readily available to all, ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to contribute to a safe and inclusive environment.