SAFE SPORT
What is Safe Sport?​
Safe Sport is an environment where everyone can have a healthy, supportive, and respectful sports experience, free from harassment and abuse.
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Creating a Safe Sport environment is a shared responsibility, requiring enhanced awareness, prevention strategies, and clear actions for reporting and support. This page provides the resources and guidance you need to ensure a Safe Sport community.
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New legislation: The Protecting Youth in Sports Act
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Effective April 1, 2026, all PSOs and its Member Clubs are required to follow the Safe Sport Suite of Policies developed by Sport Manitoba, without discretion to amend.
The Policies can be found here and include:
​1. Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy
2. Discipline and Complaints Policy
3. Alternate Dispute Resolution Policy
4. Appeal Policy
5. Respect in Sport Policy
6. Coach Screening Policy Minimum Requirements
Reporting a Maltreatment Complaint
Maltreatment is an umbrella term that refers to any deliberate act, or failure to act, that results in harm or has the potential to result in harm. It includes:
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Actions that cause harm
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Actions that did not cause in harm, but had the potential to
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Inactions that cause harm
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Inactions that did not cause harm, but had the potential to
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Maltreatment can be intentional or unintentional and is determined by a behaviour viewed objectively, not whether harm results from the behaviour.
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Further information is available here.
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​An Independent Third Party hears all maltreatment complaints
​The ITP is an external service provider that receives and manages complaints in a fair, neutral, and impartial manner. This service provides a confidential, unbiased avenue to ensure all reports are taken seriously and reviewed fairly.
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If you are unsure whether your complaint is maltreatment-related, you are still encouraged to submit your complaint or contact the Sport Manitoba Safe Sport Line for guidance. Complaints may be submitted by athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents or guardians, staff, or any individual involved in the sport environment. A complaint may be submitted by someone directly affected or by a person who has witnessed or become aware of concerning behaviour.
Respect in Sport
All Coaches and Referees must take Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders every five(5) years.
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All Volunteers, Minor Officials and one parent/guardian of each Athlete under eighteen (18) years old must take the basic Respect in Sport (sometimes called Respect in Sport for Parents).
